Online MSN Programs: Choosing the Right School
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a top choice for current nurses looking to advance their careers. In addition to enhancing knowledge and gaining skills, nurses can use MSN programs to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) – also known as nurse practitioners – in about two years. Get an inside look at these online programs, how they work, how much they cost, and which programs nationwide (or near you) could be the right fit.
Stephanie Johannsen
Stephanie Johannsenis a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA). Her unique background includes extensive clinical and administrative roles in hospitals, insurance companies, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), drug companies, start-up joint ventures, ambulatory centers, hospice, long term care, home health, travel nursing and overseas education. She also worked as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) assisting with class action lawsuits, medical malpractice cases and catastrophic injury cases. Stephanie has had an exciting career fully exploring nearly every aspect of health care and thrives on sharing those experiences with others who wish to enter the field.
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Should I Get an MSN Online?
Advanced degrees can be a significant commitment. There’s time, energy, and money you need to think about. Before you apply to and enroll in an online MSN program, answer these quick questions:
- Am I ready for a master’s program while I’m working?
- Can I handle the tuition and fees?
- Do I have the self-discipline to study online?
- Do I have a specialization in mind?
- Do I have all my prerequisites completed?
How Online MSN Programs Work
In most cases, courses in an online MSN program take place via distance learning technology. Course material is delivered and managed by learning management software. This can include handouts, tests, assignments, and lectures. The software is also used to coordinate interactions between students and educators. Some programs supplement collaborative learning with tools such as Skype or Facetime.
The exact online education process depends on the preferences of school administrators, professors, and the educational format. For example, with asynchronous learning, interactions among students and between students and the professor are not real-time. Instead, there will probably be message boards students can access when and where they choose. If a program contains synchronous learning, real-time interaction happens regularly. Let’s see how three of today’s more popular online MSN programs work.
Master of Science in Nursing (Online) – Penn State World Campus
Penn State’s online MSN helps prepare current nurses with BSNs for leadership or educational positions. Accredited by the CCNE, the program includes 36 credit hours and a clinical practicum that can be completed at an approved location near you. The Penn State MSN online has specific learning outcomes that encourage nurses to spread certain values within their workplace after graduation, which include: leading change to improve health outcomes, integrating care services across systems, building and leading collaborative teams, and designing innovative nursing practices.
Duration: 36 credits
Mode: Online with in-person clinical practicum
Cost: $1,027/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- 3.3 GPA on 4.0 scale
- B or better in all science and nursing courses
- Completion of college-level statistics and chemistry
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- GRE and GMAT scores are optional
- Two references
- Personal statement
- English proficiency
- Completed application
Curriculum:
Students in the online MSN program have two program options: nurse administrator and nurse educator, each with 21 credits beyond the general nursing requirements. Here’s a brief view of each course group:
- MSN core courses (9 credits required) – Include three courses on issues in nursing, theoretical and scientific foundations of nursing, and evidence-based inquiry and research methods.
- Nurse administrator option (21 credits if chosen) – Includes courses on health perspectives, informatics, health care economics, leadership concepts, and workplace law and diversity.
- Nurse educator option (21 credits if chosen) – Includes courses in pathophysiology, assessment and evaluation, curriculum development, and nursing education theories.
- Clinical Practicum (6 credits required) – Students choose a synthesis and application of their desired role based on the educational path chosen. Includes 270 practicum hours for educators and 180 hours for administrators.
Best For: Advanced nursing students who want a rigorous education from a well-established university, as well as two main specialization options.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Master of Science in Nursing (Online) – Penn State World Campus
Purdue University Global’s online MSN program is built for working nurses and holds accreditation from the CCNE. The goal of the program is to prepare students for nursing positions in leadership and independent practice opportunities. Purdue offers six specialty tracks: adult-gerontology (acute care), adult-gerontology (primary care), executive leader, family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The program also offers no-cost tutoring and academic and career advisors.
Duration: 2 years, although depends on full-time vs part-time enrollment, transfer credits, and other factors.
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $420/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Mission statement
- Transcript indicating receipt of previous nursing degree
- Criminal background check
- Current unencumbered RN license
Curriculum: Purdue’s online MSN includes a core curriculum and a series of courses focused on a concentration or population. Sample courses available to students include:
- Advanced nursing roles
- Scientific and analytic approaches to advanced evidence-based practice
- Epidemiology and health promotion
- Health policy and legal perspectives of the health care system
- Promoting optimal models and systems for health care delivery
Best For: Students who want multiple specialty tracks available at an affordable price, as well as one of the most flexible program modes via Purdue’s ExcelTrack competency-based option.
Online Master of Science in Nursing – University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
University of Texas at Arlington’s online MSN has 100% online coursework and a world-renowned faculty to guide students from day one to graduation. The program offers short 7-week courses and rolling admissions to help you enroll as soon as you’re ready. UTA allows students to choose from three degree tracks: family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. All programs hold accreditation from the CCNE.
Duration: FNP (32-36 months), Nursing Administration (19-22 months), Nursing Education (21-25 month)
Mode: Fully online coursework with in-person clinical practice
Cost: FNP ($30,084), Nursing Administration ($17,800), Nursing Education ($17,510)
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Active RN license
- Unconditional admission with 3.0 or higher
- Probationary admission with 2.8-2.99
- Completion of BSN
- Undergraduate statistics course with a C grade or higher
Curriculum: Each of UTA’s degree tracks has a unique course list, but the following represent the common classes taken across all MSN programs.
- Nursing management in a healthcare environment
- Exploration of science and theories for nursing
- Financial management in nursing
- Nursing leadership in complex healthcare systems
- Principles of research in nursing
- Nursing and healthcare policy
- Nursing informatics
Best For: Students interested in a synchronous program with real-time online lectures.
What Prospective MSN Students Ask
We’ve published a list of five questions straight from students interested in applying for an online MSN program. Each one discusses an aspect of the admissions process, financial aid, overall cost, or curriculum. Read the answers before making your first move toward an online MSN.
Do accelerated online MSN programs exist?
Accelerated MSN programs include a curriculum set up so that students can complete their MSN degree as quickly as possible, each unique. Some schools allow students to use their prior education or experience to help them move more quickly through a particular course. Other programs allow students to take as many courses as they want within a certain period. Finally, some programs are extra flexible in allowing students to structure their degree requirements in the most efficient and practical way possible.
Do I need a bachelor’s in nursing for admission to an MSN program?
No. Direct entry MSN programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree but in an area of study other than nursing. Programs differ in format but usually begin with taking pre-licensure nursing courses during the first year and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Once that is completed, students move on to the MSN-related coursework. Online direct-entry MSN programs offer an even more flexible option for students.
What are the different specializations available?
One of the key benefits of studying for a master’s level nursing degree is the ability to specialize. Most schools with MSN programs have several concentrations to choose from. By opting for an appropriate concentration, nurses can receive a tailored education designed to most effectively prepare them for career advancement. These specializations include but are not limited to care coordination, forensic nursing, nursing education, nursing informatics, nursing administration, and public health.
How do I find the best school and online program for me?
The first step is to learn what you need from a program. Do you need flexibility? Affordability? A certain level of support services? All of the above? Once you’ve narrowed down your needs, start by searching on pages like this one for a list of schools and their primary characteristics. Filter or sort by tuition and fees, number of online programs, or student/faculty ratio. These can give you an idea of what the school and program are like in general. Once you have a shortlist of schools, check out their program pages thoroughly. You may even speak with an advisor at the school to better understand what they offer and what they don’t.
Comparing Cost: Tuition & Fees for Online MSN Programs
As with all master’s programs, tuition and fees serve as a major component in school selection. While some colleges and universities may be out of reach, others may be perfect for your budget. What’s more, online learning can drive costs down even further, taking things like parking, gas, room and board, and other items out of the equation. To help you get a better handle on the financial impact of an MSN, we’ve included the overall cost of six online programs. See which school has the cost structure you’re looking for:
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University | Online | $15,000 total |
| Penn State World Campus | Online | $1,027/credit |
| Purdue University Global | Online | $420/credit |
| Rasmussen University | Online | $16,500 total |
| Texas Woman’s University | Online | $28,561.50 total |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Online | $17,510 total (depends on specialty) |
Salary & Career Info for Advanced RNs
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| Alabama | $82,340 | $103,830 | $136,190 |
| Alaska | $70,100 | $133,930 | $179,040 |
| Arizona | $99,220 | $130,960 | $165,930 |
| Arkansas | $93,880 | $109,330 | $136,280 |
| California | $86,190 | $164,050 | $227,310 |
| Colorado | $81,110 | $124,280 | $161,450 |
| Connecticut | $101,380 | $135,390 | $174,240 |
| Delaware | $106,420 | $130,260 | $164,600 |
| Florida | $93,380 | $120,370 | $153,470 |
| Georgia | $91,770 | $119,490 | $165,140 |
| Hawaii | $100,880 | $129,160 | $165,240 |
| Idaho | $97,920 | $122,660 | $155,210 |
| Illinois | $98,650 | $126,950 | $160,930 |
| Indiana | $100,500 | $124,470 | $147,490 |
| Iowa | $104,930 | $126,620 | $164,250 |
| Kansas | $98,480 | $119,930 | $141,690 |
| Kentucky | $77,530 | $109,530 | $134,220 |
| Louisiana | $86,380 | $118,830 | $153,360 |
| Maine | $102,490 | $123,140 | $149,150 |
| Maryland | $87,810 | $127,990 | $163,650 |
| Massachusetts | $107,200 | $138,570 | $185,850 |
| Michigan | $98,290 | $122,040 | $140,400 |
| Minnesota | $105,490 | $131,000 | $160,060 |
| Mississippi | $85,990 | $110,540 | $157,050 |
| Missouri | $86,580 | $117,910 | $140,210 |
| Montana | $99,890 | $127,570 | $151,560 |
| Nebraska | $86,830 | $122,410 | $157,950 |
| Nevada | $109,530 | $138,780 | $204,510 |
| New Hampshire | $104,400 | $128,490 | $159,650 |
| New Jersey | $100,110 | $142,950 | $178,300 |
| New Mexico | $95,210 | $133,090 | $170,730 |
| New York | $100,510 | $137,630 | $180,690 |
| North Carolina | $96,630 | $121,450 | $145,600 |
| North Dakota | $105,040 | $124,040 | $159,740 |
| Ohio | $101,400 | $123,690 | $152,040 |
| Oklahoma | $78,870 | $124,070 | $161,100 |
| Oregon | $110,000 | $137,440 | $182,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $99,530 | $126,140 | $162,820 |
| Rhode Island | $109,300 | $128,720 | $166,460 |
| South Carolina | $95,660 | $112,510 | $140,160 |
| South Dakota | $96,260 | $119,410 | $149,650 |
| Tennessee | $53,450 | $105,420 | $132,190 |
| Texas | $98,160 | $126,580 | $165,340 |
| Utah | $83,070 | $123,200 | $171,000 |
| Vermont | $103,940 | $123,920 | $158,020 |
| Virginia | $84,740 | $123,950 | $153,400 |
| Washington | $113,460 | $141,040 | $181,720 |
| West Virginia | $82,540 | $108,830 | $147,250 |
| Wisconsin | $105,880 | $126,910 | $156,930 |
| Wyoming | $80,220 | $122,950 | $159,970 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Alabama | 4,540 | 6,770 | 2,230 | 49.10% | 470 |
| Alaska | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 11,200 | 4,660 | 71.30% | 860 |
| Arkansas | 3,000 | 4,840 | 1,840 | 61.30% | 360 |
| California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
| Colorado | 3,700 | 5,780 | 2,080 | 56.20% | 420 |
| Connecticut | 3,150 | 4,560 | 1,410 | 44.80% | 310 |
| Delaware | 1,000 | 1,550 | 550 | 55.00% | 110 |
| District of Columbia | 600 | 850 | 250 | 41.70% | 60 |
| Florida | 18,910 | 29,980 | 11,070 | 58.50% | 2,190 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
| Idaho | 900 | 1,440 | 540 | 60.00% | 110 |
| Illinois | 8,970 | 12,660 | 3,690 | 41.10% | 850 |
| Indiana | 6,550 | 9,550 | 3,000 | 45.80% | 660 |
| Iowa | 2,400 | 3,670 | 1,270 | 52.90% | 260 |
| Kansas | 3,240 | 4,630 | 1,390 | 42.90% | 310 |
| Kentucky | 4,730 | 6,870 | 2,140 | 45.20% | 470 |
| Louisiana | 4,470 | 6,420 | 1,950 | 43.60% | 440 |
| Maine | 1,330 | 1,800 | 470 | 35.30% | 120 |
| Maryland | 5,240 | 7,450 | 2,210 | 42.20% | 500 |
| Massachusetts | 2,730 | 4,010 | 1,280 | 46.90% | 280 |
| Michigan | 7,370 | 10,410 | 3,040 | 41.20% | 700 |
| Minnesota | 5,570 | 8,010 | 2,440 | 43.80% | 550 |
| Mississippi | 4,110 | 5,860 | 1,750 | 42.60% | 400 |
| Missouri | 7,520 | 10,670 | 3,150 | 41.90% | 720 |
| Montana | 880 | 1,330 | 450 | 51.10% | 90 |
| Nebraska | 1,790 | 2,430 | 640 | 35.80% | 160 |
| Nevada | 1,840 | 2,780 | 940 | 51.10% | 200 |
| New Hampshire | 1,520 | 2,290 | 770 | 50.70% | 160 |
| New Jersey | 6,790 | 10,230 | 3,440 | 50.70% | 720 |
| New Mexico | 1,590 | 2,620 | 1,030 | 64.80% | 200 |
| New York | 16,600 | 20,970 | 4,370 | 26.30% | 440 |
| North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
| North Dakota | 580 | 860 | 280 | 48.30% | 60 |
| Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
| Oklahoma | 3,030 | 4,200 | 1,170 | 38.60% | 280 |
| Oregon | 2,240 | 3,420 | 1,180 | 52.70% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
| Rhode Island | 1,440 | 2,090 | 650 | 45.10% | 140 |
| South Carolina | 4,120 | 6,620 | 2,500 | 60.70% | 490 |
| South Dakota | 820 | 1,280 | 460 | 56.10% | 90 |
| Tennessee | 13,620 | 21,500 | 7,880 | 57.90% | 1,570 |
| Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
| Utah | 3,680 | 5,900 | 2,220 | 60.30% | 430 |
| Vermont | 810 | 1,100 | 290 | 35.80% | 70 |
| Virginia | 7,170 | 11,160 | 3,990 | 55.60% | 800 |
| Washington | 4,150 | 6,020 | 1,870 | 45.10% | 600 |
| West Virginia | 1,700 | 2,590 | 890 | 52.40% | 180 |
| Wisconsin | 4,950 | 7,480 | 2,530 | 51.10% | 530 |
| Wyoming | 480 | 710 | 230 | 47.90% | 50 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MSN Programs
At EduMed.org, we’re committed to delivering top-notch rankings using cutting-edge data collection and analysis. Each year, we review the latest program details from over 7,000 schools across the nation. By combining data from the U.S. Department of Education with insights directly from colleges and universities, we evaluate key factors such as the availability of online programs, tuition affordability, and financial aid opportunities. The result is a reliable and detailed ranking to help you find the best online MSN program for you. Check out our newest ranking below.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Why We Selected Liberty University:
- Liberty University offers tuition discounts for military personnel and veterans.
- The program provides specialized career tracks in areas like nursing administration and education.
- Liberty's MSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a respected degree.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,847
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course97%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Why We Selected Georgia College & State University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in advanced nursing practices like FNP and PMHNP.
- The MSN program is delivered in a fully online format with minimal on-campus requirements.
- Graduates can pursue certifications like Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,292
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course92%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Why We Selected Tarleton State University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks through Army ROTC for nursing majors.
- Tarleton's nursing program provides extensive clinical experiences in diverse practice settings.
- Students can engage with professional networks through organizations like Sigma Theta Tau and the Texas Nurses Association.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,356
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course97%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Why We Selected University of St Francis:
- The University of St. Francis offers specialized career tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- The program provides a flexible online learning environment, ideal for working professionals seeking advanced nursing degrees.
- The University of St. Francis boasts high certification pass rates through AANP and ANCC for its graduates.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,464
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course85%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
Why We Selected University of Southern Maine:
- The program offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to earn their MSN in as few as 24 months.
- The program provides over 150 graduate assistantships with stipend and tuition assistance, enhancing financial support.
- Students benefit from specialized career tracks in Nursing Administration & Leadership or Nursing Education, preparing them for specific roles.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$7,776
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Why We Selected Simmons University:
- The program is available on a full-time, part-time, or extended track.
- The program has a clinical placement specialist that helps students land a clinical placement.
- Graduates consistently pass their FNP board certifications at a higher rate than the national average.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$21,384
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Why We Selected Southwestern Oklahoma State University:
- Professors are professionals in the field who offer one-on-one mentorship to students in the program.
- The program can be completed in as little as 14 months through 8-week course sections.
- Students can complete their practicum projects in their current workplace or local community.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,294
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
Why We Selected Saint Xavier University:
- Saint Xavier's MSN program offers specialized career tracks in Executive and Clinical Leadership.
- The program combines classroom theories with hands-on clinical experiences for comprehensive learning.
- Saint Xavier's faculty includes expert instructors providing personalized support and guidance.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$15,000
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio University:
- The program offers CCNE accreditation, ensuring rigorous and industry-aligned training.
- The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, helping graduates apply the latest healthcare innovations.
- The program provides flexible online learning with hands-on training through practicum experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,444
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
Why We Selected University of Maryland, Baltimore:
- The program offers pathways to a doctorate or specialized nursing certificates.
- The curriculum is designed with a competency-based approach to enhance critical thinking skills.
- UMMC offers tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per year for graduate studies.
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$15,140
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course43%
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
