Guide to the Top MSN Degrees Online
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.
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.
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.
Self-Assessment: Online MSN
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?
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) |
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
Private
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Public
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Public
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Private
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
Public
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Public
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, Illinois
Private
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland
Public
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, Florida
Private
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Standish, Maine
Private
Midway University
Midway, Kentucky
Private
Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Public
St. John’s College-Department of Nursing
Springfield, Illinois
Private
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, New York
Public
Stevenson University
Stevenson, Maryland
Private
Baker University
Baldwin City, Kansas
Private
UNH College of Professional Studies
Concord, New Hampshire
Public
Methodist College
Peoria, Illinois
Private
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Public
Waynesburg University
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
Private
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Private
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Public
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Public
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Public
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Private
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Public
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut
Private
Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Private
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
Public
Wilson College
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Private
Clarkson College
Omaha, Nebraska
Private
University of Providence
Great Falls, Montana
Private
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Public
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Public
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Private
California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania
Public
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, North Carolina
Private
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Public
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Public
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.
