The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the 2016 average salary for master's prepared nurses as $107,460, with the lower 10% in this field averaging a $74,300 salary. Job growth for MSNs in the U.S. is expected to grow by a rapid 31% rate between the years 2014-2024, which is much faster than other professional careers. Nurses receiving a MSN degree are frequently granted a Nurse Practitioner degree in a variety of subspecialties in adult, pediatric or midwifery, etc. Most Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader or Nurse Administrator programs grant a Master of Science in Nursing.
These MSN programs have been rated by tuition cost, accreditation and length of program.
Educational Costs
This ranking examines only base tuition costs per credit hour and program length. Universities and colleges have additional fees that are often added; however, some online programs waive those fees for their distance students. Frequently, because of the clinical experiences involved, its' not unusual for a program to require students carry malpractice insurance and several schools may conduct background checks on students which are paid by the student.
Employee Tuition Reimbursement
Healthcare systems, hospitals and private clinics may provide, as part of an employee's benefits, tuition reimbursement for those advancing their education which may benefit their careers. Check with your Human Resources department to see if you may qualify for such a program.
Financial Assistance
If you wish to apply for a graduate student loan, you'll need to file a Federal Student Aid form offered online. Several nursing organizations provide scholarships or grants for those advancing their nursing careers. You may want investigate such programs as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or American Association of Colleges of Nursing to see if there are any financial options available. Additionally, at times, universities and colleges have scholarships available for certain nursing programs.
Veterans, Active Military, Spouses and Dependents
Many schools offer tuition discounts for active or retired military personnel. Check the school's website to see you qualify for tuition discounts or, contact either the Financial Aid Office or Admissions Office
about requirements.
Accreditation and Certification
This ranking verifies that each MSN program holds accreditation from a Department of Education approved accrediting organization. The primary accrediting body for MSN educational programs comes from the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); although, occasionally, programs provide accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN). The nursing profession also require certification exams and state licensure.
Clinical Experience
Online MSN programs often require a clinical practicum component. These are often conducted in the student's home community under the guidance of a school approved preceptor. Check your school's website to see what its specific clinical experience requirements may be.
Background Checks and Malpractice Insurance
Due to the clinical experiences involved, some schools require background checks and malpractice insurance for admission. Be certain to verify what requirements, if any, your school choice may have.
State Reciprocity Agreements
U.S. Department of Education State Authorization Regulations oversees reciprocity agreements for distance learning. As a result, online programs have reciprocity agreements with states outside of the school's state to provide educational programs. As a result, not all schools' online programs extend to all states. Be certain to verify that your school choice is available to you based on your state of residence.
1. University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Nursing
The University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Nursing offers two online MSN degrees. One in Nursing Education and the other as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and both degrees are offered fulltime or part time. Each program requires a two to three day on campus orientation period prior to each fall semester. The online programs are currently not available for California, Florida or Massachusetts residents, and residents of most U.S. Territories, due to the U.S. Department of Education State Authorization Regulations.
Admitting the first nursing students in 1965, UNLV's School of Nursing has been ranked #20 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs ranking. The University of Nevada Las Vegas was established in 1957 as a public institution and currently has an enrollment exceeding 28,000 students. The School of Nursing typically admits 48 students per trimester in order to maintain a teacher-student ration of 8:1.
Program Length: 33-46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,904- $11,017
*$239.50 per credit hour
2. West Georgia University
Through West Georgia University's Tanner Health System School of Nursing, students may receive an online MSN with a concentration in either Health Systems Leadership or Nurse Educator. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students are required to take an online orientation prior to beginning classes. The school cautions that students is some states may not find this program available; and, that students check with their state board to confirm the program meets licensure requirements.
This Georgia university was founded in 1906 in Carrollton, Georgia and has a current enrollment of over 13,00 and is considered the 7th largest state university in Georgia. U.S. News and World Report ranks this nursing program #29 in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; and, has been named one of the Best Online Masters in Nursing Programs by College Choice.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $8,172
*$227 per credit hour
3. East Carolina University
East Carolina University provides an online Master of Science in Nursing program with seven concentrations in either Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership. Applicants must have an active nursing license and completed at least one year of nursing experience for admission. ECU also provides a RN-MSN program for those who qualify. The online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
With a current enrollment of over 28,000 students, East Carolina University was founded in 1904 in Greenville, North Carolina. The online graduate nursing program has been ranked #35 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report and #210 in National Universities and #118 Top Public Schools. The university has also been recognized by Forbes Magazine as a Best Southeastern College, ranked in the top 5% for nursing schools by Nurse Journal and has been designated a Military Friendly School by G.I.Jobs.
Program Length: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $9,165 (NC Resident); $32,434 (Non Resident)
*$247 per credit hour/$877 per credit hour
4. Fort Hays State University Virtual College
Offering a MSN program with concentrations in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration, this Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited, online program is tailored to the currently working nurse wishing to advance their education and career. Students will take foundation courses in research, statistics, nursing theories and informatics before beginning the specialty courses. Education or administrative experiences may be taken close to the student's residence; and, both tracks require an evidence based practice project for degree completion.
This university, founded in 1902 in Hays, Kansas has a current enrollment of over 14,000 students, with over 6,000 of those enrolled in Fort Hays State University's virtual college. Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Department of Nursing has been ranked #29 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Programs.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $9,828
*$106 per credit hour
5. Ball State University
The School of Nursing at Ball State University provides online MSN degrees with three concentrations in Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator and Family Nurse Practitioner. There is also an online RN to MSN degree available for those with a diploma or BSN degree. Students in all concentrations will complete core courses in research, nursing concepts, theory and information technology before beginning classes in their concentration. Clinical hours are required in each specialty and additional information on these experiences is located on the school's website.
Located in Muncie, Indiana, this School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is #13 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs ranking as well as being recognized as a "Best Online Programs for Veterans" by the publication. The School of Nursing has also been tapped as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. Ball State University has been rated one of the best universities in the Midwest by The Princeton Review and named a "Military Friendly School" by Victory Media. Ball State University was founded in 1918 and has a current enrollment of over 21,000 students
Program Length: 36 – 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $10,656 (Indiana Resident); $17,712 (Non Resident)
*$296/*$377 per credit hour
6. Missouri State University
An online MSN in Nursing Education degree, Missouri State University provides both a traditional and an accelerated program (for those RN-MSN students). The MSN in Nurse Educator track requires 17 credit hours in core studies and 20 hours additional coursework and includes a research component. This degree requires clinical rotation hours and the program offers a thesis and non thesis option.
Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report's #71 in Regional Universities Midwest and #16 in its Top Public Schools ratings. The university was founded in 1904 and is part of the Missouri State educational system. The School of Nursing's MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and has been rated in the Top 200 of Best Nursing Schools: Master's programs.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $11,340
*$315 per credit hour
7. Lamar University Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing
Located in the College of Arts and Sciences' Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, the school offers two online MSN degrees with concentrations in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. There is also a MSN to MBA dual degree available. All graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and strives to provide students with the professional, organizational and other perspectives to advance in their careers.
This school's program comes in at #61 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs and was rated third by College Choice's 2015 Rankings of the Best Online Masters of Nursing (MSN) Programs. Lamar University was founded in Belmont, Texas in 1923 and has grown to an enrollment of over 15,000 students and is now part of The Texas State University System, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Length: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $11,766
*$318 per credit hour
8. University of Alabama Birmingham
Known as Bama Distance, this online MSN program offers three specialty tracks in either Nurse Administrator, Case Manager or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). All three tracks are CCNE accredited. Applicants must currently hold a BSN from an accredited institution and a current, unencumbered nursing license. This is the only MSN in Case Management in the Southeast; and, all three specialties are offered for fulltime or parttime study. There is a thesis option available for each concentration.
Rating a #16 ranking in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Alabama was established in Birmingham, Alabama in 1859 with the founding of the Medical College of Alabama. The School of Nursing was created in 1949. UAB ranks #103 in National Universities and is in the top 100 for Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Public Schools. The university currently has over 37,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Program Length: 35 -42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $12,845 – $15,414
*$367 per credit hour
9. East Tennessee State University College of Nursing
Providing an online MSN degree with specialties in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner. and Nursing Education. Admission requires a minimum of an unencumbered nursing license in Tennessee or the state in which the clinical experience will be completed, a BSN (although, there is a bridge program for RNs or students holding a non-nursing baccalaureate degree) and completion of an undergraduate statistics course. The college lists a 90.1% pass rate for FNP certification and 100% pass rate for its PMHNP graduates. The MSN program of ETSU is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 as East Tennessee Normal School with 29 students. The College of Nursing was established in 1978; and, now has an enrollment of 1033 students. The ETSU College of Nursing is one of the largest online nursing programs in the state; and, coming in as #61 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 21-46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $13,986-$$30,636
*$666 per credit hour
10. University of Alabama In Huntsville
If you're looking for a MSN program in Nursing Administration, this online MSN may meet your needs. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program requires two days on campus experiences designed for students to make presentations and have face to face contact with peers and faculty. Clinical experiences are tailored to the student's objectives.
Established in 1950, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, was created in response to the needs of World War II veterans on the G.I.Bill. UAH's College of Nursing has been rated in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; and, the university is ranked in the top 200 of National Universities and #106 in Top Public Schools. With an enrollment of over 8,000 students, the university offers 89 degrees within 9 colleges.
Program Length: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $14,274
*$366 per credit hours
11. University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston
The School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch provides online MSN degrees in six concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Executive Nurse Leader (ENL) and Nurse Educator (NE). All specialties are Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation. Students may complete their clinical experiences either in the Galveston area or in School of Nursing approved sites with a qualified preceptor. There are some scholarships available for those who qualify. Students are required to complete core nursing courses prior to concentration courses.
Ranked #16 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs, as well as, a Military Friendly School by the Veterans Resource Group. The Nursing School was established in 1890 and currently confers 331 BSN, 167 MSN and 15 PhD degrees each year. The University of Texas Medical Branch holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Program Length: 39-49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $14,529-$18,018 (Texas Resident); $30,442-$38,010 (Non Resident)
*$366 per credit hour/$780 per credit hour
12. University of Kansas School of Nursing
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the University of Kansas offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program which concentrates on a common and leadership core curriculum, as well as providing a specialty core (Nursing Informatics, Organizational Leadership or Public Health Nursing) for nurses currently holding a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree and wanting to advance their education. Depending on the student's career objective, students will follow degree requirements depending on their focus area.
The Nursing School at the University of Kansas was founded in 1906 with the first class graduating in 1909, began offering a Bachelor's of Nursing in 1929 and the MSN program in 1968. Nursing School enrollment is approximately 300 per year. The school is ranked #19 for Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report. The University of Kansas ranks in the top 200 of U.S. News and World Report's National Universities and has a current enrollment of over 27,000 students. A public university, the University of Kansas was founded in 1865 and is located in Lawrence, Kansas.
Program Length: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $14,615
*395 per credit hour
13. University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana offers online MSN programs in seven concentrations in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNR), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH), Nursing Education (NED) and Nursing Management and Leadership (NML). The College of Nursing and Health Professions focuses on training students to utilize communication, interpersonal, clinical and leadership skills. The school cautions that the online degree is not recognized by all states (except for active military) so it is important you research that the degree will be accepted in the state in which you practice.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. U.S. News and World Report rates this MSN program at #21 in its Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs and the on campus graduate nursing program ranks in the top 200 of its Best Nursing Schools: Masters degree. Founded in 1965, the university has an enrollment exceeding 9,000 students and is located in Evansville, Indiana.
Program Length: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $14,784 (Indiana Resident); $29,064 (Non Resident)
*$352 per credit hour/$692 per credit hour
14. Georgia College
Georgia College, designated as Georgia's Public Liberal Arts University, through its School of Nursing, provides an online MSN with the choice of three specialties in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Family Nurse Practitioner with a Concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) or Nurse Educator. The program requires clinical rotations which are required to be conducted in Georgia. Students are expected to complete core courses in nursing theories, nursing quality, research and perspectives in advanced practice nursing. The programs require a limited number of on campus during enrollment; and, there is a mandatory on campus immersion face to face experience. This is a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited program.
Georgia College was established in 1889 in Milledgeville, Georgia and currently enrolls over 6,000 students. The college has received recognition as the #8 Top Schools in the South and #8 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs from U.S. News and World Report, as well as ranking as a Best College Value by the Kipliner Report.
Program Length: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $14,920
*$373 per credit hour
15. University of Colorado College of Nursing
Nationally recognized, the University of Colorado College of Nursing offers an online MSN which allows students to choose from nine specialty programs. Those programs include Informatics, iLEAD (leadership and administration), Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery, Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, this nursing program provides a Veteran and Military MSN specialty which prepares graduates to work with military personnel in the Veterans Administration system and Military Health System. Course requirements and tuition costs will vary depending on the specialty, but the base tuition costs are $610 per credit hour.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the College of Nursing at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus, has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in several rankings. Ranked #9 in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; and, has been ranked #6th in Nursing Informatics and #8th in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs. Founded in 1912, the University of Colorado Denver ranks in the top 100 of national universities by U.S. News and World Report and its College of Nursing was established in 1898 and was one of the first founded west of the Mississippi.
Program Length: 31-53 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $18,300-$32,330
*590 per credit hour
16. Northwestern State University University of Louisiana
There are five, online MSN degrees offered by Northwestern State University. Students may study Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentrations. This MSN program is CCNE accredited and offers specialty training in Adult-Gerontology. Students are required to take core courses before taking specific courses in their chosen roles. Students are required to have a BSN, have passed the GRE with score of 290, a year's clinical experience and an unencumbered nursing license.
Founded in 1884 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Northwestern State University is a public school with an enrollment of over 9,000 students. The College of Nursing, established in 1949 and the first BSN program in Louisiana, has been ranked #68 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 39-42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $18,525-$19,950
*$475 per credit hour
17. Western Governors University
There are several RN to MSN tracks offered online through the Western Governors University in six participating states (Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas and Washington). Depending on the degree currently held, students are able to choose from MSN degrees in Education (RNs with BSNs), Leadership and Management (RNs with BSNs), Nursing Informatics (RNs with BSNs), Education (RN to MSN Option), Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option), Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN Option). Nursing programs adhere to the competencies set forth by the National League of Nurses' Nurse Educator standards, as well as the Masters Essentials for Professional Nursing practice. All programs hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Western Governors University was created in 1995 as a bipartisan effort of 19 governors to establish the online ability for working students to advance their education and career paths. Offering programs in healthcare, as well as business, teacher education and information technology, Western Governors University is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and has over 81,000 student enrolled online across the country.
Program Length: 36 Months
Estimated Tuition: $19,500
18. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University provides an online MSN offering concentrations in Nursing Education, Nurse Executive Leadership, Nursing Informatics and Nurse Practitioner specialties in Adult Gero, Adult Gero Acute Care, Pediatric and Psych-Mental Health. All MSN students are required to take core courses (18-20 hours) before studies in the specialty areas. Depending on the specialty, the length of study will vary between 35-49 credit hours. A BSN from an accredited school and a current, unrestricted nursing license and proof of clinical experience are mandatory for admission. The school also requests applicants show successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course. Hybrid coursework is occasionally offered. The MSN program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Located seven miles from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky University began in 1946 in the unlikely location of a bus station in Covington, Kentucky to meet the needs of WWII veterans on the G.I. Bill and area high school graduates and women working as secretaries. The school became a university in 1976 and has grown to over 14,000 students. The MSN program ranks #54 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and the university ranks #82 in Regional Universities and #31 in Best Public Schools. Forbes Magazine lists Northern Kentucky University #249 in Public Colleges and #182 in the South.
Program Length: 35-49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $21,735-$30,429
*$621 per credit hour
19. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
This MSN degree at Saint Francis Medical Center offers studies in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Nursing Management Leadership (NML) and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P/MHNP). These programs are CCNE accredited and the school also offers an accelerated RN to MSN program for those not holding a BSN. The number of credit hours required is dependent on the specialty chosen and all options require a statistics course in the core curriculum.
This online MSN program is recognized by U.S. News and World Report, holding a #61 ranking, in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, the Saint Francis Medical Center dates to 1877. Serving as a teaching facility for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, the College of Nursing was established in 1905.
Program Length: 36-46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $22,500-$28,750
*$625 per credit hour
20. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University provides a distance learning MSN option for students seeking an advanced degree. The program offers specialties in Family Nurse Practitioner (with concentrations in Pediatrics and Neonatal studies), Nurse Midwifery and Clinical Nurse Specialist (with options in Adult Gerontology, Pediatrics, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator and Neonatal). There is a Nurse Administrator track offered as well. The School of Nursing holds accreditation by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its MSN online programs. The nursing school partners with the Eastern Virginia Medical School/Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning to offer students to enhance competency and clinical health assessments.
Recognized as #61 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, the nursing school originated in 1967 within the university. Old Dominion University was established in 1930 as an extension of the College of William and Mary and became a free standing university in 1969. Old Dominion ranks #210 in U.S. News and World Report's National Universities and #118 in Top Public Schools. Estimated enrollment for the university is over 24,000 students.
Program Length: 51-52 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $25,296 (Virginia Residents); $63,699 (Non Residents)
*$496/$1249 per credit hour
21. UMASS Amherst
The College of Nursing of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, offers two online MSN degrees in Clinical Nursing and Nursing Education. The Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares students to design, promote and manage nursing programs to improve health quality, reduce risk, disease prevention and management across the patient care spectrum. The MSN in Nursing Education provides students with the necessary skills to assess, develop and deliver educational programs in a practice or educational settings. Both programs are CCNE accredited.
The College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst ranks #13 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and the university ranks #24 in its Top Public Schools, #74 National Universities and #44 Best Colleges for Veterans. Dating its beginnings to 1863, UMASS Amherst now has a combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment of over 30,000 students.
Program Length: 33-37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $27,750
*$840 per credit hour
22. University of Missouri Kansas City
This Missouri university, through its School of Nursing and Health Sciences, offers seven nurse specialty online MSN degrees. Online concentrations area available in
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator (NE), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP/AC PNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP). The online degree is recognized in 48 states as part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Students will integrate research, theory and evidence-based practices as well as develop skills necessary in professional nursing and be qualified to serve as nursing leaders in healthcare organizations. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits this MSN degree.
Established in 1929, the University of Missouri Kansas City and is now part of the University of Missouri State System and boasts an enrollment of over 16,000 students. The university is rated in #210 in National Universities, in the top 200 of the Top Public Schools and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences online MSN ranks #21 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 41-53 Credit Hours (Dependent on Concentration)
Estimated Tuition: $22,550 (Missouri Resident); $44,772
*$550 per credit hour/$1092 per credit hour
23. Robert Morris University
This is an online MSN provided by Robert Morris University for BSN prepared nurses. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this MSN in Nursing Education concentrates on information science with respect clinical and non-clinical courses; and, prepares students to work as a Nurse Educator in academic, community or clinical settings.
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Robert Morris University was established in 1921 as a College of Accountancy and has since grown to over 5,000 enrolled students and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This online nursing graduate program is ranked #35 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $23,200
*$580 per credit hour
24. Clarion University
This is an online Family Nurse Practitioner concentration leading to a MSN degree. Students cover a variety of courses in nursing theories, clinical decision making, healthcare policy, research and a thesis. Students are required to complete 600 of clinical practice. Students should verify that this program will meet their state's licensure requirements. Graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The program holds accreditation from Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
From its beginnings in 1867, Clarion University is located in western Pennsylvania and has a student enrollment in excess of 5,000 students.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $23,895 (Pennsylvania Resident); $25,830 (Non Resident)
*$531/$574 per credit hour
25. Saint Xavier University School of Nursing
This online MSN offers specialties in Clinical Leadership, Executive Leadership and Nurse Educator degrees. Coursework involves core studies in Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Nursing Inquiry, Health Care Systems and Financing, Epidemiology and Population Based Health Care, Communication, Culture, Collaboration, and Conflict in Health Care, Information Technology and Health Care Outcomes. Specialty studies involve 17 credit hours in specialty courses designed for one of the three tracks.
Ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs, this online program has also been recognized as one of only 40 programs nationwide by the National League for Nursing (NLN) as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. The School of Nursing holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Located in Chicago, Illinois, the university was founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university currently has more than 3,000 students enrolled and ranks as #56 in Regional Universities, #34 in Best Colleges for Veterans and #9 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $27,360
*$720 per credit hour
26. University of North Carolina Greensboro School of Nursing
The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) provides two programs for nurses, MSN in Nursing Administration and MSN in Nursing Education . UNCG's School of Nursing holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and boasts a job placement rate of 90% for its graduates. The MSN in Nursing Administration prepares nurses to enter mid-level or upper level administrative roles; and, the Nurse Educator degree allows students to professional staff development and patient education.
U.S. News and World Report ranks UNCG's Masters of Nursing #59 in its Best Nursing Schools and has ranked the university #220 in National Universities and #125 in Top Public Schools. Originally founded in 1891 as women's college, UNCG is part of the University of North Carolina system and has an enrollment of over 19,000 students and is a public university.
Program Length: 37-38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $30,922.38 (NC Resident); $59,319.51 (Non Resident)
*$835.74/$1603 per credit hour
27. Eastern Kentucky University
There are three tracks in this online MSN degree program in Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Nursing Administration. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree meets the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensing, Accreditation, Certification, and Education. The school reports a 100% pass rates on national certification exams and all three holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applicants seeking the MSN-FNP and PMHNP degrees must have at least one year nursing experience for admission; and, all applicants for the MSN degree must hold an active license and have graduated with a minimum of a BSN from an accredited institution.
U.S. News and World Report has ranked this nursing program #39 in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. This university, with an enrollment in excess of 16,000 students, also has received rankings as #79 in Regional Universities and #29 in Top Public Schools. Founded in 1874 in Richmond, Kentucky, the school has also been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of its Top Colleges, Public Colleges and Southern Colleges rankings.
Program Length: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $31,255
*$665 per credit hour
28. University of Cincinnati
This online MSN degree offers three specialty tracks in Adult Gero Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Depending on the track chosen, the hours required and tuition costs may vary. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), admission to this program requires a BSN and a minimum of one year nursing experience. The Nurse Midwifery track requires one year experience in gynecology, pediatrics, NICU, newborn nursery, postpartum care or maternal/child nursing (preferably in labor and delivery).
Ranked #5 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report and this online MSN program has been recognized by the Apple Distinguished Program for innovation, leadership and educational excellence. Founded in 1819 with the charters of the Cincinnati College and the Medical College of Ohio and the university we know today was started in 1870 and included the original two colleges. Noted for its research, the University of Cincinnati currently boasts 44,000 students in its graduate and undergraduates programs.
Program Length: 42-57 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $31,856-$42,215 (Ohio Resident); $32,516-43,055 (Non Resident)
*$758/$774 per credit hour
29. Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University provides online MSN specialty studies in Nurse-Midwifery Specialty (CNEP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP) and Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty (CNEP). Courses may be taken fulltime or parttime and are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Frontier Nursing University is the oldest midwifery program in the country; and, was the first to offer a family nurse practitioner program. Clinical work may be done in the student's home community.
This university ranks in the top 15 family nurse practitioner programs and top 50 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News and World Report. Founded by Mary Breckinridge in 1925 in the town of Hyden, Kentucky, the school has graduated over 5,000 nurses with advanced practice degrees and is a private, nonprofit graduate school.
Program Length: 59 -64 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $32,450-$35,200
*$550 per credit hour
30. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences college of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs provides three online MSN degree with concentrations in Primary Care Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students are required to take 22 or 23 core curriculum credits with 25-26 credit hours in their specialty. Students are required to have a current, unrestricted nursing license and have a minimum of a BSN degree for admission. Due to state regulations, only students from specific states are eligible for admission. Be certain to see if your state qualifies you for admission. This program holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation.
This MSN program has been ranked #9 by U.S. News and World Report for its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and the university has been recognized as Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs. Founded in 1861, the establishment of the university was delayed until 1876 due to the Civil War. Today, the school has an enrollment of over 12,000 students on campus and over 3,000 pursuing online degrees. The university offers 45 bachelor's, 22 master's, and five doctoral degree programs.
Program Length: 46-48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition: $32,476-$33,888
*$706 per credit hour