Best Online Master’s in Nursing MSN 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN NURSING (MSN)
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in nursing (MSN) degree programs for students wanting to acquire positions such as nurse practitioner, director of nursing, nursing informatics specialist, and nurse educator.

Key Takeaways

  • Students at the best online master’s in nursing programs can choose from various concentrations, such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, or Nurse Educator, enabling them to tailor their education to specific career goals.
  • Many of the best online master’s in nursing programs provide asynchronous coursework, allowing students to study at their own pace and balance their education with personal and professional commitments.
  • Some of the best online master’s in nursing programs offer assistance in securing local clinical placements, ensuring students gain practical experience in their communities without the need to relocate.

Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN in 2025

  1. Duke University
  2. University of Southern California
    +1
  3. University of Cincinnati
    –1
  4. University of Alabama
    +4
  5. University of Connecticut
    –1
  6. University of Houston
    +3
  7. University of Arkansas
    +3
  8. Loyola University Chicago
    –3
  9. University of Central Florida
    –3
  10. University of Alabama at Birmingham
    –3

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online master’s in nursing saw a considerable amount of movement. The University of Alabama gained the most ranking positions as the university is introducing significant enhancements for the 2025 academic year, appealing directly to online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students. One notable improvement is the expansion of the Nurse Educator concentration curriculum, with new courses like Clinical Foundations (NUR 506) debuting in Fall 2024, Teaching and Learning Strategies(NUR 576) in Summer 2025, Academic Immersion (NUR 577) in Fall 2025, and Clinical Immersion Practicum (NUR 578) starting in Spring 2026. These additions aim to deliver a comprehensive educational experience, equipping students with advanced skills in nursing education.

Additionally, the university will launch a new on-campus Master’s Entry into the Profession of Nursing program in Fall 2025, designed for second-degree students looking to enter the nursing field to help meet growing healthcare needs. These developments underscore the University of Alabama’s commitment to providing cutting-edge resources and a supportive learning environment for its online MSN students.

Featured Programs

Learn more about what you can do with a master’s degree in nursing.

50 Best Online Master’s in Nursing MSN Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $63,985
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $227,236
    Salary after 4 years: $239,476
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN: Master’s of Science in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $176,232
    Salary after 4 years: $185,725
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $14,902
    Expenses: $19,772
    Starting Salary: $102,855
    Salary after 4 years: $106,050
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Systems Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36-40
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,740
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $106,787
    Salary after 4 years: $110,104
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN/MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 50-56
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Connecticut

    Storrs , CT
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Connecticut

    Cost of Degree: $22,194
    Expenses: $19,316
    Starting Salary: $136,588
    Salary after 4 years: $140,831
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Neonatal Nursing
    • Required Credits: 44
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $12,160
    Expenses: $20,260
    Starting Salary: $109,063
    Salary after 4 years: $112,451
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $22,305
    Expenses: $19,694
    Starting Salary: $126,022
    Salary after 4 years: $132,810
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Population-Based Infection Control & Environmental Safety, Advanced Practice Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing and Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $8,872
    Expenses: $18,300
    Starting Salary: $105,959
    Salary after 4 years: $109,251
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 31-36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,424
    Expenses: $20,547
    Starting Salary: $100,164
    Salary after 4 years: $103,276
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Maternal and Child Health
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $6,693
    Expenses: $19,966
    Starting Salary: $99,957
    Salary after 4 years: $103,063
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Advanced Holistic Nursing
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Greensboro , NC
    #10 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Cost of Degree: $8,546
    Expenses: $14,720
    Starting Salary: $84,643
    Salary after 4 years: $87,273
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: 36 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $9,160
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $86,298
    Salary after 4 years: $88,980
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Florida A&M University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #7 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #7 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    33%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/21

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Florida A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $9,876
    Expenses: $18,368
    Starting Salary: $92,507
    Salary after 4 years: $95,381
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Oakland University

    Rochester Hills , MI
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Oakland University

    Cost of Degree: $20,979
    Expenses: $14,609
    Starting Salary: $99,543
    Salary after 4 years: $102,636
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Forensic Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Montclair State University

    Montclair , NJ
    #4 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Montclair State University

    Cost of Degree: $15,137
    Expenses: $20,262
    Starting Salary: $108,442
    Salary after 4 years: $111,811
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing-Pre Licensure
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Hartford

    West Hartford , CT
    #4 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Hartford

    Cost of Degree: $15,665
    Expenses: $18,817
    Starting Salary: $102,604
    Salary after 4 years: $108,130
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Edinburg , TX
    #1 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025 #5 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025 #5 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Cost of Degree: $8,443
    Expenses: $14,618
    Starting Salary: $91,472
    Salary after 4 years: $94,314
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $110,344
    Salary after 4 years: $116,287
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing – Non-Clinical

    Concentrations

    • Executive Nurse Leadership
    • Nursing Informatics
    • Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Oklahoma City University

    Oklahoma City , OK
    #2 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Oklahoma City University

    Cost of Degree: $13,410
    Expenses: $13,852
    Starting Salary: $101,413
    Salary after 4 years: $106,875
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Community-Based Public Health
    • Education
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Quinnipiac University

    Hamden , CT
    #3 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Quinnipiac University

    Cost of Degree: $18,217
    Expenses: $20,230
    Starting Salary: $134,357
    Salary after 4 years: $141,594
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN: RN to MSN
    • Required Credits: 140
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Georgia Southern University

    Statesboro , GA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/20

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Georgia Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $6,520
    Expenses: $19,667
    Starting Salary: $95,404
    Salary after 4 years: $98,368
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN: Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 14 months
    • Format: Online
    MSN: Chronic Care Management
    • Required Credits: 26
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  32. #27

    Idaho State University

    Pocatello , ID
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Idaho 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Idaho 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Idaho State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,268
    Expenses: $14,854
    Starting Salary: $90,851
    Salary after 4 years: $93,674
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  33. #28

    Azusa Pacific University

    Azusa , CA
    #15 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #19 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #8 Best Christian Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Azusa Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $17,330
    Expenses: $14,192
    Starting Salary: $110,939
    Salary after 4 years: $116,915
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  34. #29

    Simmons University

    Boston , MA
    #4 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates) #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #9 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/30

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Simmons University

    Cost of Degree: $28,662
    Expenses: $20,934
    Starting Salary: $115,900
    Salary after 4 years: $122,143
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing: RN to MSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  36. #30

    Sacred Heart University

    Fairfield , CT
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Sacred Heart University

    Cost of Degree: $34,060
    Expenses: $22,300
    Starting Salary: $122,648
    Salary after 4 years: $129,254
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN: RN to MSN Operational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing Management and Executive Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 36-39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  39. #33

    Queens University of Charlotte

    Charlotte , NC
    #5 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #14 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1167/25

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Queens University of Charlotte

    Cost of Degree: $15,270
    Expenses: $24,105
    Starting Salary: $98,039
    Salary after 4 years: $103,320
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Nurse Administrator
    • Nurse Educator
    • Clinical Nurse Leader
    • Nursing Informatics
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  40. #34

    Auburn University at Montgomery

    Montgomery , AL
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/21

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Auburn University at Montgomery

    Cost of Degree: $8,884
    Expenses: $13,346
    Starting Salary: $78,641
    Salary after 4 years: $81,085
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 44
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  43. #36

    Graceland University

    Lamoni , IA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Graceland University

    Cost of Degree: $11,991
    Expenses: $15,240
    Starting Salary: $79,781
    Salary after 4 years: $84,078
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN/MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  44. #37

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Delaware 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,492
    Starting Salary: $92,482
    Salary after 4 years: $97,464

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Leadership

    Concentrations

    • Executive
    • Educator
    • Legal Nurse Consultant
    • Public Health
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  45. #38

    Georgia Southwestern State University

    Americus , GA
    #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Georgia 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Georgia 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Georgia 2024 #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Georgia Southwestern State University

    Cost of Degree: $4,408
    Expenses: $16,094
    Starting Salary: $82,987
    Salary after 4 years: $85,565
    Cost Recoup Time: 3 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Nursing
    • Nursing Leadership/Management
    • Required Credits: 36-44
    • Completion time: 22 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  46. #39

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Mississippi 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Mississippi 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at William Carey University

    Cost of Degree: $12,672
    Expenses: $16,383
    Starting Salary: $80,376
    Salary after 4 years: $84,706
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 41
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  48. #40

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #11 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #15 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,150
    Starting Salary: $118,583
    Salary after 4 years: $122,267

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  49. #41

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville , TN
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1076/21

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Austin Peay State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,127
    Expenses: $17,840
    Starting Salary: $80,297
    Salary after 4 years: $82,792
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse Educator
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  50. #42

    Samuel Merritt University

    Oakland , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Samuel Merritt University

    Cost of Degree: $58,126
    Starting Salary: $220,687
    Salary after 4 years: $232,574

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  51. #43

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Madonna University

    Cost of Degree: $17,640
    Expenses: $16,590
    Starting Salary: $88,116
    Salary after 4 years: $92,862
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing Leadership
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  54. #45

    Shenandoah University

    Winchester , VA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #11 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #12 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Shenandoah University

    Cost of Degree: $24,646
    Expenses: $15,900
    Starting Salary: $103,794
    Salary after 4 years: $109,385
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Midwifery
    • Required Credits: 49
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  55. #46

    Elms College

    Chicopee , MA
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Massachusetts #19 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #20 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Elms College

    Cost of Degree: $17,670
    Expenses: $19,016
    Starting Salary: $98,436
    Salary after 4 years: $103,738
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing And Health Services Management
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in School Nursing
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN in Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 37
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MSN/MBA in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  56. #47

    Frontier Nursing University

    Versailles , KY
    #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Nursing Programs (PhDs)

    Student body

    3K

    Online Degrees

    MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSN: Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MSN: Nurse Midwife
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  58. #49

    Lourdes University

    Sylvania , OH
    #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Lourdes University

    Cost of Degree: $17,186
    Expenses: $20,509
    Starting Salary: $81,964
    Salary after 4 years: $86,379
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  60. #50

    Felician University

    Lodi , NJ
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey #9 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/21

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Felician University

    Cost of Degree: $21,660
    Expenses: $16,620
    Starting Salary: $104,787
    Salary after 4 years: $110,431
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 19 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Nursing Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,078
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,892
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $109,820
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $113,232
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
  • Job Growth: 6.29%
  • Number of Jobs: 3,390,000
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Nurse Anesthetists10.42%$212,650
Nurse Midwives6.94%$129,650
Nurse Practitioners46.29%$126,260
Medical and Health Services Managers28.54%$110,680
Registered Nurses5.98%$86,070

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Nurse Anesthetists$212,650
Nurse Midwives$129,650
Nurse Practitioners$126,260
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Degrees

Why get a master’s in nursing?

Registered nurses looking to build their resume and earn credentials for more specialized positions should consider a master’s in nursing (MSN). This degree provides in-depth instruction for a variety of concentrations, including family nurse practitioner, healthcare policy, nurse educator, nursing informatics, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, and nurse-midwifery.

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How long does it take to get a master’s in nursing?

Both online and on-campus programs are available, and depending on the chosen field, required credits range from 30 to 57. Most tracks involve a capstone project or thesis and practicum hours. Students can typically fulfill these requirements in about two years.

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What can you do with a master’s in nursing?

Some students pursue doctoral studies after graduating, but many go on to acquire positions that are in line with their specialization, such as nurse practitioner, director of nursing, nursing informatics specialist, and nurse educator.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here