The Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs (No BSN Required) 2026

Why We Chose EU: Online MSN Courses, High Level of Financial Aid, and Diverse Specialty Areas

Emory University's MN to MSN pathway requires 60 credits you can complete in four semesters.

You’ll spend the first 15 months preparing to pass the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse and earn a master of nursing degree. Then, through the InEmory Scholars Program, you can work as an RN or choose to continue your education to earn your MSN or DNP.

MSN graduates can become licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner in family, adult-gerontology primary care, pediatric primary care, or women’s health. 

Tuition costs $26,425 per semester. About 92% of students in the School of Nursing received $7.1 million in financial assistance. Emory is also a Yellow Ribbon school that offers a maximum of $7,500 per student for 20 students who qualify through the VA. 

Other Highlights: 

• Accredited by the CCNE 
• 555 clinical hours and 142.5 simulation hours
• 30 service learning hours

Good to Know:

• Requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA preferred 
• Seven prerequisites are required with a grade of C or better
• $50 application fee 

Why We Chose NU: Choose from Five NP Specializations after Gaining RN Licensure

We chose Northeastern University's direct-entry MSN because it offers aspiring nurse practitioners five NP specialty tracks to choose from: adult-gerontology acute care, family, neonatal, pediatric primary care, or psychiatric mental health. 

The first four semesters of the program prepare you to become a registered nurse with BSN coursework. Then, after you complete 1-2 years of nursing experience, you’ll return to the program part-time or full-time to earn your MSN in 36-42 credits and become an NP. 

Other Highlights: 

• Accredited by CCNE
• Yellow Ribbon school that pays the maximum funding for all eligible graduate students
• Prepares students to sit for the NCLEX and the NP specialty exam of their choice 

Good to Know:

• Must begin the program in the fall 
• Tuition costs $23,298 per semester. 
• Requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0 

Why We Chose UC Irvine: Mixed Learning Communities, Smaller Cohort Sizes, and High-Tech Simulation 

We chose UC Irvine's master's entry to nursing because the 84-credit full-time, on-campus direct-entry program offers interprofessional learning opportunities, high-tech clinical simulation experiences, clinical partnerships throughout UCI Health, and small cohort sizes. 

The two-year program offers classes in the spring and fall semesters. It prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse in many specialties, including public health or leadership roles. The program meets the requirements to become a certified public health nurse in California. You can also pursue advanced degrees in research, clinical specialization, nursing education, and/or administration. 

Program Highlights:

• Hispanic-Serving Institution 
• Only seven prerequisite courses with a letter grade of C or higher required
• Concentration available in community and population health

Good to Know:

• California residents pay $35,782 for tuition per year, and nonresidents pay $48,026 per year. 
• Only one start date (fall)
• The program is highly competitive; a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA are required. 

Why We Chose UCLA: Pursue a Public Health Nursing Certificate Along With RN Licensure

UCLA's master’s entry to clinical nursing is a two-year program that is ideal for aspiring RNs who wish to pursue public health nursing certification in California. The program prepares bedside nurses rather than APRNs. You need at least one year of nursing experience before you apply to an advanced practice program.

This full-time on-campus program requires 102 cumulative units, including clinical hours that you’ll complete at affiliated hospitals. The program costs $62,609 for California residents and $87,099 for nonresidents, plus an additional $13,600 for two years of health insurance coverage for both residents and nonresidents. 

Other Highlights: 

• Graduates can pursue public health nursing certification through the California State Board of Nursing. 
• No GRE required
• Qualifying employees at UC may be eligible to receive a 66% reduction in tuition and student services fees for four courses or 12 units, whichever is greater. 

Good to Know:

• Only one start time in the fall
• Requires 11 prerequisite courses and three recommendation letters 
• Can only apply AP credit with a score of 4 or higher to one prerequisite course

Why We Chose VU: Earn Your MSN in Just Four Semesters

VU's MN program allows students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a master’s-prepared registered nurse in four semesters or 64 credits. The fully on-campus program offers two start dates in the fall and spring semesters, but you must live within daily commuting distance of the campus. 

You can pursue the MN prespecialty, a degree track that guarantees your spot and allows you to move directly into your preferred post-master’s certificate specialty program after completing your MN degree.

Other Highlights:

• Accredited by the CCNE
• Yellow Ribbon School that offers up to $16,000 for eligible graduate students
• Every full-time nursing graduate student receives a scholarship unless their tuition is paid in full by another scholarship source.

Good to Know:

• Tuition costs $2,057 per credit, plus $8,377 in annual fees, which includes health insurance if you get it through the university’s student health plan.
• Must hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
• Health insurance is required for all students, and you will be billed automatically for the university’s student health insurance plan if you do not provide proof of adequate coverage by another insurer.