The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

Keith Carlson, RN, NC-BC
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Updated on April 12, 2024
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Explore the top-ranked RN-to-MSN programs to advance your nursing career.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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If you’re a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) who wants to advance your career by earning your master of science in nursing (MSN), an RN-to-MSN program can be a great option.

These specialized programs allow you to pursue a graduate-level nursing degree without first earning your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. We’ve identified and ranked the nation’s top RN-to-MSN programs to help you make the right decision for your nursing career.

Popular Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

When assessing which program may be right for you, use the information in the following sections to narrow down your top choices.

#1 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

New York University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,770
  • Out-of-state$53,770
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$35,982
  • Out-of-state$35,982
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate13%
  • Students Enrolled58,226
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

The University of Texas at Austin

  • Location-markerAustin, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,752
  • Out-of-state$40,996
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,050
  • Out-of-state$22,944
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate29%
  • Students Enrolled51,991
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

University of Rochester

  • Location-markerRochester, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$58,276
  • Out-of-state$58,276
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$46,779
  • Out-of-state$46,779
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate41%
  • Students Enrolled12,039
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

Stony Brook University

  • Location-markerStony Brook, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$24,990
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$23,100
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate48%
  • Students Enrolled26,608
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  • Location-markerMinneapolis, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,532
  • Out-of-state$32,096
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,844
  • Out-of-state$27,612
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled52,376
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

DePaul University

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$41,361
  • Out-of-state$41,361
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,951
  • Out-of-state$17,951
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled21,670
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Location-markerBirmingham, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,568
  • Out-of-state$20,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,100
  • Out-of-state$19,188
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled22,289
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

Montclair State University

  • Location-markerMontclair, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,323
  • Out-of-state$20,443
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,978
  • Out-of-state$12,978
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled20,744
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

Drexel University

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,766
  • Out-of-state$54,766
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$36,234
  • Out-of-state$36,234
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled23,216
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2024

University of Maryland, Baltimore

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,446
  • Out-of-state$38,822
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$15,140
  • Out-of-state$32,979
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled7,244
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes

Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is the most important factor for an RN-to-MSN nursing program. Accreditation means that a third-party agency has reviewed the program and determined that it meets quality standards and follows industry best practices.

This guide lists only accredited programs. Attending an unaccredited program is an unnecessary risk of your time and money.

While an unaccredited program may look easier or cheaper, employers will consider graduates from only accredited programs. Attending an accredited program also ensures your eligibility for licensure. Credits from non-accredited programs almost never transfer to an accredited program, so joining an accredited program is more efficient.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an RN-to-MSN Program

The right RN-to-MSN program depends on your career goals, background, finances, location, learning style, and the program itself.

Consider a program’s admission requirements, academic reputation, specializations, and class format. While grants, loans, and scholarships can help you pay for school, you still want the best value for your investment of time and money, so it’s important to consider various factors before applying for an RN-to-MSN program.

How Online RN-to-MSN Programs Work

A growing number of RN-to-MSN programs have online options. Online programs have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your circumstances and needs.

Some online ADN-to-MSN programs require in-person onboarding or have in-person components for some classes, while others offer coursework entirely online.

However, remember that most MSN programs, including online ones, require in-person clinical hours. Some schools will support finding placements in your local area, while others may rely on the student to make the arrangements. Ensure that you can arrange appropriate clinical placements in your local community.

Applying to an RN-to-MSN Program

Applying to an RN-to-MSN program is the first step in taking your career to the next level and earning your MSN. The following are several examples of RN-to-MSN programs, and the admissions materials and application requirements.

While the specifics vary by program — so be sure to check with your institution before making any assumptions or taking any action — common requirements include:

  • ADN (bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields are sometimes acceptable)
  • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher
  • Transcripts from previous institutions
  • Valid RN license
  • At least one year of clinical experience

Paying for RN-to-MSN Programs

Earning an MSN can be an excellent investment in your future, but like other investments, it can have a high initial cost.

Most RN-to-MSN students will pay for their education with savings, current earnings, financial aid from their school, and external loans, scholarships, or grants. Some employers may also provide partial or complete tuition reimbursement.

When estimating costs beyond tuition, consider whether you must adjust your work schedule during clinicals or when studying for exams. Remember to factor in other program expenses, such as textbooks and any equipment you may need. You may also have expenses related to clinical placements, including tolls, gas, parking, and meals on clinical days.

What Can You Do With a Degree from an RN-to-MSN Program?

Most MSN graduates become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, or clinical nurse specialists. However, other RN-to-MSN specialties exist, such as nurse educator, nurse researcher, nurse informaticist, or nurse administrator. Many nurse leadership positions require at least a master’s degree.

You may also consider earning a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). A DNP is the highest degree in nursing and is required to become a nurse anesthetist, the highest-earning of all nursing specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-MSN Programs

An MSN is almost always necessary if you want to advance your nursing career into leadership, research, informatics, education, or advanced practice. And if you want to earn a DNP or Ph.D., an MSN is your next step toward a doctorate. No matter your chosen program, an MSN can lead to substantial career growth.

Page last reviewed April 26, 2024. This page’s information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal.org.

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