The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Ann Feeney, CAENurseJournal Rankings Team
by
,
Updated November 30, 2023
Reviewed by
Our Integrity Network

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Looking to advance your career with an MSN degree? In this guide, explore the best online MSN programs and how to apply.
mini logo

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

The growth of online master of science in nursing (MSN) programs means prospective students have more access to a wider variety of choices. However, the amount of available options makes deciding on a program more difficult.

This guide can help you identify the best online master’s in nursing for your goals, interests, location, budget, and background. Learn more about finding and applying to the school that best matches your needs.

“The experience I had with obtaining my MSN online was extremely positive. The program allowed me to perform the work at my own pace and further my education while continuing to work full-time and still be a mother to my son. Without an online option, this may not have been achievable for me.”

Whitney S. Birney, MSN, RN, CNL, AMB-BC

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Featured Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

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

Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site
Loading...
Loading...Learn More
Visit Site

Why Is Online Master’s in Nusing Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is such a vital part of program quality and value that this guide only lists accredited programs. During accreditation, an independent group reviews the program to determine if graduates who pass the board certification are ready to practice safely. To be eligible to earn board certification for almost all nursing certifications, you must graduate from an accredited program.

  • The goal of most MSN programs is to earn board certification; you cannot earn certification as a graduate of an unaccredited program.
  • Accreditation is a measure of quality.
  • Employers rarely even consider hiring a graduate of an unaccredited program.
  • While it may seem tempting to take very cheap classes from an unaccredited program and then try to transfer them, accredited programs almost never accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.

Learn More About the Best Online Master’s in Nusing Programs & Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

University of Central Florida

  • Location-markerOrlando, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$4,478
  • Out-of-state$19,810
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate45%
  • Students Enrolled71,881
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Johns Hopkins University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$54,160
  • Out-of-state$54,160
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate11%
  • Students Enrolled28,890
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment88%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

University of South Florida

  • Location-markerTampa, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$4,559
  • Out-of-state$15,473
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled50,626
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

University of Southern California

  • Location-markerLos Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$59,260
  • Out-of-state$59,260
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled46,287
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment89%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Ohio State University-Main Campus

  • Location-markerColumbus, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$10,615
  • Out-of-state$32,599
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled61,369
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment94%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Stony Brook University

  • Location-markerStony Brook, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$24,740
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate49%
  • Students Enrolled26,782
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment90%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

The University of West Florida

  • Location-markerPensacola, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$3,735
  • Out-of-state$16,004
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled13,061
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Texas A & M International University

  • Location-markerLaredo, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$3,818
  • Out-of-state$13,634
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled8,525
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

George Washington University

  • Location-markerWashington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$55,961
  • Out-of-state$55,961
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate43%
  • Students Enrolled27,017
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Cedarville University

  • Location-markerCedarville, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$32,364
  • Out-of-state$32,364
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled4,461
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online Master’s in Nursing Program

The best online MSN program for you depends on many different factors. Some of these, such as school culture or the exact amount of financial aid, are subjective or hard to determine before applying.

Others, such as board examination pass rates, are objective and readily available. Here are some of the most important criteria for most students:

Admission Requirements

Considering admission requirements when finding the best online master’s in nursing for you helps you not waste time. You want to know how likely you are to be accepted before putting in the work of applying.

Admission requirements also tell you more nuanced things, such as what your fellow students might be like and what the school values.


Specializations

Unlike undergraduate bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs, MSN programs all have a particular specialty to prepare you for a specific career, such as family practice nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse educator.


Program Curriculum

While MSN programs are standardized, students still have some electives to choose from. The way that the school describes the curriculum is a strong indicator of program culture, as well.


Clinical Experience

Clinical experience is key to your success. Not only is it a vital learning opportunity, but it helps you build your network and references. Some of the best online MSN programs may provide clinical placement assistance to students.


Accreditation

Accreditation means that the program has passed detailed assessments to ensure that graduates are professionally competent. State licensure and national certification applications require that students graduate from an accredited program. All of the nursing programs listed on this site are accredited.


Program Length

The right program length for you depends on your background and needs. If you work full-time and your schedule is not flexible, a part-time option might be the best online master’s in nursing program for you. For students with a flexible schedule or responsibilities, a faster program may work better.


School Graduation Rate

A high graduation rate, combined with a high board pass rate, is another excellent indicator of what might be the best online MSN for you.

If the graduation rate is high but the pass rate is low, that might be a sign that the school doesn’t do enough to help students learn. Similarly, a high pass rate but low graduation rate suggests issues with the program.


Online Learning Format and Requirements

The best online MSN format for you depends on your learning needs, existing responsibilities, and schedule. If you learn best from live discussions, synchronous classes may be better for you, but if your schedule is unpredictable, asynchronous classes could be easier to manage.

How Online Master’s in Nursing Programs Work

Depending on the program, you can take most or all of your classes online during your MSN. Some programs have a mandatory in-person onboarding or an in-person component for particular classes. If this is a requirement for a class, you will be informed ahead of time.

However, whether you attend an online or an on-campus program, you must complete your clinical hours in person. The best online MSN program for you should enable you to get placement in your community or other location that works well for you.

Applying to an Online Master’s in Nursing Program

Now that you have picked the best online master’s in nursing programs for you, make sure you give yourself every possible advantage when applying. Leave plenty of time and have a trusted colleague or mentor review your application to make sure it makes the most of your strengths and reflects your potential.

  • chevron-right

    Admission Materials

    BSN from an accredited program, current and unencumbered nursing license, often at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN)
  • chevron-right

    GPA Requirement

    Copy of your nursing license, at least two letters of recommendation, an essay or personal statement, documentation of malpractice insurance
  • chevron-right

    Other Requirement

    Often 3.0 or higher

Paying for Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

When figuring out how much you can expect to pay, in addition to tuition and fees, account for reliable and fast internet, any necessary travel to on-campus requirements or clinicals, and what kind of schedule you expect to work while studying.

While price is an important factor to consider, since paying for an MSN is not cheap, financial aid can make the best online MSN for you a possibility, no matter what your financial circumstances are.

In addition to loans, scholarships, and grants, you may be able to get a full scholarship (including expenses) or loan forgiveness if you work in an underserved area or for the U.S. government once you graduate.

Online Master’s in Nursing Student Testimonials

On-Site Clinical Experience

“Throughout the program, there was only one, on-campus, two-day live simulation required, but due to COVID-19, it was held via Zoom. My program required 400 clinical hours, which were completed in person at an acute care hospital.”

Whitney S. Birney, MSN, RN, CNL, AMB-BC

On Choosing an Online MSN Program

“I was looking for a fully online program with a concentration in Clinical Nurse Leadership. I was familiar with the school’s online workflow as I had received my bachelor’s from there a few years before joining the MSN program. As a full-time registered nurse, and a single mother, I needed a program that was completely online without regular on-campus requirements.”

Whitney S. Birney, MSN, RN, CNL, AMB-BC

Benefits and Challenges of an Online MSN

“Some of the benefits to online learning are the convenience of completing work at home and ability to work at your own pace.

“Rather than having to drive to a location, which would involve time off from work, or extra childcare, I was able to sign in at home, listen to lectures, and utilize my time efficiently. A multitude of information is posted on the class platform and is always available to enhance your learning experience at a suitable time for your schedule.

“In the last year of my program, I was with a Cohort of about 14 other students, and we participated in weekly zoom lectures, which allowed us to develop a rapport with one another, enhancing my personal learning experience.

“Some of the challenges to earning an MSN online are time management and self-discipline. In order to stay on top of the workload, dedication and willpower are required. There is a multitude of discussion boards, papers, projects, and lectures.

“It can be challenging to fit all of these into an already full agenda and to find the motivation to incorporate assignments into your schedule. Advanced preparation and planning are an absolute must in order to complete a successful online MSN program.”

Whitney S. Birney, MSN, RN, CNL, AMB-BC

Is an Online MSN Program Worth It?

“Absolutely! Advancements in technology have allowed programs to become robust in providing the suitable and necessary resources for a successful online learning experience. Online programs are developed with the understanding that many of their students lead full lives outside of the academic world. They are created to provide an education that is realistic and attainable for an evolving nursing workforce.”

Whitney S. Birney, MSN, RN, CNL, AMB-BC

What Can You Do With a Degree from an MSN?

Most MSN graduates become nurse practitioners, but there are many other things you can do with an MSN. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) include clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists (which now requires a doctorate). You can also earn an MSN in nurse administration or nurse education.

  • Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners are primary care providers who work with a specialty population, such as family practice, women’s health, adult-geriatric, or pediatrics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary is $124,680.
  • Certified Nurse Midwife: Nurse midwives provide care to pregnant women and infants. They are licensed to oversee delivery. The BLS reports an average salary of $122,450 for nurse midwives.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist: Clinical nurse specialists provide advanced nursing care and oversee nurses in particular areas, such as adult or pediatric acute care. According to Payscale data from October 2023, the average annual salary is $98,050.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Can you get an MSN without a BSN?

Candidates with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field may prefer a bridge program instead of a regular online nursing master’s program. Most bridge programs are 3-4 years long.

Can you get an MSN without being an RN?

Some schools offer direct-entry programs for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Many online MSN programs do not offer a direct-entry option, and those that do may require or strongly prefer candidates with a degree in a healthcare field, such as public health, or relevant work experience.

How long does it take to complete an online MSN?

It takes most students two to three years to complete an MSN, depending on the program length and pace. Part-time students and students in ADN-to-MSN programs may take three to four years, again depending on the program pace.

Is now a good time to pursue an MSN?

In the U.S. the second fastest-growing occupation is a nurse practitioner. Salaries are considerably above the national average and demand is high. The BLS projects that between 2022 and 2032, the number of nurse practitioner jobs will grow 38%.


Page Last Reviewed: October 10, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.


Related MSN Resources