The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

Jody Dugan, RN, BSN
By
Updated on December 9, 2024
Edited by
RN-to-MSN degree programs lead to a master's degree in nursing - and advanced roles, including nurse practitioner - without requiring a bachelor's degree.
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If you’re a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree in nursing(ADN) looking to advance your career by pursing a master of science in nursing (MSN), an RN-to-MSN program is a great option.

These specialized bridge programs allow you to bypass a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and streamline your path to a graduate-level nursing degree. We’ve identified and ranked the nation’s top RN-to-MSN programs to help you make the best 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 2025

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 2025

Northeastern University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$59,100
  • Out-of-state$59,100
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$26,715
  • Out-of-state$26,715
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate6%
  • Students Enrolled38,760
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

University of California-Los Angeles

  • Location-markerLos Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,478
  • Out-of-state$47,052
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$26,802
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate9%
  • Students Enrolled48,046
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

University of California-Irvine

  • Location-markerIrvine, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,522
  • Out-of-state$45,096
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$26,802
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate26%
  • Students Enrolled36,587
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

Emory University

  • Location-markerAtlanta, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$57,120
  • Out-of-state$57,120
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$45,800
  • Out-of-state$45,800
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate11%
  • Students Enrolled14,830
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment37%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

Fairfield University

  • Location-markerFairfield, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,630
  • Out-of-state$53,630
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,034
  • Out-of-state$20,034
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate45%
  • Students Enrolled6,289
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

University of Vermont

  • Location-markerBurlington, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$16,280
  • Out-of-state$41,280
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,204
  • Out-of-state$30,960
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled14,320
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

Saint Anthony College of Nursing

  • Location-markerRockford, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$26,368
  • Out-of-state$26,368
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,252
  • Out-of-state$18,252
  • Retention Rate100%
  • Acceptance Rate100%
  • Students Enrolled242
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment5%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

Saint Louis University

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$49,800
  • Out-of-state$49,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$22,500
  • Out-of-state$22,500
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled14,079
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment19%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

Montclair State University

  • Location-markerMontclair, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,755
  • Out-of-state$21,465
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,740
  • Out-of-state$13,740
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled22,570
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment54%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 The Best RN-to-MSN Programs (No BSN Required) of 2025

University of St Thomas

  • Location-markerHouston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$31,724
  • Out-of-state$31,724
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,934
  • Out-of-state$20,934
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled3,691
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes

Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is a review process where a third-party governing body evaluates a program or school. An agency validates that an RN-to-MSN program meets national quality standards and follows the industry’s best practices.

Choosing an accredited RN-to-MSN program is a crucial component to having a successful career trajectory. Attending a program that lacks accreditation puts you at an unnecessary risk for your valuable time, money, and resources. This guide lists only accredited programs.

While an unaccredited program may seem easier or cheaper, employers will only consider graduates from programs with accreditation. Attending an accredited program also ensures your eligibility for licensure. Credits from non-accredited curriculums rarely transfer to officially recognized programs.

Additionally, should you consider financial aid, federal grants and loans are only offered to accredited nursing schools and programs. So, enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program with accreditation is the most economical and efficient course.

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

Many factors can come into play in identifying the best RN-to-MSN program for you. Some considerations include your career goals, background, finances, learning style, and the program itself. Understanding a school’s admission requirements, academic reputation, specializations, and class format can help you decide.

Finding a program that offers the area of specialty you desire will require research. The most common nurse practitioner (NP) specialty is a family nurse practitioner (FNP). Other popular fields include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse administrator, clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse educator, informatics nurse, and psychiatric mental health NP (PMHNP).

Class format can vary depending on the school. RN-to-MSN programs offer flexible online options with accelerated or decelerated course choices to balance your education, work, and personal life.

You want the best value for your investment of time and money, so it’s important to explore all costs and financial options. Grants, loans, and scholarships can help you pay for school.

How Online RN-to-MSN Programs Work

A growing number of RN-to-MSN programs have online options. Depending on your circumstances and needs there are advantages and disadvantages to online courses.

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

However, remember that most MSN programs, including those with 100% online coursework, require hands-on clinical hours providing supervised patient care and learning in a skills lab.

Some schools will support finding clinical placements in your local area, while others may rely on the student to make the arrangements. Ensure that you can coordinate clinicals 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 master’s. Admission requirements may vary depending on the school. Make sure you are aware of the criteria for the program. Below are common materials:

  • ADN from an accredited institution (bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields are sometimes acceptable)
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Academic transcripts
  • Current, unencumbered RN license
  • At least one year of clinical nursing experience
  • Criminal background check and fingerprinting
  • Personal essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL or IELTS (English proficiency standardized tests for non-native English speakers)
  • Interview
  • GRE or MAT scores (requirement of some schools)

Prerequisite classes are key to ensure prospective MSN students have the foundational knowledge to gain a higher level of intellect. The following are the 7 most common prerequisites:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychology
  • Statistics

These courses are offered at community colleges and universities and can be taken online, including those with labs.

Paying for RN-to-MSN Programs

Earning an MSN is an excellent investment in your future, but like other investments, it can have a large price tag. It can be challenging for an RN-to-MSN student to pay for education with savings or current earnings.

There are plenty of organizations and institutions that understand the importance of the issue and have your back. They want to set you up for success.

Identifying available financial aid options can ease a lot of financial burden. Relief can be offered in the form of grants and scholarships. Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you do not have to pay these off.

Nursing student loans, on the other hand, must be paid back, often with interest. The federal government offers both subsidized and unsubsidized loans, while private institutions such as banks and credit unions offer private loans.

Loan forgiveness and consolidation programs are also offered to nursing students. Some nurse-specific loan forgiveness options include:

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?

In comparison to their peers with bachelor’s and associate degrees, nurses who hold an MSN benefit from a much higher earning potential. Master’s prepared nurses earn on average almost $30,000 more than ADNs.

Nurse Salary by Degree
Nursing DegreeAverage Annual Salary (2024)
MSN$104,000
BSN$96,000
ADN$78,000
PayScale

Most MSN graduates become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), functioning as an NP, CNS, or nurse midwife. However, other RN-to-MSN specialties exist, such as a nurse educator, nurse informaticist, or nurse administrator. Many nurse leadership positions require at least a master’s degree.

With mental health on the rise, PMHNPs are in great demand and the position offers a lucrative salary.

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.

While a nurse anesthetist is the highest paid nurse specialization, nurse practitioners (NPs) also earn a six-figure income and claim the #1 position in healthcare jobs in 2024.

Although PayScale reports the average annual MSN salary in 2024 is $104,000, the income varies according to specialty.

Nurse Salary by Specialty
Nurse SpecialtyAverage Salary (2024)
Nurse Anesthetist$184,020
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner$121,320
Nurse Midwife$107,740
Family Nurse Practitioner$105,350
Clinical Nurse Specialist$101,230
Nurse Administrator$96,540
Informatics Nurse$85,330
Nurse Educator$84,860
PayScale

Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-MSN Programs

Earning an MSN leads to substantial career growth, opening doors for RNs looking to advance a career into leadership, research, informatics, education, or advanced practice. Additionally, holding a master’s degree is a necessary step for nurses interested in furthering their profession to a doctorate.