Schools With Nursing Programs in New York
Credit: ANDREY DENISYUK / Moment / Getty ImagesNurses in New York earn some of the highest salaries in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Registered nurses (RNs) in the state make an average of $110,490, while nurse practitioners (NP) earn $148,410.
Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) in the state can be a financially beneficial decision. Keep reading to learn about some of the top nursing master’s programs in New York.
Learn about the best New York RN-to-MSN programs and some key factors to consider when choosing one.
Learn More About the Best New York RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester has grown into a nationally recognized research institution, serving over 12,000 students in 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The school of nursing, recognized as a leader in nursing education, research, and practice, offers one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York. Specialization options include nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse leadership.
Designed for working RNs, the program features a blended course format and on-site clinical experiences at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
- Program: RN to BS to MS program
- Campus: Rochester
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,740 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing; current New York RN license; minimum one year nursing experience; minimum 3.0 GPA; statistics course with a grade of C or above
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months; depends on number of credits accepted
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 80.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,073 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$57,188
- Out-of-state$57,188
- In-State$49,792
- Out-of-state$49,792
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled11,741
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Upstate Medical University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Affiliated with the State University of New York System, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse enrolls over 1,500 students in four academic divisions, including a school of nursing. Currently, the adult geriatric nurse practitioner (AGNP) program is the only master's-level option for RNs who hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
The AGNP program prepares graduates to work with patients 18 and older in leadership, consulting, education, and research roles. The hybrid curriculum, comprising both face-to-face and online coursework, accommodates full- and part-time plans of study.
- Program: Adult geriatric nurse practitioner
- Campus: Syracuse
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $963 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing, current New York RN license; minimum one year nursing experience; minimum 3.0 GPA; basic health assessment or statistics course; current CPR certification
- Minimum Time Commitment: 17 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,964 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,528
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Le Moyne College
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Operating for over 75 years in Syracuse, New York, LeMoyne College is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S., and the first to open as a coeducational institution. Guided by Catholic and Jesuit values to serve diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations, the family nurse practitioner program maintains a commitment to training competent and compassionate clinicians.
Accommodating the needs of bachelor's-prepared RNs, the 45-credit program offers options for full- and part-time plans of study.
- Program: Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Syracuse
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,025 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; three letters of recommendation; resume, official college transcripts; personal statement; current New York RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,943 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$34,910
- Out-of-state$34,910
- In-State$16,884
- Out-of-state$16,884
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled3,409
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in New York, 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. This list was developed prior to 2025.
How Do New York RN-to-MSN Programs Work?
RNs in New York with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and clinical experience can apply to an RN-to-MSN program. This accelerated bridge program provides a path for RNs to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and MSN simultaneously in as few as two years.
The fast-paced RN-to-MSN curriculum suits students who want to earn their BSN and MSN as quickly as possible. To help provide some flexibility, many programs in New York allow students to enroll on a full or part-time basis and offer on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats.
Applying to an RN-to-MSN Program in New York
Before applying to an RN-to-MSN program in New York, make sure you meet the requirements necessary for acceptance. Check that the program offers your chosen specialization and a format that works best for your learning style.
While specific prerequisites may vary, many programs accept applicants who meet the following general requirements. Contact your program admissions department or the New York State Board of Nursing for additional information.
ADN from an accredited program- Active and unencumbered New York RN license
- Transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- One year of clinical experience as an RN
- 3.0 GPA or higher
Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
All of the programs on our list are accredited. Attending an accredited nursing program provides benefits for prospective nurses, employers, and patients by demonstrating that the program meets quality standards and that the school successfully prepares nurses.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the main accreditors for RN-to-MSN programs. There are several important reasons why choosing an accredited program is important:
- Students in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Accredited programs typically do not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program.
- Doctoral nursing programs often require applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.
- Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-MSN Programs in New York
Yes, you can bridge from RN to the MSN degree. Nursing bridge programs enable registered nurses to earn their MSN in as little as two years.
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