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Compare Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

A Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree prepares students for advanced career opportunities in healthcare, nursing, and education. Licensed registered nurses (RNs) and undergraduates with a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) can take the next step in their careers as nurse educators or nurse practitioners, including family nurse practitioners (FNPs).

Completing an MSN program takes one and a half to three years, depending on your area of study and whether you enroll in a full-time or part-time program. For example, the BSN to MSN track requires 30 to 40 credits, and up to 84 credits are necessary for an RN to MSN degree track.

The average salary for a nurse educator is $84,380, and $128,490 for a nurse practitioner. In 2022, yearly tuition averaged $20,513. Tuition and fees vary between public, private, and online institutions.

How to Choose a Master of Science in Nursing Program

Choose your area of study

Nursing students have many specialties and career trajectories. Your area of study will influence your choice since degree offerings vary by school.

Most programs offer an MSN degree with varying nurse practitioner options, including:

  • Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
  • Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
  • Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  • Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) primary care
  • Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)

Some programs have specialties for advanced leadership or educator roles, such as:

  • Nurse educator (MSN-NE)
  • Nurse informatics
  • Public health nursing
  • Nurse leadership

Research schools and programs

Begin the application process by researching accredited institutions and programs. Accreditation can impact your financing, transfer credits, and the perceived validity of your education. Nursing programs receive accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accrediting bodies review institutions and programs to verify the quality of education.

Your research should include a tour of the campus and facilities. It’s a great way to understand the culture and how the school supports its students. Visit the school’s website and contact the program administrator for an appointment to discuss details like funding options and practicum assistance.

Prepare for tests and applications

To apply for an MSN degree program, you’ll need a BSN from a regionally accredited school, a hospital diploma or Associate of Science in nursing degree, and two years of full-time experience working as a registered nurse within the past five years. Some programs only accept RN licensure from approved states.

Other requirements of an application include:

  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal essays

Short-listed applicants may need to complete a post-application interview. The application process varies by school — contact the admissions counselor for the most accurate information.

Select your program

Before making your final selection, review your goals and needs. Add any new information that may have come up during the process, including employment or housing, full-time or part-time enrollment, and lifestyle changes that might impact your program choices.

Many MSN programs offer online study options. Consider whether synchronous or asynchronous online classes are a good fit.

Carefully review partnership practicum options. Some schools partner with clinics or hospitals and pair students with practicum programs.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see how much state, federal, and school financial aid you can receive. If you’re employed, ask your employer about a tuition reimbursement program. These programs are often performance-based and may involve a guaranteed employment term after graduation.

You can also explore potential grants and scholarships available through non-profit and community organizations. Review their values and principles to ensure they align with your goals.

Best 38 Accredited Master of Science in Nursing Degree Programs

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#1
Atlanta, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Emory University

Intelligent Score: 99.66
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $53,070

Out-of-state: $53,070

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $43,800

Out-of-state: $43,800

Test scores

SAT: 1380-1530

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
19%
On-campus students
13%
Graduation Rate
90%
Students enrolled
14,000
Student to faculty ratio
9:01
Average Salary
$66k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,082

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

60

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 404-727-7980

#2
Philadelphia, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 99.15
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $53,166

Out-of-state: $53,166

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $37,678

Out-of-state: $37,678

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1570

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
9%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$91k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$827 - $1,407

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

40-68

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 215-898-7507

#3
Baltimore, MD | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Johns Hopkins University

Intelligent Score: 97.05
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $54,160

Out-of-state: $54,160

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $57,010

Out-of-state: $57,010

Test scores

SAT: 1470-1560

ACT: 34-36

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
On-campus students
12%
Graduation Rate
94%
Students enrolled
29,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$68k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,881

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

72

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-955-4766

#4
Durham, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Duke University

Intelligent Score: 96.46
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $55,880

Out-of-state: $55,880

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $57,900

Out-of-state: $57,900

Test scores

SAT: 1470-1570

ACT: 34-35

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
8%
On-campus students
58%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
16,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$93k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,166

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

American Nurses Credentialing Center

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

42-49

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-684-3786

#5
Nashville, TN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Vanderbilt University

Intelligent Score: 95.56
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,781

Out-of-state: $52,781

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $50,082

Out-of-state: $50,082

Test scores

SAT: 1470-1570

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
12%
On-campus students
17%
Graduation Rate
93%
Students enrolled
14,000
Student to faculty ratio
8:01
Average Salary
$62k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,939

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 615-322-3800

#6
Columbus, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

The Ohio State University, College of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 94.96
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,615

Out-of-state: $32,599

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,560

Out-of-state: $11,560

Test scores

SAT: 1210-1430

ACT: 26-32

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
68%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
87%
Students enrolled
61,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $663 - $913

Non-Resident: $1,574 - $2,168

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

53-73

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 614-292-8900

#7
Ann Arbor, MI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Michigan

Intelligent Score: 94.06
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,520

Out-of-state: $53,669

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $24,344

Out-of-state: $24,344

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
26%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
93%
Students enrolled
48,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$56k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,711

Non-Resident: $3,291

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

49-55

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 734-763-5985

#8
Chapel Hill, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Intelligent Score: 93.56
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,019

Out-of-state: $34,198

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,552

Out-of-state: $10,552

Test scores

SAT: 1280-1490

ACT: 28-33

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
91%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,019

Non-Resident: $2,035

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Hyrid, Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

33-46

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-966-4260

#9
Tuscaloosa, AL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Intelligent Score: 92.58
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $30,250

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $10,780

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1330

ACT: 23-31

Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
38,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $595

Non-Resident: $1,461

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

40-56

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 205-975-7529

#10
New York, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 90.52
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,204

Out-of-state: $52,204

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $34,704

Out-of-state: $34,704

Test scores

SAT: 1370-1540

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
21%
On-campus students
11%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
53,000
Student to faculty ratio
8:01
Average Salary
$56k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,308

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

33-51

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 212-998-4500

#11
Cleveland, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Case Western Reserve University

Intelligent Score: 89.81
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,448

Out-of-state: $52,448

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $47,920

Out-of-state: $47,920

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
30%
On-campus students
91%
Graduation Rate
85%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$70k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,308

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

40

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 216-368-4700

#12
New Brunswick, NJ | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Rutgers University-Newark

Intelligent Score: 89.69
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $12,230

Out-of-state: $29,012

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $17,736

Out-of-state: $17,736

Test scores

SAT: 1180-1410

ACT: 25-32

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
67%
On-campus students
67%
Graduation Rate
84%
Students enrolled
50,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,040

Non-Resident: $1,523

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

37-50

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 973-353-1766

#13
Charlottesville, VA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Virginia

Intelligent Score: 87.71
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $15,772

Out-of-state: $49,819

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $17,076

Out-of-state: $17,076

Test scores

SAT: 1320-1510

ACT: 30-34

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
23%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
94%
Students enrolled
26,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$57k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $862

Non-Resident: $1,407

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

42-46

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 434-924-0141

#14
Champaign, IL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Illinois Chicago

Intelligent Score: 87.23
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $14,317

Out-of-state: $33,824

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $15,016

Out-of-state: $15,016

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1460

ACT: 27-33

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
86%
Students enrolled
53,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$52k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,116

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

34

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 312-996-7800

#15
Washington, DC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

The George Washington University

Intelligent Score: 85.75
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $55,961

Out-of-state: $55,961

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $31,770

Out-of-state: $31,770

Test scores

SAT: 1270-1450

ACT: 30-33

Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
43%
On-campus students
75%
Graduation Rate
85%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$59k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,450

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36-50

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 202-994-7901

#16
Austin, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

The University of Texas at Austin

Intelligent Score: 84.47
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $11,448

Out-of-state: $40,032

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $12,028

Out-of-state: $12,028

Test scores

SAT: 1210-1470

ACT: 26-33

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
32%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
50,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$52k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,418

Non-Resident: $2,035

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

48-49

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 512-471-7913

#17
Rochester, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of Rochester

Intelligent Score: 81.74
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,188

Out-of-state: $57,188

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $49,792

Out-of-state: $49,792

Test scores

SAT: 1330-1510

ACT: 30-34

Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
35%
On-campus students
18%
Graduation Rate
86%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
10:01
Average Salary
$49k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,740

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

45-58

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 585-275-6891

#18
Davis, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of California, Davis

Intelligent Score: 80.88
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $38,556

Out-of-state: $68,628

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $45,544

Out-of-state: $45,544

Test scores

SAT: 1150-1410

ACT: 24 - 31

Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
37%
On-campus students
79%
Graduation Rate
87%
Students enrolled
31,657
Student to faculty ratio
21-to-1
Average Salary
45,000
Average Student Debt
13,000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,044

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

58

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 530-752-0650

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How we rank schools

This list features some of the best Master of Science in nursing (MSN) programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by agencies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), both reputable organizations that assess nursing programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.

We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of MSN programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

What Can You Expect From a Master of Science in Nursing Program?

Students in an MSN program can expect to learn how to perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and plan and evaluate care for critically ill patients. Students with a specialty in nursing education will advance their teaching skills. For example, nurse informatics students will focus on technological applications that support and shape healthcare and health information. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students will continue to advance their healthcare knowledge, focusing on neuroscience, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology.

In addition to their coursework, students should plan for a minimum of 500 hours of practicum work, direct care hours, clinical hours, teaching experience, or practice in a leadership role in a healthcare facility, depending on their area of study.

Potential courses you’ll take in an MSN degree program

  • Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology. This course teaches nurse informatics as a competency and a specialty. Students learn how informatics improves healthcare outcomes in organizations, consumer health settings, and public health.
  • Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership. This course teaches theory-based leadership competencies to create organizational cultures that achieve quality patient outcomes. Students also examine evidence-based strategies for building collaborative interprofessional teams and healthy work environments.
  • Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health. This course explores the policy process’s impact on healthcare cost, quality, delivery, and access. Students study healthcare issues on state and federal agendas and analyze the governmental response through regulation and legislation.
  • Advanced Pharmacology. This course focuses on pharmacotherapeutics through the lens of clinical decision-making by practical nurses. Students examine laws surrounding prescriptive authority and decisions relating to safety, quality, outcomes, and costs.
  • Quality and Safety in Population Health. Students examine theoretical frameworks for population health and improvement. The course explores the impact of community-based health and risk mitigation strategies and equitable health policies to support equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to an MSN degree program?

Most institutions and programs use an online application system. Schools usually require your official transcripts to come directly from the issuing institution, but some may accept copies during the initial application process. Speak with an admissions counselor to ensure you have the correct materials before submitting your application.

Be prepared to submit up to three letters of recommendation and a personal essay. The essay should outline your academic and work achievements, what makes you a good candidate for their program or school, and how it supports your career goals.

How much does an MSN degree cost?

The average tuition cost for an MSN degree program is $20,513. Tuition costs vary between private, public, in-state, and out-of-state institutions. In addition to tuition, you can expect to pay for a clinical course fee, uniforms, specialty tools related to healthcare, texts, and course materials. You can also include housing, transportation, meals, and personal expenses.

How long does it take to earn an MSN degree?

There are two primary track options for master’s in nursing students: BSN to MSN and RN to MSN. The RN to MSN tracks are more intensive and require more credits for graduation.

The credit requirements vary significantly, ranging from 30 to 80, depending on the program and your previous education. Typically, it takes 18 months to three years to complete an MSN degree program with full-time enrollment. There are fast-track online options that can shorten the study time, but practicum and clinical hours will take one to two semesters to complete.

Read More about Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degrees

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