Best RN to MSN Online Programs in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

Working RNs, have you considered obtaining your MSN but been daunted by the financial challenge, time investment, or fitting a new degree into your busy schedule? These top 50 MSN programs will help you excel in the next phase of your nursing career. The demand for MSN’s is strong and growing at a rapid pace – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is expected to rise by 31%. The current median pay is $110,930 per year and there are lots of opportunities in grants and scholarships to help fund your continued education.

We’ve done the work in sorting through graduate programs for you, examining nursing programs nationwide to find the schools offering the best combination flexibility, affordability, path options, testing scores, research opportunities, reputation, and more. Without further ado, please read on for the best RN to MSN online programs and, when you are ready, contact the school that suits your needs to get started on your next big career move.

The Best RN to BSN Online Programs

1. Ball State University

With an impressive litany of awards, including recognition as a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing, Ball State works hard to earn top marks. They boast a 93% career placement for their graduates. Nurses learn in simulated real-world situations in environments that mimic what nurses will encounter on the job.  They offer concentrations in Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Family Nurse Practitioner available fully online.

• NCLEX-RN: 94.1%
• Length: 36-47 credits and a 180-hour practicum in student’s area.
• Requirements: RN license, 3.0 GPA, a BSN in a CCNE/ACEN or an ADN from an NNAC/ACEN program and a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field.
• Tuition: In-state – $410/credit. Out-of-state – $1,129/credit
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Gonzaga University boasts over 30 years of experience providing high-quality nursing education at a distance with over 5,096 online alumni and 1,900 online graduates since 2004. They prepare MSNs for careers as a clinical manager, medical director, director of nursing, health director, or care management coordinator. In 2017, 93% of students who graduated from Gonzaga were employed or in graduate school.

• NCLEX-RN: 93.51%
• Length: 180 practicum undergraduate hours, 360 practicum graduate hours. A 2-day on-campus immersion in the last practicum. Typically, 3 years to completion.
• Requirements: RN license, AS/BSN in Nursing from a CCNE/ACEN program, 3.0 GPA.
• Tuition: $955/graduate credit. $750/undergraduate credit. A 10% discount is available to active duty military, their spouses, and veterans.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Recognized by U.S. News in 2018 as one of the best online Grad Nursing programs, U. of Cincinnati offers an array of programs for working nurses looking to upgrade their career. They offer flexible schedules and six start dates to assist working nurses. Their iCoN program was recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2016-2017, which is granted to schools who demonstrate innovation, leadership, educational excellence, and a clear vision for exemplary learning environments.

• NCLEX-RN: 82%
• Length: 2 years with full-time status, part-time available.
• Requirements: RN license, a BSN from an accredited school.
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduates:
    • $5,538 full-time/term, $488 part-time/credit for residents
      • $6,018 full-time/term or $503 part-time/credit for non-residents
  • Graduates:
    • $7,707.25 full-time/term, $758 part-time/credit residents
    • $13,578.25 full-time/term. $1,35.00 part-time/credit for non-residents.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

The University of Arizona provides a 100% online environment that’s flexible to allow working nurses to advance their careers. That’s part of why they earned a spot in the top 50 of U.S. News Best Grad Schools for an MSN in 2018. They offer a program in Clinical Systems Leadership. Initially founded in 1957, U. of Arizona’s College of Nursing has seen phenomenal growth. They are home to a highly skilled faculty and over 50 distinguished national nursing fellows and 40 members of the Sigma Theta Tau honor. Nurses will find a community here dedicated to excellence.

• NCLEX-RN: 91.18%
• Length: RN’s with an ADN can complete in 24 months, with a BSN, 15 months.
• Requirements: RN license, ADN or BSN from an accredited school, 3.0 GPA, 1 (BSN) to 2 (ADN) years of RN experience
• Tuition: $800/credit
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

OSU boasts a #1 ranking from US News and World Report’s 2018 list of the Best Online Programs. They earned it with a strong focus on innovative programs that account for the rapid change in health care, a focus on sustainable learning, and flexibility for working nurses. Among the first to be approved by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Nursing in 1938, they’ve been teaching nurses for over a hundred years.

• NCLEX-RN: 90%
• Length:120 semester hours, typically completed in one year.
• Requirements: ADN or diploma from an accredited institution, 2.75 GPA, RN license by the start of the 2nd semester.
• Tuition:
  • Undergrads:
    • $523.30/credit for residents
    • $1,357.30/credit for non-residents.
  • Graduates:
    • $995.30/credit for residents
    • $2,401.80/credit for non-residents.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

NMC offers a choice between Nurse Educator, Executive, and Informatics. Their affiliation with the Methodist Health System grants access to one of the largest health systems in the Midwest, with hands-on opportunities during clinical rotations and job networking for graduates of their programs. Providing medical training since 1891, NMC is committed to instilling in and providing a holistic culture for its students and staff. In 2017, they earned awards from multiple organizations noting their high NCLEX pass rates, flexible online nursing programs, and more.

• NCLEX-RN: 96.92%
• Length: May be completed in 30 months
• Requirements: RN license, Diploma or ADN, 3.0 GPA
• Tuition: $719/credit, bridge courses are $308
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Ranked #1 accredited graduate nursing school in the nation according to U.S. News and a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing, Johns Hopkins University is renowned for their nursing program. JHU’s commitment to diversity shows with 31% of students and 27% of faculty are a racial or ethnic minority. Their prowess has netted them $35.9 million in sponsored research projects, the highest for any nursing school, in 2016. They offer MSN degrees in Health Systems Management and Public Health Nursing.

• NCLEX-RN: 100%
• Length: 35 credits, 376 clinical hours
• Requirements: RN license, goal statement, current resume/CV, 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, 3.0 GPA, BSN from an accredited institution.
• Tuition: $45,942 full-time tuition/year. $1,639/credit full-time.
• Accreditation: CCNE & Middle States Commission on Higher Education

 

Frontier has spent 80 years teaching nursing and midwifery, much of it focused on providing care to underserved and rural communities for women and families. 96% of FNU’s faculty are either certified nurse-midwives or NPs with hands-on experience to match the curriculum. The MSN program has tracks for nurse-midwifery, family nurse practitioner, women’s health care nurse, or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Their fully online MSN program allows direct entry into their DNP program with only an additional 19 credit hours to complete once the MSN is obtained. A few on-campus visits to Kentucky are required, once for a new student orientation, and again for a 5-day clinical intensive, but the practicum hours are completed in the student’s local community.

• Certification Pass Rate: 98%
• Length: 59-64 credits, depending on the degree
• Requirements: RN with education from CCNE or ACEN school, 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience.
• Tuition: $34,220 – $37,120 total, depending on degree
• Accreditation: ACME and ACEN

 

Seton Hall University offers an RN-to-MSN bridge program that allows ADN-holding nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to accelerate their educational development toward careers as nurse practitioners or nurse administrators. College of Nursing students spend their time at Seton Hall’s Interprofessional Sciences Campus in Nutley, New Jersey. This integrated and interprofessional environment allows for a unique and innovative team-based approach to medical education. This gives a large advantage to our student’s ability to work collaboratively, improve patient care and be better prepared for entering the healthcare profession.

• Length: RN-BSN includes prerequisites and two bridge courses (11 credits). MSN length varies by program.
• Requirements: RN license, AS or AAS in nursing and a non-nursing baccalaureate degree.
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate: $1,315/credit
  • Graduate: $1,336/credit
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

A Jesuit institution, Regis has a commitment to providing a global, personal, and flexible nursing education. They offer a rigorous academic program focused on the forefront of medical evolution to prepare nurses for care at home and abroad. The faculty provides nurturing mentorship to foster students who become healthcare leaders. A choice of a wholly online or blended format that can be done during evenings and weekends allows working nurses to advance careers without losing income. They attracted 11,411 online students and over $190 million in grants, scholarships, loans, and stipends for the 2016-2017 school year. Their RN to MSN program is available in an education or management focus.

• NCLEX-RN: 100%
• Length: 24-36 months
• Requirements: 2.75 GPA, RN license, AND or diploma, 2 years as an RN
• Tuition: $535 summer, $560 fall/credit for BSN, $640/$670 for graduate
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Fort Hays, founded in 1902 on a beautiful 200-acre campus, offers two main tracks for their flexible, wholly online RN to MSN programs – nursing education or nursing administration. They provide three optional start dates for prospective MSN, and the programs can be completed in as little as three semesters. The first doctoral program in the university is the DNP – focused on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) who are prepared to assume leadership roles in their careers.

• NCLEX-RN: 98%
• Length: As little as 3 semesters
• Requirements:  RN license, 2.5 GPA, official transcripts, a clear background check.
• Tuition: Rates vary each year. For Fall 2018 online enrollees will pay $218.67/credit for undergrad classes and $287.75/credit for graduate classes.
• Accreditation:  Higher Learning Commission, CCNE

 

Clarkson College offers an exciting, fully customizable advanced curriculum for their graduate-level RN to MSN students. Once the core curriculum is met, students embark on a challenging educational journey that capstones in an evidence-based research project. After completion of the MSN, nursing students can take on an additional 21-29 credit hours of specialty coursework to focus on Health Care Administration, Education, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, or Family NP. In addition, they offer a grant which reduces tuition and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program for financial assistance.

• NCLEX-RN:  95.62%
• Length:  plus 21-29 credits if students choose a specialty focus.
• Requirements:  Transcript, essay, professional references, resume/CV
• Tuition: Nursing Workforce Educational Grant for RN to MSN – $300/credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, ACEN, MSN – Nurse Anesthesia COA

 

Transfer up to 90 credits to leverage your existing knowledge at Wilmington University, plus enjoy a flexible RN to BSN program that adapts to the needs of the nursing student and includes classes that count towards their MSN. RNs can learn online, in-person, or in a blended format at any of the five locations. MSN tracks include nurse practitioner and nurse leadership options. WilmU offers discounts for military students and has an impressive 17:1 student-teacher ratio.

• Length:  15 courses, 18 months to complete BSN. 600 clinical hours, 32 months for MSN NP.
• Requirements: RN license, official transcripts, an ADN or diploma in nursing.
• Tuition: $372/credit for online undergraduates. $250/credit for online active duty military undergraduates. $477/credit for online graduates. $300/credit for online active duty military graduates.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Founded in 1898 as a school for nurses, UC Nursing gained autonomy as its own school in 1949 and began offering nursing PhDs in 1979. With over a hundred years of educating nurses under their belt, it’s no surprise that they offer an impressive 9 specialties – of which five include CU-UNITE (urban underserved) track. They participate in WICHE funding, which means students who reside in western states are eligible for in-state tuition rates.

• NCLEX-RN: 97.46%
• Requirements: 3.0 GPA, BSN, CV/Resume, 3 letters of recommendation, RN license, interview, transcripts.
• Tuition: UCN offers an array of tuition options based on availability of their reduced-cost programs, please contact the school to determine what your rates would be.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

MSU currently has over 6,000 nurses practicing around the globe. MSU remains committed to staying at the forefront of science and offer rigorous academic programs for prospective nurses. Their BOTT Building received silver LEED certification – an award granted for sustainable design. Seamless pathways are available for MSN to NDP for students interested in continuing past their MSN. They offer specialty MSN tracks in AG Clinical Nurse Specialist with Nurse Education concentration, NP, and Nurse Anesthesia concentration. For RNs, they offer an accelerated online program flexible enough to help them achieve a BSN around their schedule and in less time.

• NCLEX-RN: 97%
• Length: RN-BSN: 5 semesters. BSN-MSN: Varies based on program selection.
• Requirements: RN-BSN: A diploma in nursing or ADN with a 2.75 GPA. RN license. 2.0 grade or higher for each science prereq. Two references, resume, and essay. BSN-MSN: Varies based on program selection.
• Tuition: Rates change each year.  In Fall 2018, tuition for a full-time resident undergraduate is $15,646 annually and $13,600 for a full-time resident graduate.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Ranked among the top nursing grad schools in 2019 by U.S. News, Florida State offers an accelerated, wholly online MSN program to help prepare nurses to fill the national shortage. They offer a Nurse Leader Program, which helps nurses advance towards a career as a nurse manager, quality and outcome specialist, care manager, project manager, or direct care clinician/specialist. In addition, they offer a Veterans BSN program to help leverage the skills and experience veterans develop through service into service to their communities at home.

• NCLEX-RN: 100%
• Length: 32 semester hours, 315 clinical hours. All courses online.
• Requirements: Applications are accepted once a year, contact FSU CON to verify current requirements.
• Tuition: Financial support may be available after 6 program hours.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

OHSU offers RNs three focus tracks for their MSN program – Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, and Adult-Gerontological Nursing. They are linked to the Oregon Consortium Nursing Education, a nationally recognized curriculum to help train undergraduates. Students will complete most classwork online with some face-to-face intensives for specific courses. OHSU has five campuses across Oregon and celebrated 100 years of nurse training in 2011.

• NCLEX-RN: 90.05%
• Length: Full or part-time available, coursework is tailored and time to complete can vary.
• Requirements: Contact Admissions to get updated information.
• Tuition: Cost varies based on program and residency, but all are comparatively affordable, ranging from $33,636 to $42,816 total program cost.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, CCNE

 

USI’s nursing school offers wholly online MSN in seven specialties. Three are in adult-gerontology: primary care NP, acute care NP, and clinical nurse specialist.  Acute Care, Clinical Nurse Specialist.  USI has students from 28 states and 6 countries enrolled in their healthcare programs. They offer three student organizations for nurses – the USI Nursing Alumni Society, the Association of Nursing Students, and Omicron Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau to aid in support, mentorship, and professional networking.

• NCLEX-RN: 98%
• Length: Credit length varies by program.
• Requirements: A BSN, 3.0 GPA, RN license, recommended one-year full-time clinical experience, $40 application fee, transcripts, resume/CV, personal statement, two references.
• Tuition: Undergrad: $297/credit in-state, $297/credit out-of-state. Grad: $385/credit in state, $754.32/credit out-of-state.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Penn Nursing is a prestigious nursing school, the first nursing doctorate in the Ivy League and named the number one nursing school in the world for 3 years in a row. Learn from world-renown faculty publishing cutting-edge research in 12 rigorous MSN programs that take full advantage of tech to simulate challenging real-world situations and experience the best hands-on clinical experience with hospital partners including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

• NCLEX-RN: 95.45%
• Length: Time will vary based on student needs. An accelerated program is available and students may attend part- or full-time.
• Requirements: $80 non-refundable fee, an online application, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, essay, active RN license, interview. Some programs require additional state-specified requirements.
• Tuition: Based on part-time or full-time attendance and how many credits are required for completion. Ranges from $70,320 to $215,420.
• Accreditation: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, ACEN, and CCNE.

 

Offering a wide assortment of pathways for RN to MSN, including Clinical Nurse Leader, Clinical Trials Research, Innovation and Intra/Entrepreneurship in Advanced Nursing Practice, Leadership in Health Systems Management, Nursing Education, and Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare, Drexel easily earned a spot on our list. They also put real meat behind their support for soldiers – veterans can attend Drexel tuition-free through the Yellow Ribbon program and active duty service members and their immediate families are eligible for a discounted tuition. The Digital Dragon community is global and engaged, they offer 24/7 support for online students and a variety of networking opportunities.

• NCLEX-RN: 98%
• Length: Varies by program, with incentives for those who complete coursework in a set period of time
• Requirements: Varies by program
• Tuition: $968/credit
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

The Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine has been creating nurses, doctors, and specialists for over 50 years with a focus on helping underrepresented demographics break into the field, earning recognition as a Historically Black Graduate Institution by the Department of Education. The school offers an accelerated RN-to-BSN track with the option to progress into a Masters as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Nurse.

• NCLEX-RN: 84.6%
• Length: 36 credits for RN-to-BSN, 51 credits for MSN
• Requirements: ADN with 2.5 GPA, current valid RN license, one letter of recommendation, physical exam, malpractice insurance
• Tuition: $578 per unit or $5,000 for three terms
• Accreditation: CCNE and California Board of Registered Nurses

 

The Keigwin School of Nursing at Jacksonville University offers specialty tracks in their RN-MSN program for Clinical Nurse Educator, Curriculum Development in Nursing, or Informatics. Six sessions, 8-week courses, no mandatory logins all means nurses get a highly flexible program that can fit your schedule. Military support makes it a great option for nurses overseas, with a tuition discount for all U.S. military, veterans, and their immediate family. That’s likely why they’ve attracted students from 48 states and 47 countries.

• NCLEX-RN: 100%
• Length: 141-155 credits
• Requirements: RN license, application, transcripts, AND or nursing diploma with a 3.0 GPA, GRE of 290+ (can be waived), 3 letters of recommendation, resume/CV, statement of intent
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $315/credit, out-of-state: $400, $200 for general education courses.
  • Military: $250, $180 for general education courses.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Quinnipiac offers a highly affordable, flexible RN-MSN in Operational Leadership designed for working nurses and can be completed wholly online. A Military Friendly school, QU was recognized in 2017 as the 5^th best college for veterans in the north by U.S. News and the 13^th best for vets by Military Times. It offers a 10% discount to tuition for all active duty, veterans, and their spouses. Their impressive 325,000 square foot facility is designed to encourage collaborative learning and features a pediatric lab and model apartment for practice in diverse settings.

• NCLEX-RN: 97%
• Length: 2 years RN – MSN completion at minimum.
• Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, resume/CV, transcripts, 3.0 GPA, personal statement, and RN license.
• Tuition: Undergraduate courses: $550. Graduate courses: $710
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

CSU Stanislaus is an exceptional nursing program ranked #1 in the state of California and offers a highly diverse campus with over three-quarters of the student body coming from ethnic or racial minority backgrounds. They offer an on-campus or online RN-BSN program with the option to move into an MSN with three concentration choices – Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, or Gerontological Nursing. Their online program offers 24/7 access to course materials and utilizes the Blackboard platform.

• NCLEX-RN:  98.53%
• Length: RN-BSN portion takes 1 year, 10-week sessions. Available online or in-person. MSN portion is in-person only, part-time only, in 6 semesters.
• Requirements: RN-BSN requires California RN license, 2.75 GPA, ADN or diploma in nursing. MSN admission requires 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Tuition: RN-BSN total tuition $19,220.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

The UD College of Nursing offers a 100% online RN to BSN program and guaranteed course capacity, which means they adjust rather than force nursing students to wait for open spots in necessary classes. They work with all major hospitals in the area, meaning hands-on experience in a wide variety of environments and specialties. UD has offered distance learning courses since 1993 and offers a retrievable, full-text article online library. Graduates achieve an MSN in Health Systems Leadership and classes are both online and hybrid and prepares for a CCNE/AONE Executive Nursing Practice Certificate after 2 years of experience in executive nurse practice.

• NCLEX-RN: 87.65%
• Length: 120 credits to BSN. 39 to MSN.
• Requirements: RN-BSN: 2.5 GPA, RN license. BSN-MSN: RN license, transcripts, 3.0 GPA.
• Tuition: Undergraduate: $604. Graduate: $1,827.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

WCU offers a convenient, accelerated online RN to MSN program designed to prepare nursing students for teaching opportunities. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and veterans with military healthcare training may gain experience credit. They offer affordable tuition with available grants to lower the expense further. Students in California and Texas can take advantage of the advanced simulation centers to elevate their education through smart technology.

• NCLEX-RN: 91.4%
• Length: 24 months
• Requirements: RN license, official transcripts, ADN or nursing diploma, 3.0 GPA, one year of direct nursing experience in the last five preferred.
• Tuition: $34,585 total estimated tuition including required fees.
• Accreditation: CCNE, WASC Senior College and University Commission

 

Awarded by U.S. News as the best Nursing Master’s Degree and the best Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree for 2019, UM Ann Arbor challenges its nursing students to excel with top-notch faculty and a curriculum that’s at the forefront of medical science. They provide a wide range of specialty concentrations for the advanced clinical path, including acute pediatric care NP, adult-gerontology acute or primary care NP, primary care family or pediatric NP, nurse-midwifery, and two combined programs that incorporate nurse midwifery with either family NP or primary care NP. They also offer options for the MSN that includes a post-masters DNP and prepares for a focus in health informatics, leadership, and population health.

• NCLEX-RN: 97%
• Length: 500 hours of residency required, typically split into 250 hours per term over two terms. 3-4 year completion.
• Requirements: BSN completed or close to completion with a 3.0 GPA. Official transcripts, personal statement, resume/CV, references, GRA of 3.25 or higher, and an interview.
• Tuition: Tuition varies based on residency status, number of credits completed towards program, and course level. Please review with the Office of the Registrar for updated details.
• Accreditation: CCNE, ACME, Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

 

A leader in nursing education for over a hundred years, Vanderbilt has spent its history looking for innovative approaches to educating nurses to transform them into leaders in their field. They are ranked the #14 graduate school of nursing by U.S. News and boast a graduate employment rate of 96.5%. They offer plenty of specialty tracks, including several dual focus programs, that cover midwifery, psychiatric care, pediatric care, gerontological care, informatics, leadership, emergency, and family practice.

• NCLEX-RN:  97%
• Length: 120 hours of transferable prerequisite courses. One year of PreSpecialty which may be completed remotely. The remainder varies by specialty.
• Requirements: 3.0 GPA, three letters of professional reference, four application questions, prerequisite courses based on prior education and experience, RN’s must have a license and ACEN/CCNE-accredited education.
• Tuition: $1,556/credit.
• Accreditation: CCNE, ACME

 

Women’s health, family health, neonatal health, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology health primary care NP,  as well as nurse midwifery,  are all available MSN specialty tracks in the comprehensive catalog at Stony Brook University’s School of Nursing. Also available are MSN programs for nursing education and nursing leadership. Full and part-time programs are available. Nursing students can obtain clinical hours in the Stony Brook University Medical Center, the only level 1 trauma center in the region with 560 beds.

• NCLEX-RN: 82.4%
• Length: Varies based on specialty selected and prior, transferable education.
• Requirements: 3.0 GPA, 1-year minimum clinical experience, required coursework with a C or better average, RN license, personal statement, transcripts, three letters of recommendation.
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate tuition and fees: $422.67/credit in-state. $1,159.67 out-of-state.
  • Graduate tuition and fees: $77.30 credit in-state. $1,059.30 out-of-state.
• Accreditation: CCNE, ACME

 

Allen College has been preparing nurses for the field for over 90 years, and about 87% of its student body is currently enrolled in a nursing program. They offer an RN to BSN program online, full or part-time, for nurses who’ve not yet completed their BSN. Their MSN program features 8 specialty tracks: Leadership in Healthcare Diversity, Nursing Education, Community/Public Health Nursing, FNP, AGACNP, PMI-INP, Community/Public Health Nursing & FNP, and Leadership in Health Information Technology. They have a seamless transition to their DNP program via early entry DNP for nurses who want to continue their education. Several nursing specialties qualify for a 25% tuition discount.

• NCLEX-RN: 96.12%
• Length: Varies based on specialty.
• Requirements: RN to BSN: 2.5 GPA, Iowa RN license. MSN: Varies based on specialty.
• Tuition:
  • Undergraduate: $618/credit.
  • Graduate: $837/credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CCNE

 

Duke was rated the #2 overall best graduate school for nursing in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report. Duke offers nursing students exciting opportunities to participate in on-going research at the forefront of medical science. They have 16 active grants awarded by the NIH and researchers in 2016 received almost $33 million in research grants. Their research focuses on clinical innovation, population health and chronic illness, precision health, and methods and analysis. The core classes for the MSN are fully online.

• NCLEX-RN: 97%
• Length: 12 core credits – all available online with zero on-campus requirements. 42-49 additional Major credits, depending on program. 11 clinical credit hours for APRN majors.
• Requirements: Transcripts, personal statement, three professional recommendations, resume/CV, GRE scores (waived if GPA was 3.4 or higher). Additional requirements may be necessary for particular programs.
• Tuition: Average tuition rate for a fully enrolled MSN student per semester is $10,614.
• Accreditation: CCNE and most states. NY is pending authorization. Alabama, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Wyoming are not authorized.

 

Deeply affordable and highly flexible, Thomas Edison’s RN-BSN/MSN program allows nursing students to apply at any point in the year and remain in the self-paced, online program as long as they complete 3 credits per 12-month time frame. That flexibility makes it a stellar option for busy working nurses and the low tuition rates, even for out-of-state and graduate courses, makes it accessible at any budget. They offer MSN tracks in Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Administration.

• NCLEX-RN: 100%
• Length: RN-BSN averages 2 years, BSN-MSN averages 18 months.
• Requirements: RN license, graduate of accredited diploma of nursing or ADN program, official transcripts, 2 years of nursing experience strongly recommended for MSN applicants
• Tuition: Undergraduates in-state: $440, Undergraduates out-of-state: $538. Graduate courses: $688
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

The University of Washington is renowned for its research and academic excellence. Graduate nursing students have access to the UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, plus five research and training centers. They offer an accelerated BSN and MSN focused on Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies. With low tuition and lots of scholarship and grant opportunities for incoming nursing students, they are a top choice for budget-conscious nursing students that don’t want to sacrifice quality.

• Length: ABSN: 4 quarters, 1 year (autumn to summer) MSN: 15-month minimum, full time. 2 years, part-time. Wholly online.
• Requirements:  ABSN: Minimum of 100 hours of health care experience, 2.8 GPA, prerequisite courses. Non-nursing Bachelors. MSN: One year of health care delivery experience. In process or earned bachelors from any background. 3.0 GPA. Prerequisite courses completed.
• Tuition: $642/credit
• Accreditation: ACME, CCNE

 

Robert Morris, named after a financier of the civil war, offers a fully online RN-MSN program that boasts an impressive 95% career placement post-graduation rate. The school is military friendly, participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program that provides veteran benefits and tuition assistance. That’s part of why they were ranked 19^th best online bachelor’s program for veterans by U.S. News.

• NCLEX-RN: 96.05%
• Length: 37 credits.
• Requirements: Requirements vary by program, please contact admissions for an updated list of requirements.
• Tuition: Online RN-BSN: $595/credit. Online BSN-MSN: $645/credit.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Ranked #8 in affordability and the best online program in 2018 by U.S. News, West Texas A&M makes it easy for nurses to advance their careers. In-state residents are eligible for a significant discount on tuition for the RN-BSN courses, and out-of-state residents are also eligible for a discount. The accelerated RN-MSN program is shorter, wholly online, and flexible enough to accomplish around a working RN’s schedule. Completion of the program grants dual degrees: a BSN and an MSN.

• NCLEX-RN: 96.54%
• Length: 12-month completion at full-time, 2 years at part-time.
• Requirements: RN license or receive it within three months of graduation from ADN or nursing diploma program. Completion of criminal background and proof of immunization.
• Tuition: Discounts available for both in-state and out-of-state RN to MSN students. Please review for full details, as Texas has regulations governing tuition rates.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

GWU offers a highly flexible RN to MSN program that is primarily online and available for part-time attendance. Students undergo academically rigorous concentrations in AGPCNP, FNP, and Nurse-Midwifery. Some on-campus time is required and varies by concentration, as do the clinical requirements. There are two campuses, one in the tech-hub of Ashburn, Virginia which grants access to cutting-edge medical technology and one in the heart of DC, granting access to vital world health organizations and the resources and opportunities they provide.

• NCLEX-RN: 92%
• Length: 15-months to BSN, 2 years to MSN.
• Requirements: ADN, 3.0 GPA, RN license, current CPR certification, prerequisite coursework.
• Tuition: Yellow Ribbon program means reduced costs for veterans and fixed rates are available. Online RN-BSN portion is $640/credit. Graduate level $1,340/credit.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Sacred Heart has earned membership as a College of Distinction and was ranked by U.S. News as among the best in the north and one of the best colleges for veterans for three years running. They offer an RN-BSN/MSN program which accelerates the graduation rate and offers some graduate level courses at a reduced undergraduate tuition. Their MSN tracks are in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management & Executive Leadership

• NCLEX-RN: 95%
• Length: Condensed, accelerated format.
• Requirements: Contact Sacred Heart for updated information.
• Tuition: Contact Sacred Heart for updated information.
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

UArk offers an online RN to BSN program ranked among the best online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News and designed to be flexible enough to fit into the lives of working nurses. Their MSN is also available online, full or part-time, and can be completed full time in 4 semesters with local clinical hours. Tuition rates at UArk are highly affordable, making them a highly attractive option for nurses looking for a quality education that won’t break the bank.

• NCLEX-RN: 95%
• Length: 30 credits to BSN, 39/42 to MSN.
• Requirements: MSN: BSN, 3.0 GPA on last 60 credit hours, RN license, GRE scores, interview
• Tuition:
  • RN-BSN: $290.94
  • MSN: $560
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies at Monmouth University has everything that an RN needs to advance their career. While students who take the RN-to-MSN path online won’t get as many chances to enjoy it, the school is situated in a perfect location just a short drive away from New York City, Philadelphia, and the Atlantic Ocean all at the same time.

• NCLEX-RN: Not available
• Length: 30 undergraduate and 36 to 48 graduate credits
• Requirements: RN license, 1-year clinical experience, two letters of recommendation, background check, physical exam
• Tuition: $18,719 for 12-18 credit undergraduate semesters, $1,187 per graduate credit
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

James Madison University teaches over 20,000 at the Harrisburg, VA campus and around the country through their online courses. The available Master’s specializations include midwifery and psychiatric care, rare finds for those interested in pursuing those career paths. No direct RN-to-MSN track is available, so first apply for the RN-to-BSN track then put in for the MSN as you approach graduation.

• NCLEX-RN: 94%
• Length: 30 credits for RN-to-BSN, 32 to 51 credits for MSN
• Requirements: ADN with 2.5 GPA, RN license from any state, 6 months experience as a working RN
• Tuition:  $12,016/$28,416 in-state/out-of-state per Undergraduate year, $485/$1,231 per in-state/out-of-state graduate credit
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Samford University is a private Christian school located in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. The university has been in existence since 1841, ranking it in the oldest 100 schools in the country. It was ranked the top university in Alabama by The Economist and The Wall Street Journal, two papers of prominence with a focus on positive economic outcomes for their readers. A student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 within the nursing school allows for plenty of individual time with instructors when you need it, and you won’t have to deal with any teacher’s assistants, either. The Masters in Nursing program, including the RN-to-MSN track, was ranked in the top 16% of all accredited schools in 2016, and the National League for Nursing named the school a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for 2017 to 2021.

• NCLEX-RN: 98%
• Length: 53-57 credits
• Requirements: 3.0 cumulative GPA with a minimum of 2.3 in science courses
• Tuition: $31,650
• Accreditation: CCNE and COA

 

The Denver College of Nursing (DCoN) is a school dedicated to producing nurses who are ready to pass their exams and provide quality health care to patients in any setting. With no other colleges to distract from its mission, everything about DCoN is tailored towards nursing. While there is no succinct RN-to-MSN track, you can take online courses to go from an RN to a BSN then move onto the MSN degree. The online course material includes full eBook versions of your textbooks, around-the-clock access to a virtual library and Blackboard support, and the SmarThinking tutoring and writing center.

• NCLEX-RN: 91.43%
• Length:  plus 15-18 months for MSN
• Requirements: Hold a valid state RN license plus general admission requirements
• Tuition: $29,485 – $14,995 for RN to BSN plus $14,490 for BSN to MSN program
• Accreditation: HLC and ACEN

 

Duquesne University is a private Catholic school founded by the Spiritan sect in the 19^th century with a commitment to creating educated people who can go out and make the world a better place, including through the School of Nursing. It has made the list of the National League for Nurses’ Centers of Excellence three times, attesting to the quality of the education its nurses receive while attending. There is no direct RN-to-MSN accelerated path, but you can achieve your BSN before progressing to the graduate program in the familiar online setting.

• NCLEX-RN: 91.49%
• Length: 30 credits for RN-to-BSN, 9 credits for MSN
• Requirements: ADN with a minimum 2.0 GPA, current valid RN license
• Tuition: $921 per RN-to-BSN credit, $1,376 per MSN credit
• Accreditation: CCNE and Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

 

The Rory Meyers College of Nursing services New York University’s prospective health care practitioners, creating graduates and doctors of nursing since 1932. Its awards include being named a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education by the NLN as well as being ranked the 6^th school for nurse practitioners by the US World and News Report. The BSN/MSN dual degree track and RN-to-BSN personalized curriculum combine to form the equivalent of the RN-to-MSN track seen in other schools. 93% of graduates have gone onto successful careers with an average alumni salary of $80,000.

• NCLEX-RN: 80.4%
• Length: Varies
• Requirements: ADN, RN license, background check
• Tuition: $24,531 for a 12-18 credit hour semester
• Accreditation: CCNE and ACME

 

In 1995, the Western Governors Association decided to form an online school committed to solving the educational problems evident around them. Since the inception of the first WGU, the school has gone on to enroll tens of thousands of students in several satellite schools across the nation. The flat-rate tuition is convenient for students looking to cram in as many hours as possible into each semester to reduce their final bill and speed up their time to graduation. The NLN has recognized it as a Center of Excellence from 2015 to 2019.

• NCLEX-RN: 97.06%
• Length: 37 courses over 1-4 years
• Requirements: ADN, current RN license, criminal background check
• Tuition: $3,510 per 6-month term
• Accreditation: CCNE

 

Villanova is a private university founded just outside of the City of Brotherly Love by the Order of Saint Augustine back in 1842. Stellar NCLEX-RN pass rates and graduation rates lend empirical evidence to the quality of the graduates that Villanova releases into the world. There is no direct RN-to-MSN program, so prospective students will want to first enroll in the RN-to-BSN program while making it clear to their advisor that they wish to move on to the MSN. Available specializations include family practitioner, pediatric care, adult-gerontology practice, and nursing education.

• NCLEX-RN: 94.09%
• Length: 60 credits RN-to-BSN, 47 credits for MSN
• Requirements: ADN with valid RN license
• Tuition: $52,578 per year or $2,921 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CCNE, ANAEP, ANCC, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

 

Chamberlain University is the renamed incarnation of the Deaconess School of Nursing located outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Now, the school has expanded across the country with multiple campuses in several states, as well as an offering of online classes for remote or busy students. Classes running every eight weeks makes it easier for a busy RN to start new lessons whenever ready without waiting as long for schedules to align. You also don’t have to worry about whether or not your previous school’s credits will transfer since a valid RN license automatically earns you 77 credit hours towards your degree in the RN-to-BSN-to-MSN track.

• NCLEX-RN: 84.09%
• Length: 151 or 160 credit hours
• Requirements: Valid state-issued RN license
• Tuition: $48,790 to $59,845 for the full program
• Accreditation: CCNE and HLC

 

The schools on this list have been ranked based on a collection of metrics and observations. NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, affordability, program completion time, program flexibility, student support, program options, and accolades all factor towards positioning on the list. While RNs entering an MSN program are unlikely to need to retake the NCLEX certification, it’s a good indicator of how well the school is preparing its nursing students. We looked for schools with no lower than 80% pass rates, and most are in the high 90s.

Likewise, while graduation rates can fluctuate for reasons outside of the school’s control, significantly lower percentages can speak to underlying issues with the school itself. The schools on this list go no lower than 50% and most are significantly higher. Schools that are outperforming on delivering a quality, education for less – either in an accelerated program or one that is flexible enough to be done around working hours. In short, schools that can provide working RNs the best foundation for the launching of the next phase of their career. The right school is not the same for every RN, so when you’ve found the one with the programs to suit your needs, please reach out to their admissions team to get started today!

We’d love input from the schools we’ve ranked. Please let us know if there’s something we missed or if something has changed and requires an update!