Top Online MSN Programs With No GRE Requirement | 2025
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs have various admission requirements, which may include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This standardized test can cause anxiety for many students, especially those who have been out of school for a significant period. Recently, more and more online MSN programs have removed the GRE requirement from the admissions process.
To help you choose the right online MSN programs with no GRE requirement for you, we've ranked the top seven programs for 2026.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Are There Online MSN Programs With No GRE Required?
The GRE is not required for entrance to many online MSN programs. Most schools now evaluate the entire picture of a student, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, undergraduate GPAs, and relevant clinical experience.
Nurse.org’s Top Online MSN Programs With No GRE Requirement
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Emory University | $2,230 per credit hour | 4 semesters - 15 months | CCNE |
| University of Pennsylvania | 6,890 per credit hour | 15 months - 3 years | CCNE |
| Johns Hopkins University | $1,995 per credit hour | 2 - 3 years | CCNE |
| Vanderbilt University | $2,057 per credit hour | 4 - 8 semesters | CCNE |
| Duke University | $2,250 per credit hour | 2 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Georgetown University | $2,550 per credit hour | 23 - 27 months | CCNE |
| University of South Carolina | $770.25 - $870.25 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Emory offers four nurse practitioner (NP) programs that students can complete in as little as 15 months. The university specifically designed this program as a direct-entry MSN for students with bachelor’s degrees in another discipline. However, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates may also enroll. Students attend classes online and complete in-person clinicals, with start dates in the fall and spring semesters.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #1 by US News & World Report
- More than 92% of students receive some type of financial aid
- Recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing
- The School of Nursing awarded $7.1 million in financial aid and scholarships to students in 2024
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program or a bachelor’s degree in another field
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application and $50 fee
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Optional personal statement
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Round 1: August 1st
- Round 2: October 1st
- Round 3: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (404) 727-7980
- Email Address: nursingquestions@emory.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related Studies
Why We Picked This School
Penn offers numerous online MSN programs with no GRE requirement, which is rare for an Ivy League school. Penn’s NP programs do require in-person intensives where students must be present on campus, the specific number of which varies depending on their speciality.
Program Highlights
- Ranked among the top 10 MSN graduate programs
- Well-regarded Ivy League education
- Opportunity to earn a minor or certificate in a subspecialty like oncology, palliative care, or global health
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Full-Time Application Deadline: November 3rd
- Part-Time Application Deadline:
- Spring: October 15th
- Summer: March 16th
- Fall: April 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (215) 989-4271
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Neonatal NP
- Pediatric Acute Care NP
- Adult-Geronotology Primary Care NP
- Family NP
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related NP
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
Why We Picked This School
Johns Hopkins is one of the premier nursing schools in the country, and its online MSN programs do not require the GRE. Applicants from all states except Louisiana are eligible, making the program widely accessible.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #2 for MSN programs according to U.S. News & World Report
- Dedicated Clinical Placement Team to help determine clinical sites and preceptors
- Option to take doctoral-level courses that apply towards a DNP degree
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- Letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Goal statement
- Interview
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Early: November 1st
- Priority: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (410) 955-4766
- Email Address: jhuson@jhu.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- MSN Entry into Nursing
- Healthcare Organizational Leadership
- Healthcare Organizational Leadership/Dual Degree
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Why We Picked This School
Vanderbilt is among the best nursing schools nationwide. It offers an exceptionally high number of MSN programs, allowing students to select from 13 graduate nursing specialties, including nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, and nurse informaticist. Additionally, Vanderbilt students learn from an expert faculty of actively practicing nursing professionals.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #4 for online MSN programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Over 100 years of educating nurses with a focus on innovation and leadership
- 97% of graduates are employed in advanced practice nursing after graduation
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- Interview
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal statement
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (615) 322-4400
- Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Emergency NP
- Family NP
- Neonatal NP
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Pediatric Acute Care NP
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (Lifespan)
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related NP
- Women’s Health Gender Related NP/ Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Nursing Informatics
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Nurse-Midwifery/Family NP
Why We Picked This School
Duke University offers eight clinical advanced practice nurse majors and three nonclinical majors; however, the nonclinical majors are not currently accepting applications. While the programs are online, students must complete clinicals in person. Students work with a dedicated team to determine clinical placements throughout the program.
Program Highlights
- Option to add a specialty to the MSN degree: cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, orthopedics
- Clinical partnerships at more than 2,000 locations worldwide
- Ranked #5 by U.S. News & World Report 2025 for MSN programs
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
- Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Family NP
- Neonatal NP
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Pediatric Acute Care NP
- Women’s Health NP
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Why We Picked This School
Georgetown offers a top MSN program with no GRE requirement, like the other schools on this list. However, the university’s clinical placement guarantee makes it stand out. The pressure to find a clinical placement and preceptor can be extremely stressful and time-consuming for graduate nursing students. Georgetown removes the burden from students, assigning the task to its dedicated clinical placement team.
Program Highlights
- Dedicated clinical placement team helps secure clinical placements and preceptors
- Tuition assistance and scholarships of up to $35,000, even for MSN students
- 100% board certification pass rate after graduation
- 3,700+ health care providers and clinical placement sites in 49 states
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: September 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 910-4692
- Email Address: SONcomm@georgetown.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- Family NP
- Women’s Health NP
- Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health NP
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Why We Picked This School
USC offers a variety of online MSN programs, including many non-clinical options. Compared to other universities, USC offers more non-clinical options than NP programs.
Program Highlights
- Top-ranked graduate program from U.S. News and World Report
- 100% first-time pass rates on the ANCC Board Certification for 2022 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- 100% first-time pass rates on the ANCC Board Certification for 2023 & 2022 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Optional personal statement
- Prerequisite courses with a C grade or better
- 1-2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $770.25 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $870.25 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: October 31st
- Summer: April 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (803) 777-9080
- Email Address: nursgrad@mailbox.sc.edu
- Specialties Offered:
- Entry to Practice Nursing
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Family NP
- Healthcare Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- Nursing Informatics
- Nurse-Midwifery
What to Expect in an Online MSN Program
Expect an online MSN program to be fast-paced and intense. In these programs, you’ll attend didactic classes entirely online, but they all require in-person clinicals. Depending on the university, you may also have to attend on-campus intensives. On-campus requirements should be an influential factor for consideration as you choose a program because they may affect your ability to attend an out-of-state online school.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Best Online Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs for 2026
- Top One-Year Accelerated Online MSN Programs | 2026
- Top 10 Cheap, Fast, Online MSN Programs
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