Top RN to MSN Programs by State

14 Min Read Published September 22, 2025
Top RN to MSN Programs by State
Top RN to MSN Programs by State

To help you find the best RN to MSN program to fit your needs, we’ve rounded up a list of the top RN to MSN programs in each state for 2025, including the program cost, type of degree offered, and whether the program is private or public, so you can easily find the right program for you!

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The Ohio State University

Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.

Top RN to MSN Programs by State

Alabama

1. Columbia Southern University 

  • Location: Orange Beach, AL
  • Tuition: $359 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2-3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems.
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

2. The University of Alabama

  • Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN: $399 per credit hour
    • MSN: $480 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nurse Executive
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. The University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Location: Birmingham, AL
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN
      • Resident: $445 per credit hour
      • Non-Resident: $1,108 per credit hour
    • MSN
      • Resident: $610 per credit hour
      • Non-Resident: $1,505 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Health Systems Leadership, Nurse Practitioner
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

4. University of South Alabama

  • Location: Mobile, AL
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN
      • Resident: $423 per credit hour
      • Non-Resident: $846 per credit hour
    • MSN; $594 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP), Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, Executive Nursing Administration, Family NP, Neonatal NP, Nursing Informatics. Pediatric Acute Care NP, Pediatric Primary NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Women’s Health NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

5. South University

  • Location: Montgomery, AL 
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $225 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $660 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Alaska

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Alaska.

Arizona

1. Aspen University 

  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Tuition: $29,375 - $29,650
  • Program Length: Varies, but typically 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Administration and Management, Forensic Nursing, Informatics, Nursing Education, and Public Health
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. Arizona State University

  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Tuition: $779 per credit hour
  • Program Length: Varies, but typically 2-3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Arkansas

1. The University of Arkansas at Monticello

  • Location: Crossett, Monticello, McGehee, AR
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $5,430 per term
    • Non-Resident: $8,370 per term
  • Program Length: 
    • Full-time: 24 months
    • Part-time: 60 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

California

1. California Baptist University

  • Location: Riverside, CA
  • Tuition: $690 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 7-10 semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Organizational Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. University of San Francisco

  • Location: San Francisco, CA
  • Tuition: $22,400 total program cost
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

3. Western University of Health Sciences

  • Location: Pomona, CA
  • Tuition: $1,394 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The Ohio State University

Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.

Colorado

1. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

  • Location: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Tuition: $367 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Connecticut

1. Post University

  • Location: Waterbury, CT
  • Tuition: $367 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 24 - 42 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Management and Organizational Leadership, Nursing Education, Case Management, Infection Prevention and Control, Nursing Informatics
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

2. Goodwin University

  • Location: East Hartford, CT
  • Tuition: $949 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 27 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. Sacred Heart University

  • Location: East Hartford, CT
  • Tuition: $390–$955 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3.5 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader, Family NP, Nursing Education, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Clinical Nurse Leader 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Delaware

1. Delaware State University

  • Location: Dover, DE
  • Tuition: $500 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2-2.5 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Global Leadership, Nursing Education
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Florida

1. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

  • Location: St. Augustine, FL
  • Tuition: 
    • Family NP: $59,218 total program cost
    • Psychiatric Mental Health NP $59,078 total program cost
  • Program Length: 
    • Family NP: 3.3 years
    • Psychiatric Mental Health NP: 3.7 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. Jacksonville University

  • Location: Jacksonville, FL
  • Tuition: $750 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. South University

  • Location: Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, FL
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $225 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $660 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

4. Florida International University

  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident:
      • Undergraduate: $205.57 per credit hour
      • Graduate: $455.64 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident:
      • Undergraduate: $618.87 per credit hour
      • Graduate: $1001.69 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 9 semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The Ohio State University

Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.

Georgia

1. Georgia State University

  • Location: Atlanta, GA
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $4,895 per semester
    • Non-Resident: $15,863 per semester
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Hawaii

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Hawaii.

Idaho

1. Northwest Nazarene University

  • Location: Nampa, ID
  • Tuition: $1,761 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 4 - 7 semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Leadership & Education
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Illinois

1. Elmhurst University

  • Location: Elmhurst, IL
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $1,250 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $920 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nurse Administrator, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Indiana

1. Indiana Wesleyan University

  • Location: Marion, IN
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $455 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $595 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 36 - 41 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Health Systems Leadership, Nursing Education, Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Iowa

1. Graceland University

  • Location: Lamoni, IA
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN portion: $515 per credit hour
    • MSN portion: $830 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 - 4 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Kansas

1. Baker University

  • Location: Baldwin City, KS
  • Tuition: 
    • ADN Bridge Courses: $150 per credit hour
    • MSN courses: $480 a credit hour
  • Program Length: 15 - 30 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Kentucky

1. Morehead State University

  • Location: Morehead, KY
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $425 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $645 per credit hour
  • Program Length: Varies
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. Spalding University

  • Location: Louisville, KY
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN portion: $510 per credit hour
    • MSN portion: $825 per credit hour
  • Program Length: Varies
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Daily NP, Leadership and Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

3. Midway University

  • Location: Midway, KY
  • Tuition: $544 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 18 - 24 months
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Administration, Nurse Educator
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Louisiana

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Louisiana.

Maine

1. University of Southern Maine

  • Location: Portland, ME
  • Tuition: $625 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 24 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Administration & Leadership, Nursing Education
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? No

2. University of Maine Fort Kent

  • Location: Fort Kent, ME
  • Tuition: $500 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 16 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? No

Maryland

1. University of Maryland

  • Location: Baltimore, MD
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $926 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $1,643 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Community/Public Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Management, Nursing Informatics
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. Stevenson University

  • Location: Owings Mills, MD
  • Tuition: $500 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Forensic Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership/Management, and Population-Based Care Coordination
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. Salisbury University

  • Location: Salisbury, MD
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $574 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $934 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

4. Washington Adventist University 

  • Location: Takoma Park, MD
  • Tuition: $625 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Education or Business Leadership
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Massachusetts

1. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)

  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Tuition: $1,215 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Michigan

1. Baker College

  • Location: Owosso, MI
  • Tuition: $500 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Minnesota

1. Walden University

  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Tuition: as low as $13,000
  • Program Length: 
    • Tempo Learning: 14 months
    • Course-Based Learning: 18 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Nursing Education, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Public Health Nursing, Nursing Informatics, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nursing Executive, Dual Degree (MSN/MBA)
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Mississippi

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Mississippi.

Missouri

1. Graceland University

  • Location: Independence, MO
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN portion: $700 per credit hour
    • MSN portion: $830 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 - 4 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Montana

1. Montana State University 

  • Location: Bozeman, MT
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $495.37 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $1,535.13 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 - 4 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Clinical Nurse Leadership
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Nebraska

1. Nebraska Methodist College

  • Location: Omaha, NE
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN: $350 per credit hour
    • MSN: $588 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 36 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Nevada

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Nevada.

New Hampshire

1. Southern New Hampshire University

  • Location: Manchester, NH
  • Tuition: $342 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 36 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Education, Population Healthcare, Family NP, Healthcare Quality & Safety, Nurse Executive Leadership
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

New Jersey

1. Montclair State University

  • Location: Montclair, NJ
  • Tuition: $892 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 36 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? No

2. William Peterson University

  • Location: Wayne, NJ
  • Tuition: $26,058.05 total program cost
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult Gerontology NP, Family NP, Nursing Administration
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? No

3. Seton Hall University

  • Location: South Orange, NJ
  • Tuition: $1,570 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 24 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

4. Felician University

  • Location: Rutherford, NJ
  • Tuition: $793 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 7 semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

5. Thomas Edison State University

  • Location: Trenton, NJ
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN: $311 per credit hour
    • MSN: $695 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator or Nursing Informatics 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

New Mexico

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in New Mexico.

New York

1. University of Rochester

  • Location: Rochester, NY
  • Tuition: $1,740 per credit hour
  • Program Length: Varies
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Education, Clinical Nurse Leader, Leadership in Health Care Systems, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP. Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP, Family NP, Pediatric/Neonatal NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. CUNY

  • Location: New York, NY
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour
  • Program Length: Varies
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

North Carolina

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in North Carolina.

North Dakota

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in North Dakota.

Ohio

1. Franklin University

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Tuition: $670 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 19 to 31 months 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Generalist, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health NP 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

2. Mercy College of Ohio

  • Location: Toledo, OH
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN: $560 per credit hour
    • MSN: $685 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Oklahoma

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Oklahoma.

Oregon

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Oregon.

Pennsylvania

1. LaSalle University

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Tuition: $880 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 24 to 36 months 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. Wilkes University

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Tuition: $40,554 total program cost
  • Program Length: 36 months 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Adult Gerontology NP, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Rhode Island

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Rhode Island.

South Carolina

1. University of South Carolina

  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $770.25 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $1,438 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 4 - 7 semesters 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

2. University of South Carolina Upstate

  • Location: Spartanburg, SC
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $572.25 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $1,240 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 -3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. South University

  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $225 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $660 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

South Dakota

1. South Dakota State University

  • Location: Columbia, SC
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $408 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $525 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Tennessee

1. East Tennessee State University

  • Location: Johnson City, TN
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $672 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $1,513 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Administration, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Nursing Education, Family NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. University of Memphis

  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Tuition: 
    • Undergraduate: $678 per credit hour
    • Graduate: $914 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. Southern Adventist University

  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Tuition: $795 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Nurse Educator, Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Texas

1. University of Texas at Arlington

  • Location: Arlington, TX
  • Tuition: $19,500 - $38,308 total program cost
  • Program Length: 42 months 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Utah

1. Western Governors University

  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Tuition: 
    • BSN portion: $5,325 per six-month term
    • MSN portion: $5,035 per six-month term
  • Program Length: 42 months 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Management, Nursing Informatics
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Vermont

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Vermont.

Virginia

1. Old Dominion University

  • Location: Virginia Beach, VA
  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $486 per credit hour
    • Non-Resident: $1,334.50 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Washington

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Washington.

West Virginia

1. West Virginia Wesleyan College

  • Location: Buckhannon, WV 
  • Tuition: $480 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Family NP, Nursing Leadership
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

2. Wheeling University

  • Location: Wheeling, WV
  • Tuition: $735 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid

Wisconsin

1. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

  • Location: Oshkosh, WI
  • Tuition: Varies
  • Program Length: 2 - 3 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Nurse Educator
  • School Type: Public
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

2. Carroll University

  • Location: Waukesha, WI
  • Tuition: $800 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 20 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN 
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

3. Edgewood University

  • Location: Madison, WI
  • Tuition: $289 per credit hour
  • Program Length: 20 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Degrees/Programs Offered: MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Gerontology, Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP
  • School Type: Private
  • Online Options Available? Hybrid 

Wyoming

Currently, there are no RN to MSN programs in Wyoming.

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The Ohio State University

Elevate your nursing journey with The Ohio State University’s renowned College of Nursing—where academic excellence meets flexible, evidence-based learning. Whether you're a practicing RN ready to earn your BSN through the online RN-to-BSN program, or aiming to pursue advanced practice and leadership through online MSN or DNP programs with specialty certification, Ohio State empowers you to lead and innovate across healthcare settings. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Ohio State for details.

How to Choose an RN to MSN Program

The first thing to consider when choosing an RN to MSN program is ensuring the program is nationally accredited. The two main nursing school accreditation bodies in the United States are as follows: 

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Other things to consider when choosing a program include:

  • Cost
  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Attrition rate
  • Certification exam pass rate
  • Program offerings 
  • Clinical requirements
  • Online vs. in-person
  • In-person requirements
  • MSN specializations

FAQs

MSN
Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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