Best Online Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs for 2025

There are a lot of reasons to further your nursing education. Better pay, positions, and hours are just a few. While deciding to obtain a master's degree in nursing may be an easy decision, choosing between MSN programs can be difficult. For nurses looking for a flexible, convenient way to advance their degree, we've ranked the best online MSN programs for 2025!

10 Best Online MSN Programs for 2025

Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

1. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is an Ivy League institution that offers one of the best online MSN programs. Penn students have access to top-tier faculty, cutting-edge research, and professional connections. Students are encouraged to find their own clinical placements, but if this is not possible, Penn offers students clinical rotations at local Philadelphia healthcare systems. 

Penn has multiple nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education pathways to choose from. The nurse practitioner programs will take roughly 15 months to complete, even full-time, but an MSN in nursing administration or education can be completed in a year.

• Tuition: $6,640 per credit hour
• Program Length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Application Deadline: November 1st
• Contact Info:
  • Email Address:  admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
  • Phone Number: (215) 989-4271
• Online Options Available? Yes 

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2. Villanova University

Villanova offers four NP tracks and a nurse education MSN program. Students can seamlessly transition into a DNP program after graduation. Core courses are completed online, but required clinicals must be done in person. Villanova guarantees clinical placement to all MSN students in either PS, NJ, and/or DE, 

• Tuition: $1,050 per credit hour
• Program Length: 3 to 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:
  • Summer: April 1st
  • Spring: November 1st
  • Fall: July 1st
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (610) 519-4500
  • Email Address: nursing.recruitment@villanova.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

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3. University of South Carolina - Charleston

The University of South Carolina offers several online MSN Nurse Practitioner programs, including Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health. In addition, the university offers one of the best MSN programs online. Students can specialize in Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics. 

The online graduate programs are currently ranked #1 in the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP program boosts a 100% first-time pass rate on the ANCC board certification. 

• Tuition:
  • Resident: $770.25 per credit hour
  • Non-Resident: $870.25 per credit hour
• Program Length: 24 to 48 hours
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:
  • Fall: October 31st
  • Summer: April 15th
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (803) 777-9080
  • Email Address: nursgrad@mailbox.sc.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

4. Georgetown University*

This D.C.-based university offers four online MSN programs: AGACNP, FMP, WHNP, and WHNP/CNM. The curriculum is designed and delivered by nationally recognized faculty. Georgetown is focused on the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. 

• Tuition: $2,550 per credit hour
• Program Length: 23 to 36 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: September 15th
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (877) 910-4692
  • Email Address: SONcomm@georgetown.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

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5. Vanderbilt University

The MSN programs at Vanderbilt University provide preparation for advanced practice roles for nurse informaticists, practitioners, midwives, and leaders. It is ideal for working nurses who want to expand their skills and take on leadership roles. Vanderbilt offers 13 specialties in its Master of Science in Nursing program. Students can attend classes either full-time or part-time, with most students completing the program in 24 months. 

• Tuition: $1,997 per credit hour
• Program Length: 12 to 36 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: October 15th
• Contact Info:
  • Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
  • Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
• Online Options Available? Yes 

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6. Bryan College of Health Sciences

Students can choose from two online tracks at Bryan: nursing education or nursing leadership. Students can start in either the summer or fall, depending on availability. Students are encouraged to maintain a strong work/life/school balance. Online programs require students to complete four video meetings per semester to provide real-time engagement with faculty.

• Tuition: $582 per credit hour
• Program Length: 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling 
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (402) 481-3801
• Online Options Available? Yes

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7. University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut offers five MSN programs: Nurse Educator, Neonatal NP, Nursing Administration and Leadership, Family NP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP. The programs allow students to earn an MSN, but they can also continue through the program and earn their DNP. 

All programs have hard deadlines for application submissions; however, they accept students on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled. That means that by the admission deadline - they might not be accepting applications for the current cohort. In that case, students may be pre-admitted to the next starting cohort. 

• Tuition: $1,200 per credit hour
• Program Length: 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:
  • Spring: December 7th
  • Summer: April 8th
  • Fall: July 20th
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (860) 486-3716
  • Email Address: nursingadmissions@uconn.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

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8. University of Rochester

With a 91% certification exam pass rate on the first attempt, graduates from Rochester’s online MSN program are taught by faculty who are still actively practicing in clinical settings across the NY region. Students can choose between nurse practitioner programs, nursing administration, and even nursing education. 

Students can also choose from the Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program which is designed specifically for college graduates with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. Students can complete this program in only 16 months at an accelerated rate. 

• Tuition: $1,740 per credit hour
• Program Length: 24 to 48 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: March 1st
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (585) 275-2375 
  • Email Address: son-info@urmc.rochester.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

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9. George Washington University

Ranked as one of the top MSN programs in the country, George Washington utilizes a hybrid approach to their MSN programs.  Didactic coursework is completed online, and in-person clinicals are completed at an approved site. Among several other APRN specialties, GWU offers one of the best online ACNP programs nationwide.

• Tuition: $1,530 per credit hour
• Program Length: 24 to 36 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Priority: August 1st
  • Final: December 1st
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
  • Email Address:  nursing@gwu.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

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10. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Students enrolled in MSN programs at UNC can benefit from the increased flexibility, including part-time and full-time options, which makes it very desirable to working professionals. Students can choose from two pathways - Health Care Leadership and Administration and Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practice Areas.

• Tuition:
  • Resident: $1,031.34 per credit hour
  • Non-Resident:  $2,067.84 per credit hour
• Program Length: 24 to 36 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:
  • Priority: November 12th
  • Final: February 11th
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (919) 966-4260
  • Email Address: nursing@unc.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

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What Are the Requirements for Getting Into an Online MSN Program?

The requirements for each program will vary by school and program/degree. If the program is associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar school, admission requirements will be for both the school and the graduate program. Ultimately, all programs share the same basic requirements, including,  

• Registered nurse (RN) license in good standing 
• Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Criminal background checks 
• Relevant bedside experience

Other requirements may include:

• Essays
• Letters of recommendations
• Child abuse clearance
• Drug test
• Proof of vaccinations
• Physical examination

The easiest MSN online programs will have more lax or fewer requirements than difficult schools. Most programs that are easy to get into have acceptance rates above 90%.

>> Show Me Online MSN Programs

How to Choose an Online MSN Program

Choosing an online MSN program can be overwhelming, especially with all of the options available. The first to consider is specialty and concentration. Not all universities will offer all specializations. For example, UNC does not offer an MSN in nursing education, so this would not be a good fit for someone interested in education. 

Other factors to consider include, 

• Tuition (resident vs. non-resident)
• Program length
• Attrition rate
• Certification pass rate
• Job placement rate
• Part-time vs. full-time options
• Clinical placements
• Student-to-faculty ratio

A major consideration when applying to an online nursing program is accreditation. Accreditation ensures the same standards and criteria for all nursing programs. The process improves the quality of nursing education and keeps the curriculum up to date with current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare.

There are two main accrediting bodies for nursing programs:

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

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How Do Online MSN Programs Work?

Online MSN programs are similar to in-person programs. Students will be required to complete a sequence of didactic courses online. The courses are in a specific sequence to build upon knowledge learned in previous courses. Then, towards the end of the program there are a specific number of clinical courses and hours that must be completed in order to graduate. 

Clinicals are completed in-person at an approved clinical site with a licensed professional. Some programs will choose the clinical site and preceptor while others will require you to find your own.

How Long Do Online MSN Programs Take?

MSN programs can be completed in as little as 12 months or take upwards of five years to complete. There are a variety of factors that dictate program length including specialization as well as if you are attending the program full-time or part-time.

How Much Does an Online MSN Degree Cost?

The cost of an online MSN degree will vary depending on the program and specialization. Students enrolled at a public university will pay significantly less than a student enrolled in a private school or Ivy League. Most students can expect to pay roughly $25,000 to $90,000 for an online MSN degree.

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What Can You Do with an MSN Degree?

MSN degrees are required for all APRN roles, including NP, CNM, and CNS. While there is currently a push and legislation requiring APRNs to hold a terminal DNP degree in the future, an MSN is currently required at a minimum. 

You can also work in administration and education with an MSN degree. An advanced nursing degree means that you have advanced clinical skills, leadership knowledge, and training, as well as the ability to educate the next generation of nurses. 

How Much Money Can You Make With an MSN?

Your salary potential exponentially increases after earning an MSN. Specific salaries are determined by your MSN specialization. 

The most common jobs for those with an MSN can earn the following, 

• Nurse Practitioner - $126,260 (BLS)
• Certified Nurse Midwife - $129,650 (BLS)
• Nurse Educator - $80,780 (BLS)
• Nurse Administrator $110,680 (BLS)

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Is an Online MSN Degree Worth It?

Many nurses opt to complete their MSN degree online because online programs are convenient, particularly for working nurses. An online MSN degree can be worth it for many reasons, including:

• You Can Earn a Higher Salary with an MSN: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master’s degree-trained nurses, such as nurse practitioners and nurse midwives, earned an annual median salary of $129,480 in 2023.
• More Job Opportunities: Graduating from an MSN program can open the door to many more job opportunities. MSN graduates enjoy a variety of exciting options, including leadership and advanced practice positions.
• The Ability to Specialize: Many MSN programs have specialized tracks that prepare students for a particular field or specialty in nursing.
• Increased Influence: An MSN can prepare you to advance to senior-level positions, which may allow you to play a more significant role in shaping patient care and policies. 
• The Option to Teach: Nurse educators work in a variety of settings, including universities, schools, and hospitals. As a nurse educator, you can influence and share your knowledge with nurses on every level.

FAQs

• Are MSN programs worth it? 

  • An MSN program can be worth the cost, depending on your career goals. An MSN is necessary to advance in many leadership and educational nurse roles. 

• Can you get an MSN without being an RN? 

  • Yes, it is possible to enter into an RN-MSN program if you have a bachelor’s in another field. 

• How hard is it to get your MSN? 

  • MSN programs can be rigorous, but they are manageable for most students, even while working full-time.

 

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