Best Online Master’s In Nursing Programs: These rankings of the top online MSN programs are a wonderful place to start if you’re trying to boost your career with a degree.
In addition to being more flexible than traditional programs, online Master of Science in Nursing degrees are typically less costly. They are the most affordable option for earning your degree from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, there is a vast array of specializations from which to select, including nurse practitioners and non-APRN paths.
Thus, to assist you in selecting a university that supports your professional objectives, we have ranked the best online MSN programs in this post. Because they are experts in online learning, we only considered institutions that specialize in this field and they’re typically less expensive than more conventional universities. Lastly, we go over expectations for your program, how to complete your online graduate degree, and more.
Best Online Master’s In Nursing Programs
Herzing University
Our rankings gave Herzing University the top spot for a number of reasons. First off, all graduates polled on OnlineU said that this program greatly improved their chances for employment and that they would heartily recommend it to others.
Additionally, Herzing University offers a wealth of assistance to its students, especially with regard to clinical assignments.
They promise to help you if you are unable to get a clinical placement on your own by offering a Clinical Placement Pledge. Furthermore, Herzing University provides a variety of degree programs and specializations, such as:
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Public Health
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Adult Gerontology
- Nursing Education (Nurse Educator)
- Family Nurse Practitioner – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Practitioner for Children
Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner You can go from a BSN to an MSN at Herzing University, as well as from an RN/ADN to an MSN. In addition, they provide a straight entry MSN program for individuals with degrees in fields other than nursing.
In non-NP specializations, BSN to MSN programs normally run for 16 months, with graduation requirements of 36 credits and 135 clinical hours. $615 is the cost of each credit, for a total tuition of $22,140.
Capella University
Capella University’s online MSN program offers a diverse range of degree pathways and specializations, including nurse practitioner tracks. These tracks require a minimum of 68 quarter credits and 750 practicum hours, with an estimated tuition of $39,440. The BSN to MSN pathways cost around $24,300, while the RN to MSN tracks cost approximately $29,700.
Capella University also provides the FlexPath learning format, allowing students to work at their own pace and potentially complete their degree for less time and money. Additionally, Capella University has strong partnerships with over 600 healthcare employers, providing valuable practicum opportunities.
Overall, Capella University’s online MSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum, flexible learning options, and valuable employer partnerships, making it a top choice for advanced nursing education.
Aspen University
Aspen University’s online MSN program stands out for its affordability and high alumni recommendation rate. The total cost for a BSN to MSN program is typically between $14,875 and $15,125, making it one of the most cost-effective options among online MSN programs. For the RN to MSN tracks, the total tuition ranges from $23,001 to $23,199.
The program boasts a high recommendation rate, with 90% of surveyed alumni stating they would recommend it to others. Additionally, 90% of alumni reported that the degree improved their career prospects.
Aspen University offers specializations in forensic nursing, informatics, nursing administration and management, nursing education, and public health. However, the program does not offer nurse practitioner tracks.
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University ranks high among online MSN programs due to its distinguished faculty and wide array of specializations. Specializations include Healthcare Policy, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, Population Health, and various Nurse Practitioner tracks.
The total tuition for non-NP MSN specialties is typically around $25,020, but an accelerated MSN option is available, allowing students to take more classes at once for a tuition cost of approximately $20,850.
For those without a BSN, an Accelerated RN to MSN program is offered, with tuition usually around $31,275. Tuition for nurse practitioner tracks varies but generally falls between $31,950 and $34,080.
Financial aid is available for 90% of students, making the program more affordable for many. Additionally, all teaching faculty hold doctorate-level degrees, ensuring a high-quality education that prepares students for advanced nursing roles
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University’s online MSN program offers a variety of degree pathways to suit different career goals. They provide concentrations in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety, Health Informatics, Leadership in Health Care Systems, Nursing Education, and Public Health Nursing.
For the concentrations, tuition is $575 per credit, totaling approximately $20,700 for the 36-credit program. They also offer two Nurse Practitioner tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (with an emphasis in Adult-Gerontology). These tracks cost $725 per credit, amounting to about $38,425 for the 53-credit program.
Additionally, Grand Canyon University offers a dual graduate-level degree, the MBA and MSN: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems, which requires 74 credits at $640 per credit, totaling approximately $47,360.
It’s important to stay in close contact with your degree advisor to ensure your program can be completed within your desired timeframe and budget. While there have been isolated incidents of incorrect information, regular communication with advisors is essential in any online MSN program.
Western Governors University
WGU’s online MSN program stands out for its affordability and competency-based education approach. The program offers various master’s-level tracks, including Leadership and Management, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The program allows you to accelerate your degree by taking assessments and transferring existing graduate credits. This flexibility can significantly reduce your overall cost. For example, completing the BSN to MSN program in a year and a half costs $14,985, while taking two years costs $19,980.
Although the Nurse Practitioner pathways are more expensive, typically costing around $26,900 and taking two years to complete, they remain one of the most affordable NP programs available.
For the RN to MSN track, costs can vary, with each six-month undergraduate term costing $4,685 and each six-month graduate term costing $4,795. Overall, WGU’s online MSN program offers a cost-effective way to advance your nursing career.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers a strong online MSN program, particularly suited for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a current RN license.
They offer five different tracks for earning your Master’s of Science in Nursing degree: Nurse Education, informatics, nurse administration, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric health nurse practitioner.
One standout feature of the University of Phoenix is its fixed tuition rate of $540 per credit for all MSN specializations, including nurse practitioners. The non-NP tracks require 34 credits, totaling about $18,360, while the NP pathways require 48 credits, totaling about $25,920.
The university also offers a Nursing Bridge Program for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a current RN license. This program allows you to earn your graduate degree in as little as 21 months, with a cost-effective transition to advanced nursing. The Bridge Program includes three upper-level BSN courses before advancing to master’s-level coursework.
Benefits of Online MSN Programs
Enrolling in an online MSN program offers two significant advantages: cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Cost-effectiveness: Online MSN programs are generally more affordable than traditional university programs. While traditional universities can cost upwards of $70,000 to $100,000, online BSN to MSN programs typically range from $14,000 to $20,000. Additionally, you can save on expenses such as university housing and commuting.
Flexibility: Online MSN programs allow you to study from home, offering flexibility in scheduling your courses around your other commitments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals or those with busy schedules.
Overall, the cost of your education can vary based on factors such as whether you pursue an NP track, the type of MSN program you choose (BSN to MSN, RN to MSN, or Non-Nursing Bachelors to MSN), the duration of your program, and the tuition policies of your chosen institution.
Additionally, in-state and out-of-state tuition rates may apply for programs offered by traditional universities, and transfer credits can also impact costs.