Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for online MSN programs is Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, followed by Drexel University.
- The rankings prioritize program flexibility, affordability, and strong career prospects for nursing professionals.
- Clinical hours and occasional campus visits are common requirements in most online MSN programs, even with online flexibility.
With the demand for skilled nurses on the rise, earning an online master’s in nursing (MSN) is a smart move for those looking to advance in this growing field. MSN programs offer specialized paths in nursing, allowing professionals to deepen their expertise and access more career opportunities. But not all MSN nursing programs are created equal. This ranking highlights the top 50 master’s in nursing online programs of 2024, helping you find the best value for your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Ranking Methodology
Awards and Recognition (Related to Nursing)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000—2 points
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations)—1 point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid, Synchronous, etc.)—1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Nursing – 1 point
Internship Opportunities in Nursing – 1 point
Scholarship Opportunities in Nursing – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor: for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us – 1 point
Featured Programs
Best Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Nursing
To determine the best value online MSN programs, our editors began with the 100 top-ranked programs according to US News & World Report.
To narrow the pool further, we then chose the most lucrative schools, according to PayScale.com. We then visited each school’s program website to gather the information required to apply the ranking methodology above.
In cases where two or more schools received the same rating, we used graduate tuition and fees—as reported by College Navigator—to break the tie, presenting the more affordable school higher in the ranking.
#50 – Georgia Southern University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Statesboro, Georgia
Website
Points: 5
Georgia Southern University offers an online master’s in nursing in Chronic Care Management. This program is designed for licensed RNs with at least a year of full-time nursing experience. Because this means most of the program’s students work full-time, it is also designed to be fairly flexible.
Students are advised to keep Tuesdays available for synchronous activities such as course meetings, but this is the only major scheduling requirement. There are also no required visits to campus for this online nursing master’s program, as clinical hours can be completed close to where students live.
Tuition & Fees: $8,728
#49 – Union University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Jackson, Tennessee
Website
Points: 5
Online master’s in nursing students at Union University can choose between administration and education tracks. This program is designed for licensed RNs with a BSN degree. However, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may still be eligible for admission if they have taken certain science courses.
Students in this program are required to attend a two-day orientation, but after this, there are no more required visits to campus. Clinical hours can be completed locally. Full-time students can complete this online nursing master’s program in just over a year, and part time students can finish in about two years.
Tuition & Fees: $6,630
#48 – The Catholic University of America
Master’s in Nursing Online
Washington, D.C.
Website
Points: 6
The Catholic University of America offers an online master’s in nursing program with a Family Nurse Practitioner track. This track meets the standards of multiple organizations, and it thoroughly prepares students for the national certification exam. The program includes both a residency requirement and a clinical requirement.
The clinical requirement is flexible and can be completed in the student’s own community, but students will still have to visit campus twice during the second half of the program. Most students complete their online MSN programs with CUA in three years.
Tuition & Fees: $41,800
#47 – Baylor University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Waco, Texas
Points: 6
Baylor University offers an online master’s in nursing in Leadership and Innovation. This is an accelerated option among online MSN programs that students can complete in just over a year.
Students complete one course every five weeks. These courses are designed in collaboration with the Baylor Health Care System, which ensures that courses are practical and relevant.
Most courses are also taught by the same highly qualified professors who teach on campus. Students who complete this online nursing master’s program are well prepared for both national certification and employment in a wide variety of settings.
Tuition & Fees: $30,150
#46 – Duquesne University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Points: 6
Distance nursing students at Duquesne University can choose from three different online MSN programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Forensic Nursing, and Nursing Education and Faculty. All of these programs are primarily online, but two of them, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education, require visits to campus.
All programs have slightly different requirements, but they all can be completed in three years at full-time pace. The online MSN programs also have a part-time option, which gives students up to five years to graduate.
Tuition & Fees: $21,402
#45 – University of Connecticut
Master’s in Nursing Online
Storrs, Connecticut
Website
Points: 6
The University of Connecticut offers an online master’s in nursing Neonatal Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist program. Coursework is delivered completely online, but the program does include multiple in-person activities. Students are required to visit campus three times for orientation and simulations.
Students also must complete clinical practicum courses. This online nursing master’s program is rigorous and requires previous nursing experience. However, because this means that many students are working, the online portions are delivered in an asynchronous format in order to accommodate students’ busy schedules.
Tuition & Fees: $15,296
#44 – University of Utah
Master’s in Nursing Online
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website
Points: 6
The College of Nursing at the University of Utah offers an online master’s in nursing program in Nursing Education in a primarily online format. Students are expected to visit campus at least twice a semester for activities such as orientation, exams, and intensive educational experiences.
Clinical experiences can typically be completed in students’ own communities, and online courses are delivered in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats. Prospective students should note that this online nursing master’s program is limited to students living in the Intermountain West.
Tuition & Fees: $7,312
#43 – Georgia College & State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Milledgeville, Georgia
Website
Points: 6
Georgia College and State University offers two online master’s in nursing programs: Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Family Nurse Practitioner program includes both a general track and a Psychiatric Mental Health track. These programs are primarily online and involve clinical experiences.
Most of these clinical experiences can be completed in the students’ own communities, however. The only other in-person requirement for this online nursing master’s program is Lab Immersion Week, which prepares students to take Advanced Assessment during the first semester with a clinical instruction foundation.
Tuition & Fees: $7,174
#42 – Clayton State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Morrow, Georgia
Website
Points: 6
Clayton State University’s offers its online master’s in nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program through its School of Nursing. This program prepares its students to sit for national certification, as well as to provide primary care to a wide variety of patients.
Courses are primarily asynchronous but do occasionally include synchronous activities. The program includes a practicum, but this can be completed at a local hospital or school of nursing. Most students finish their online MSN programs at CSU in just three and a half years.
Tuition & Fees: $6,966
#41 – University of Nevada—Las Vegas
Master’s in Nursing Online
Las Vegas, Nevada
Website
Points: 6
The University of Nevada–Las Vegas offers its students two online MSN programs: a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program and a Nurse Educator MSN program. Both of these programs have on-campus requirements. Students attend two three-day orientation sessions, and some clinical courses require on-campus sessions.
These on-campus sessions can last between one and three days, and the amount of on-campus sessions varies by instructor. Most students complete their online nursing master’s program in three years, but busier students can take up to six years.
Tuition & Fees: $5,500
#40 – George Washington University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Washington, D.C.
Points: 7
Online master’s in nursing students at George Washington University can choose between five different specializations within the MSN program: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Leadership and Management, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Most of these programs require multiple visits to campus for orientation, intensives, and clinical examinations. However, the online portions of the programs are still designed to accommodate busy students.
Courses required for this online nursing master’s program are asynchronous, so students can access lectures and other course materials at their convenience.
Tuition & Fees: $27,851
#39 – Texas Christian University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Fort Worth, Texas
Website
Points: 7
Texas Christian University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers three online MSN programs: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Administration and Leadership, and Nursing Education. These programs are designed for individuals with at least two years of nursing experience.
The programs vary in length, but they are typically completed in two or three years. While all of these MSN programs online include clinical hours, they are still primarily online. All didactic courses are completely online and delivered in an asynchronous format.
Tuition & Fees: $25,518
#38 – Florida State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Tallahassee, Florida
Website
Points: 7
Distance nursing students at Florida State University can choose between two online MSN programs: a Nurse Educator MSN program and a Nurse Leader MSN program. Because these programs are meant for individuals with nursing experience, they are designed with the needs of working students in mind.
Courses are completely online, and most clinical experiences can be completed close to where students live. Nurse Educator students may be asked to visit campus for a one-day clinical experience in the fall, but this is the only on-campus requirement for this online nursing master’s program.
Tuition & Fees: $11,543
#37 – Regis University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Denver, Colorado
Website
Points: 7
Regis University offers an online master’s in nursing program in Leadership in Health Care Systems with a Management focus and an Education focus. Students can choose just one of these focus areas or complete a dual focus.
Both focus areas include two practicum experiences, and neither requires visits to campus. Full-time students can complete their education in two and a half years. However, students can choose a slower pace and take up to six years to complete their online nursing master’s program if needed.
Tuition & Fees: $10,800
#36 – University of Kansas
Master’s in Nursing Online
Lawrence, Kansas
Website
Points: 7
The University of Kansas’s School of Nursing offers an online master’s in nursing program that emphasizes not only nursing skills but also research and leadership. It also includes four specialization options: Clinical Research Management, Nursing Informatics, Organizational Leadership, and Public Health Nursing.
These concentrations vary in credit hours required, but they all can be completed in about three years. All course content is the same content that is offered on campus, and all required courses for this online nursing master’s degree can be taken entirely online.
Tuition & Fees: $9,958
#35 – University of Colorado—Colorado Springs
Master’s in Nursing Online
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Points: 7
The University of Colorado–Colorado Springs offers Primary Care Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online MSN programs. These programs can be completed without any visits to campus, though they do require students to complete a practicum.
The nearly 100% online nature of these programs, as well as the asynchronous delivery format the programs use, make this university a good choice for faraway or busy students.
Students who move frequently or intend to complete practicum hours in a different state may need to choose a different online nursing master’s degree program.
Tuition & Fees: $9,916
#34 – Indiana University-Purdue University—Indianapolis
Master’s in Nursing Online
Indianapolis, Indiana
Website
Points: 7
Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis offers four online master’s in nursing programs: Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The Nursing Education program is the most flexible. Courses are primarily asynchronous, and students can complete their practicum in their own community. The other three programs, however, are much more limited.
While they do allow students to complete their degree without visiting campus, courses are synchronous, and practicum hours must be completed in Indiana.
This may be suitable for Indiana residents who like working from home as opposed to a campus setting, but these particular online MSN programs are definitely not ideal for students in other states.
Tuition & Fees: $9,183
#33 – McKendree University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Lebanon, Illinois
Website
Points: 7
McKendree University’s online master’s in nursing program includes three tracks: Palliative Care, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Manager/Administrator. This program is designed for experienced nurses.
As a result, the program is also designed to accommodate working students. The degree can be completed with no visits to campus, and practicums can be conducted locally.
The amount of practicum hours required varies by track, but all online MSN programs can be completed in as little as two years at a full-time pace.
Tuition & Fees: $9,016
#32 – West Virginia University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Morgantown, West Virginia
Website
Points: 7
West Virginia University offers an online master’s in nursing program with Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner emphases.
Full-time students can complete the program in two years, and part-time students typically complete the program in three or four years. Courses are delivered in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats.
All emphases include in-person requirements, such as practicums and special sessions. These sessions can last between two days and one week. This online nursing master’s program is ideal for students who want both the flexibility of an online program and the interactivity of a face-to-face format.
Tuition & Fees: $8,568
#31 – Boise State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Boise, Idaho
Website
Points: 7
Boise State University offers its distance nursing students an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner online master’s in nursing program. The program includes two specializations: Primary Care and Acute Care. The main difference between these specializations is the setting in which they prepare the student to work.
Both tracks include clinical and on-campus requirements, and both tracks prepare students for certification. Prospective students should know that this program is only available in fewer than twenty states.
This program may be great for students who can make the trips to campus, but it is less flexible than some other MSN programs online.
Tuition & Fees: $8,166
#30 – New Mexico State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Points: 7
New Mexico State University offers an online master’s in nursing in Nursing Administration that is designed for nurses with a BSN degree and an RN license. This is an online only program, and all coursework is completed online. However, students are still expected to visit campus for a four-day orientation.
Courses are primarily asynchronous, but do occasionally include synchronous activities, such as chats with peers and instructors. Students have up to seven years to complete this online nursing master’s program, but most students only take three or four years.
Tuition & Fees: $4,941
#29 – University of San Francisco
Master’s in Nursing Online
San Francisco, California
Points: 8
The University of San Francisco’s online master’s in nursing program is designed to prepare its students for roles as clinical nurse leaders. The program includes two tracks: one for ADN-level students and one for BSN-level students. The main difference between these programs is the number of credit hours required to graduate.
The ADN track requires 12 more credit hours than the BSN track, but both can be completed in only two years, as this particular online nursing master’s program is meant to be taken at a rigorous pace.
Tuition & Fees: $22,460
#28 – University of Pittsburgh
Master’s in Nursing Online
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 8
The University of Pittsburgh offers two online master’s in nursing programs: Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Informatics. Both of these MSN programs online are designed with busy students in mind. They can be completed with no visits to campus, and clinical experiences can be completed in students’ own communities.
The Clinical Nurse Leader program has the same curriculum and instructors as its on-campus counterpart. The Nursing Informatics program is online only, but it is still taught by highly qualified university faculty.
Tuition & Fees: $22,060
#27 – Benedictine University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Lisle, Illinois
Website
Points: 8
Benedictine University offers an online master’s in nursing program with Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive Leader concentrations. This program can be completed in two years, and there is no residency requirement.
All courses are taught by credentialed faculty with relevant experience in the field. Courses are also delivered in an asynchronous format, so students can access lectures and other materials at their convenience.
This online nursing master’s program is great for busy students whose schedules do not allow them to visit campus or attend live classes.
Tuition & Fees: $16,695
#26 – University of South Carolina
Master’s in Nursing Online
Columbia, South Carolina
Website
Points: 8
The University of South Carolina offers four online master’s in nursing programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration: Organizational Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Family.
All of these programs require students to make regular visits to campus for intense clinical courses. These courses meet during the work week, so working students will have to adjust their schedules accordingly. There is also a mandatory new student orientation.
While all didactic course content is available in a flexible, asynchronous online format, these in-person requirements may make this online nursing master’s program less ideal for faraway students.
Tuition & Fees: $16,664
#25 – Michigan State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
East Lansing, Michigan
Website
Points: 8
Michigan State University’s only online master’s in nursing program is Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with a concentration in Nurse Education.
Students are required to attend an on-campus orientation once, but after this, students do not have to make any more visits to campus. Internships can be completed at locations close to where students live.
Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters, but busier students can choose the part-time, eight-semester option. This online nursing master’s program is perfect for students who have work or family responsibilities.
Tuition & Fees: $16,122
#24 – University of Cincinnati
Master’s in Nursing Online
Cincinnati, Ohio
Website
Points: 8
Distance nursing students at the University of Cincinnati can choose from four online master’s in nursing programs: Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
All of these programs can be completed with no visits to campus, and the only in-person requirement is a clinical experience that can be completed in the students’ communities. The program is full time and meant to be completed in two years.
The flexible online format of this online nursing master’s degree does allow working students to continue working despite the program’s faster-paced structure, however.
Tuition & Fees: $14,468
#23 – Jacksonville University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Jacksonville, Florida
Points: 8
Jacksonville University offers an online master’s in nursing program with three specializations: Leadership in Healthcare Systems, Clinical Nurse Educator, and Informatics.
This program is especially flexible. Students can set the pace of their education by taking as many or as few courses per eight-week session as they want. Students can even take a couple of sections off if needed.
There are six starts per year, so students may begin the program when it is most convenient for them rather than being restricted to a fall or spring start date. Students can even complete projects and practicums at locations in their own community, so there is no need to visit campus to finish their online MSN programs.
Tuition & Fees: $12,960
#22 – University of Texas at Arlington
Master’s in Nursing Online
Arlington, Texas
Website
Points: 8
Online nursing students at the University of Texas at Arlington can choose between Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Administration online master’s in nursing programs. These are accelerated programs that can be completed in two to three years.
The programs’ structures are more flexible than the traditional semester format, which allows students to have more control over the pace of their education. Prospective students should note that these programs may not be available in their state, however.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program is exclusive to Texas residents, and the other two online MSN programs are unavailable in several states.
Tuition & Fees: $8,517
#21 – University of Arkansas
Master’s in Nursing Online
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Website
Points: 8
The University of Arkansas offers an online master’s in nursing program with a concentration in Nursing Education. This program is flexible both in terms of scheduling and in terms of academics.
The program primarily focuses on teaching at the nurse generalist level, but students have opportunities to gain some specialization in a particular population.
Courses in this program are asynchronous to accommodate working students, and students can take up to six years to complete their degree if they prefer a more relaxed pace. Most students complete this online master’s nursing program in only two or three years, however.
Tuition & Fees: $8,096
#20 – Lamar University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Beaumont, Texas
Points: 8
Lamar University’s online master’s in nursing program includes two tracks: Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. All MSN courses are available online, but the business classes required for the Nursing Administration track are not. Students may transfer up to nine hours from another institution to make up for this.
Students are not required to visit campus for exams, orientations, or other activities. This makes the program great for students who are too busy or too far away to make the trips to campus that other online MSN programs require.
Tuition & Fees: $7,898
#19 – University of Missouri—Kansas City
Master’s in Nursing Online
Kansas City, Missouri
Points: 8
Distance students at the University of Missouri–Kansas City can choose from several online master’s in nursing programs, including Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Most of these programs start in the spring, but summer starts are available for a few programs.
Students are required to visit campus at least once per semester while they are taking their clinical courses. However, most courses are online.
The curriculum for this online nursing master’s degree is delivered in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats, so students can enjoy both a high amount of flexibility and a high amount of interaction with peers and faculty.
Tuition & Fees: $7,215
#18 – Ferris State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Big Rapids, Michigan
Website
Points: 8
Ferris State University’s online master’s in nursing program includes three concentrations: Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Administration. This program allows students to complete the program at their own pace.
Students can take one to four courses at a time, and there is no penalty if they choose to not take a course when it is offered. The Nursing Education and Nursing Administration courses are completely online, with the only in-person requirement being a practicum that can be completed near where the student lives.
The Nursing Informatics concentration, on the other hand, requires students to attend multiple face-to-face meetings to meet the requirements for the online nursing master’s program.
Tuition & Fees: $6,324
#17 – Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi
Master’s in Nursing Online
Corpus Christi, Texas
Website
Points: 8
Distance nursing students at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi can choose from three different online master’s in nursing programs: Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Leadership in Nursing Systems. All of these programs are almost completely online, with the only in-person requirement being clinicals.
The site of these clinicals can be selected by the student, so students should not have to travel far to complete them. Students are given up to seven years to complete their MSN programs online, but most only take a little over two years.
Tuition & Fees: $6,164
#16 – Duke University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Durham, North Carolina
Website
Points: 9
Duke University’s online master’s in nursing program offers seven advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) majors, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. It also offers three non-clinical majors, including Health Informatics and Nursing Education.
APRN students not only have several nurse practitioner programs to choose from, but also multiple specialization options. All APRN majors require students to visit campus at least once a semester, as well as complete a clinical residency. However, the non-clinical MSN programs online can be completed entirely online.
Tuition & Fees: $48,656
#15 – Vanderbilt University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Nashville, Tennessee
Website
Points: 9
The School of Nursing at Vanderbilt University offers an online master’s in nursing in Healthcare Leadership. This program is completely online with the exception of two practicum courses.
Students can choose the location and preceptor for their practicum, so faraway students do not have to worry about traveling far to complete the practicum.
In fact, most students are able to complete their practicum at their current workplace. Many students are also able to study full-time while continuing to work full-time. However, there is a part-time option for individuals who do not feel comfortable with the more rigorous pace of the online nursing master’s program.
Tuition & Fees: $44,050
#14 – Creighton University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
Points: 9
Creighton University offers an online master’s in nursing program with Clinical Systems Administration and Clinical Nurse Leader tracks, as well as specializations in Cardiology, Education, and Oncology. Compared to many other programs, students have an impressive amount of customization options.
Most courses are delivered online, but students are required to make multiple visits to campus for orientations, simulations, and projects. Students are given up to six years to graduate, but most are able to complete this online nursing master’s program in as little as two years.
Tuition & Fees: $16,664
#13 – University of Massachusetts—Amherst
Master’s in Nursing Online
Amherst, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 9
The University of Massachusetts–Amherst’s Clinical Nurse Leader online master’s in nursing program is designed by both the College of Nursing faculty and leaders in nursing practice.
It aims to prepare experienced nurses for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification examination, as well as train them to lead in a wide variety of interdisciplinary environments.
This online nursing master’s program is primarily online but includes multiple clinical internships in the student’s community, which gives them the valuable experience they need to be effective leaders.
Tuition & Fees: $14,754
#12 – Stony Brook University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Stony Brook, New York
Website
Points: 9
Stony Brook University offers several online MSN programs, including Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education, Neonatal Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Health Nurse Practitioner.
All programs, even the non-clinical programs, have some in-person requirements. However, the programs are still primarily online and asynchronous, which gives most working students the flexibility they need.
Students who live far from campus may prefer to choose an online nursing master’s program that allows them to complete their clinical experiences at a location closer to them, however.
Tuition & Fees: $12,421
#11 – University of Arizona
Master’s in Nursing Online
Tucson, Arizona
Website
Points: 9
The University of Arizona offers an accelerated online master’s in nursing in Clinical Systems Leadership. This program has two tracks: one for RNs with an associate’s degree and one for RNs with a bachelor’s degree. The biggest difference between these programs is the time needed to graduate.
Students with BSN degrees can complete their degree in 15 months, whereas students with ADN degrees can complete their degree in two years. There are no on-campus requirements, so students who live far away from campus or have unusual schedules should have no problem completing this online nursing master’s program.
Tuition & Fees: $12,048
#10 – Old Dominion University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Norfolk, Virginia
Website
Points: 9
Old Dominion University Online offers multiple online master’s in nursing programs, including Nurse Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Administrator. Courses are delivered in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats, so students enjoy a balance of flexibility and interactivity.
Courses are also taught by faculty with not only extensive experience in the field, but also several years of experience in distance education. Most students complete their MSN programs online in two years. However, students are given up to six years to graduate.
Tuition & Fees: $11,136
#9 – Cleveland State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Cleveland, Ohio
Website
Points: 9
Students taking Cleveland State University’s online master’s in nursing program can choose from four different tracks: Nursing Education, Forensic Nursing, Specialized Populations, and Clinical Nurse Leader. All tracks include a practicum that can be completed locally. However, the number of clinical hours required varies by track.
Non-thesis tracks require 400 clinical hours, whereas thesis tracks only require 300 clinical hours. Outside of the practicum, students can complete the program completely online.
It is possible for students to graduate in two years, but most students take three years to finish their online nursing master’s program.
Tuition & Fees: $9,625
#8 – University of Alabama—Huntsville
Master’s in Nursing Online
Huntsville, Alabama
Website
Points: 9
The University of Alabama–Huntsville offers an online Leadership in Health Care Systems master’s in nursing program. This program is primarily online but requires students to attend two three-day on-campus experiences.
Students must also complete clinical hours, but this can be done locally. All courses are taught by the same experienced faculty who teach on-campus. Most students complete this online nursing master’s program in roughly two years, but they are given up to six years to finish if needed.
Tuition & Fees: $9,548
#7 – University of North Carolina—Charlotte
Master’s in Nursing Online
Charlotte, North Carolina
Website
Points: 9
The University of North Carolina–Charlotte offers three online MSN programs: Community/Public Health, Nursing Education, and Nursing Administration. All of these programs can be completed in just over two years of part-time study. All programs also include clinical experience requirements.
At least a year of previous nursing experience is recommended, but unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse will suffice. While there is some variation between the on-campus offering and the online nursing master’s program, both are taught by the same highly qualified faculty.
Tuition & Fees: $7,032
#6 – University of Texas at Tyler
Master’s in Nursing Online
Tyler, Texas
Website
Points: 9
The University of Texas at Tyler’s online master’s in nursing program is flexible in terms of both academic customization options and format customization options. Students can choose between Education, Administration, MBA, and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.
The Nurse Practitioner program is only available in a hybrid format, as students in this track must regularly visit campus for labs. However, the rest of the tracks can be taken in either a completely online or hybrid format.
Most students complete the online nursing master’s program in three years, but busier students have up to six years to finish.
Tuition & Fees: $2,618
#5 – Johns Hopkins University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Baltimore, Maryland
Website
Points: 10
Distance nursing students at Johns Hopkins University are offered an online master’s in nursing program with specializations in Adult-Gerontological Critical Care, Pediatric Critical Care, and Health Systems Management.
This program is designed for individuals who are already nurses but want to advance their careers or become more specialized. All specializations include a practicum, but other than this, students can complete the degree online.
Prospective students should note that this online nursing master’s program is not available in Iowa or Kansas, and some states where the program is available do not allow students to conduct externship activities.
Tuition & Fees: $50,510
#4 – Georgetown University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Washington, D.C.
Website
Points: 10
Georgetown University offers multiple online master’s in nursing programs, including Nurse Educator, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Courses in these programs are delivered synchronously and recorded for students to review whenever they want.
The programs also require clinical placement experiences and at least one campus visit for On-Campus Intensive Learning immersion.
While synchronous delivery and campus visits may make these MSN programs online too inconvenient for busier students, they are ideal for students looking for a more interactive distance program.
Tuition & Fees: $45,136
#3 – Ohio State University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Columbus, Ohio
Website
Points: 10
Ohio State University’s College of Nursing offers online master’s in nursing programs for Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. All of these require students to complete clinicals, but students are allowed to complete these clinicals at locations near their own community.
One thing that prospective students should note is that the programs are not yet available in all states. These online MSN programs are pursuing authorization in over 15 states, including New York, Oregon, Arizona, and Florida, but until the university gains authorization in these states, the degrees cannot be offered to the states’ residents.
Tuition & Fees: $12,425
#2 – Drexel University
Master’s in Nursing Online
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 11
Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions offers multiple online master’s in nursing programs, including Clinical Trials Research, Nursing Innovation, and Leadership in Health Systems Management.
All of these programs are primarily online with minimal in-person requirements. Most programs only require a practicum, which is flexible and can be completed close to where the student lives.
However, the Nursing Education program requires both a practicum and a short, three-day residency. Most of these MSN programs online also deliver their course material in a synchronous format, so despite this program’s primarily virtual nature, students still have plenty of opportunities to interact with faculty and peers.
Tuition & Fees: $31,519
#1 – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Master’s in Nursing Online
Lubbock, Texas
Points: 11
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers several online master’s in nursing programs, including Nurse Midwifery, Education, Administration, and Family Nurse Practitioner.
These programs vary greatly in terms of in-person requirements. For example, the Nursing Administration program is completely online, but the Nursing Informatics program requires multiple trips to campus.
Other programs, such as Nurse Midwifery, are delivered in a hybrid format. The programs also differ in credit hours needed to complete the degree, but it usually takes around three years for students in these MSN programs online to graduate.
Tuition & Fees: $8,301
Related:
- Health Informatics (Master’s)
- Health Administration (Master’s)
- Gerontology (Graduate)
- Nursing Administration (MSN)
- Top Online Colleges for Nursing (Bachelor’s)
- Important Resonsibilities of a Healthcare Administrator
- Cheapest Online Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificates
This concludes our ranking of the 50 top value online MSN programs.
Sources:
Payscale.com
NCES College Navigator
CVO Staff