Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.
Mikeie Reiland, MFA
Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Reviewed
Brenna Swanston
Brenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accolades in California and North Carolina. Since 2018, she has worked in the higher-education web content space, where she aims to help current and prospective students of all backgrounds find effective, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
If you are a registered nurse aspiring to an advanced practice position or a leadership role in the nursing field, a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) can help you get there. And by completing your M.S.N. program online, you can take the next step in your education without sacrificing your current job.
Online M.S.N. programs allow prospective nurse executives, nurse educators and nurse practitioners to advance their careers without having to give up their day jobs.
There is a wealth of online M.S.N. programs, and some are far more credible than others. As such, we researched and ranked the 10 best schools in the field. Read on to learn more about each program and how to find the best fit for you.
Our Methodology
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Best Online M.S.N. Options
Should You Enroll in an M.S.N. Program Online?
Pro Tip
If you are a parent or plan to work full time while pursuing your M.S.N., an online degree might help you juggle your commitments. You may want to prioritize asynchronous programs, which do not include any scheduled class sessions.
An online M.S.N. program is a good match for a specific type of student. To determine whether that’s you, it’s worth reflecting on a few key questions:
- What are your other obligations? Flexibility is arguably the primary draw of online learning. If you are a parent or plan to work full time while pursuing your M.S.N., an asynchronous online degree will provide you with maximum scheduling flexibility.
- What’s your learning style? Online learning requires plenty of organization, self-discipline and time management skills. If you crave additional structure or the support of a regular peer group, an on-campus M.S.N. might be a better fit.
- What’s your budget? Compared to their on-campus peers, online learners generally save on costs associated with housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities allow students who strictly enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.
Accreditation for Online M.S.N. Programs
There are two key types of college accreditation: institutional and programmatic.
The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the institutional accreditation process, during which accrediting agencies vet schools for the quality of their faculty, student services and finances, among other benchmarks.
You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible to receive federal student aid, and employers and professional credentialing bodies may not recognize your degree.
Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields. In nursing, keep an eye out for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
How To Find the Right M.S.N. Online Program for You
Pro Tip
Many M.S.N. programs offer multiple specializations. Seek programs offering specializations that align with your ideal future career, whether you aspire to become a family nurse practitioner, a nurse educator or an executive nurse leader.
Consider Your Future Goals
When researching M.S.N. programs, you should be able to articulate your future career goals to determine which school is your best fit. Many M.S.N. programs offer multiple specializations. Your school and program should offer a curriculum that will help you achieve your career goals, whether you aim to become a family nurse practitioner, a nurse educator or an executive nurse leader.
Many M.S.N. programs only admit students who already hold an unencumbered RN license; these are known as RN-to-M.S.N. bridge programs. A bridge program may be shorter than a full M.S.N. degree program, and if you already hold RN licensure, you won’t need to worry about your M.S.N. program meeting RN licensing requirements.
However, you should look for an M.S.N. program that offers a clinical or practicum experience so that you can gain valuable experience in your chosen profession. This is particularly important if you want to become a nurse practitioner.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $327 to $1,699. Extrapolated over an approximately 30- to 45-credit program, this translates to somewhere between $10,000 and $76,500 in total tuition costs. This is a wide range, but tuition rates can differ widely among M.S.N. programs depending on program length and the institution’s public or private status.
For comparison, the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) reports that during the 2021–22 academic year, graduate programs charged an average of $20,513 in annual tuition. Over the course of a two- or three-year program, this translates to somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000 in total tuition costs.
Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to access federal student aid opportunities such as Pell Grants, scholarships and loans. You can pursue similar financial aid options through nonprofit organizations, individual schools and private lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online M.S.N. Programs
What is the best M.S.N. to get?
The best M.S.N. program for you depends on your budget, goals and individual circumstances. In most cases, you should choose a program offering a specialization that aligns with your future career goals.
How long does it take to get an M.S.N.?
The best online M.SN. programs typically take two to three years to finish.
Is an M.S.N. the same as an NP?
NP degree programs are M.S.N.s, but not all M.S.N. programs are for aspiring NPs. You might pursue a nurse practitioner specialty within a broader M.S.N. program.
Is an M.S.N. harder than a B.S.N.?
Yes. An M.S.N. is more academically rigorous than a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Moreover, an M.S.N. typically delves into a specific field of nursing at great depth.
Why get a D.N.P. instead of an M.S.N.?
If you want to qualify for the absolute highest leadership positions in nursing, a D.N.P. might be a better fit than an M.S.N. since it is the terminal degree in the field.
