Top 25 Best Value Online MSN Programs in the US
Find your perfect value college
Working nurses know that the key to better pay and higher positions in nursing is further education, but the inconvenience of relocating or commuting for a master’s degree keeps many associate’s and bachelor’s-holding RNs from making the leap. That’s the reason that many working nurses are turning online to earn their higher degrees. Online programs are designed with working adults in mind and are usually scheduled for flexibility and convenience. Many schools allow students to do clinical practice in their own local areas, or at their current workplace, and often non-clinical programs (such as administrative or educational tracks) don’t require clinical practice at all. These programs do all they can to help graduate students keep working and live their lives as they are earning their degrees.
Recommended Online MSN Degree Programs
Featured Programs
The Master of Science in Nursing degree is the door to a higher status. Most programs fall into one or more of three tracks: advanced clinical roles (especially the Nurse Practitioner); leadership roles (for those who want to move into administrative and managerial positions); and academic (for those who want to educate nurses or work in research capacities). These programs build on the working nurse’s current knowledge and experience to prepare them for new experiences and challenges. The Value Colleges’ mission is to steer prospective nurse leaders toward the most reputable colleges with the best return on investment. Some of these are valued because their tuition is low; some are valued because their name and reputation open doors to high pay and high returns. All of them find their own distinct balance between quality, cost, and return.
All nursing schools ranked by Value Colleges must be regionally-accredited, with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE or ACEN. Choosing only accredited institutions ensures that all meet minimum quality standards. We determine ranking order by taking into consideration three factors:
- average early-career alumni salary (Dept. of Education – College Scorecard)
- national ranking (U.S. News & World Report)
- real tuition cost (from college website)
Because of regulations and the need for approved clinical sites, online nursing programs can be a little more location-specific than other online courses. Not all programs are available nationwide; when you find a program that sounds interesting, check your state’s availability.
University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Denver was founded in 1912 as an extension campus of the University of Colorado, but its roots go back even farther. Denver (having a larger population for practice) was the first home to CU’s medical school, beginning in 1883, until a legal claim by the University of Denver forced the school back to Boulder. However, with the establishment of the extension campus, and the return of the CU School of Medicine, CU Denver was well on its way to becoming Colorado’s biggest and most influential research university. The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center – named the Anschutz Medical Campus in honor of donors Philip and Nancy Anschutz – is also the home of the CU College of Nursing, a world-class program ranked among the best in the nation.
As one of the first nursing schools in the west, CU’s College of Nursing has a long history of excellence in nursing education, and the University of Colorado online MSN degree program is continuing that tradition for the 21st century. Like many western schools, where populations are often scattered and rural, CU has built a strong distance education system over the last 30 years, and the College of Nursing’s online graduate programs have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the ten best in the nation. With a number of specializations, such as Health Care Informatics, Women’s Health, and several Nurse Practitioner specialities, CU Nursing prepares students for the modern world of health care, using modern means.
University of Texas Medical Branch
Part of the University of Texas system, the UT Medical Branch is an academic medical center that includes hospitals, clinics, research centers, and the oldest medical school in Texas. Located in Galveston, TX (winning out over Houston in a popular vote), the UTMB began in 1891 as the University of Texas Medical School, while the main UT campus was located in Austin. With very little formal medical care in Texas, the medical school was key to establishing a modern healthcare system for the young state, and UTMB was a pioneer, establishing the state’s first pediatric hospital and education program, among other key innovations. The School of Nursing is one of the oldest in the state, dating back to a hospital nurses’ training school established in 1890.
The UT Medical Branch online MSN degree programs have been acclaimed and ranked among the best in the nation by numerous publications. At UTMB, nurses are prepared for leadership positions, research careers, and social advocacy, with a curriculum designed to motivate nurses to make substantial improvements to patient care. With seven concentrations – including Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Executive Nurse Leader – working professionals can choose a specialization that builds on their current career, or make a shift in a more rewarding direction. With national recognition, and the reasonable tuition rate that only a public university can offer, the UT Medical Branch is one of the best possible values for an MSN.
Clarkson College
Health science is what Clarkson College does. Founded as the first school of nursing in Nebraska way back in 1888, this private college has grown to encompass all aspects of health care education, but remains one of the best nursing programs around. Like many nursing schools, Clarkson began as a 2-year nursing program at a hospital, Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, but as educational demands for nurses grew, so did Clarkson, from an associate’s degree to doctorates in Nursing Practice and Health Care Education & Leadership. With a mission to produce the best-prepared nurses in the nation, Clarkson has become one of the most trusted names in the Midwest.
Clarkson College’s School of Nursing has developed an online graduate program that is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in quality. Besides quality, though, Clarkson is also a value, with an affordable $556 per credit hour tuition rate for graduate courses. MSN students can choose from Nursing Health Care Administration, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP concentrations. These programs require some minimal on-campus sessions, and students must set up clinical practicum in their workplace, as long as it meets guidelines, and students following the RN to MSN track don’t have to do clinicals at all. With a long, respected reputation, Clarkson College is providing nurses with flexible, affordable online options, the definition of a value college.
OSF St. Francis Medical Center
Part of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is a teaching hospital with a long, proud history. The original hospital was founded in 1876 by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Peoria, IL, a group of German nuns sent to Illinois from a settlement in Iowa, while the UI College of Medicine dates back to an independent medical school opened in 1882 in Chicago. The college was given to the University of Illinois in 1913, and in 1970 it expanded to the Peoria campus of the Saint Francis Medical Center, where it all comes together. The Center has been named one of the most technologically advanced medical schools in the nation, and one of the best for nursing, winning a Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association.
The online MSN degree program from the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing has a number of possible pathways for the prospective student, including an accelerated RN to MSN program, and a half-dozen concentrations including Nurse Educator, Nursing Management Leadership, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Online students work collaboratively and asynchronously using a variety of electronic methods, and each student has an academic advisor to help them through the process. The SFMC online program emphasizes collaborative leadership, the integration of theory and practice, and cultural diversity to make nursing professionals the best caregivers and leaders they can be.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts is the most prestigious public research university in New England, a tough field of competition, but prospective students may not realize that UMass is also a leading online educator. UMass has been working since 2001 to build the most comprehensive, well-developed online education system possible, and it shows; UMass is one of the biggest names in online education among public research universities. But this hasn’t been accomplished by lowering standards or cranking out diplomas – UMass has some of the most prestigious faculty and best rankings in the world, including U.S. News & World Report ranking as one of the 30 best public universities in the nation.
The UMass Amherst online MSN degree program is a shining example of UMass’s online excellence. Students earning an online MSN degree benefit in multiple ways from UMass’s global reputation for quality, namely in high ROI and great marketability in job searches. The online MS program offers three concentrations: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, and Nursing Science. These specializations provide prospective nursing managers, teachers, and researchers with the grounding they need to take on critical roles in health care facilities; the Nursing Science in particular prepares students for the DNP or PhD in nursing. With UMass’s reputation, graduates can be sure they’re getting a prime college value.
Saint Xavier University
Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, a religious order dedicated to the protection and education of women and children, Saint Xavier University began as a women’s college in the young city of Chicago. As the oldest college in Chicago (and the first Sisters of Mercy college in the world), Saint Xavier University played a part in bringing learning and civilization to the burgeoning city, and remains an innovative and visionary institution. Saint Xavier is not only one of the most diverse colleges in the US, and a designated Hispanic-serving institution; it is also one of U.S. News & World Report’s top 50 regional colleges for the Midwest, and the online graduate nursing program is ranked best in the nation.
The Saint Xavier University online MSN degree program more than earns that U.S. News distinction, with an online MSN that combines affordability, reputation, and real academic quality. The CCNE-accredited School of Nursing has been recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence, and the online MSN draws on all of Saint Xavier’s strengths for the students’ benefit. Three tracks allow nursing students to specialize and hone in on their best options – Clinical Leadership, Executive Leadership, or Nurse Educator. For working nursing professionals who intend to take on managerial or academic roles, the Saint Xavier online MSN a pioneering program in Chicago, and one of the best values in the world.
Benedictine University
Benedictine University was founded in 1887 by the Benedictine monks of St. Procopius Abbey, a monastic community in Chicago, though the college moved to suburban Lisle, IL in 1901. Throughout its century of existence, Benedictine has made the most of its location, developing a strong relationship with the business community and government of Chicago and providing students with top-notch access to the life-changing internships and dynamic job market of the Windy City. For its academic excellence and unparalleled opportunity, Benedictine has been named one of Forbes best colleges, and the online graduate nursing programs are ranked among the best nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.
The highly-ranked Benedictine University online MSN degree program is accredited by the CCNE and designed according to AACN standards. While it is no longer governed by the monks, Benedictine takes its Catholic and monastic heritage very seriously, putting ethics and community outreach at the center of its nursing curriculum. Two concentrations – Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive Leader – give students the knowledge they need to obtain top-level managerial positions in the modern healthcare system, while a dual MSN/MBA option is available for especially ambitious nurses. For students in Chicago, Illinois, and beyond, Benedictine is a trusted name and a prime entry point into a rewarding career.
McKendree University
The oldest college in Illinois, McKendree University was originally founded in 1828 as a Methodist seminary, intended to prepare clergy to serve the large numbers of Methodist settlers coming into the frontier. Bishop William McKendree, the first American bishop for the church, gave the school a farm to build its campus, and in turn was honored with the naming of the university. Still affiliated with the United Methodist Church, McKendree has made its name in the 21st century with a well-organized, highly motivated campaign to raise its profile, grow its student body, and increase its diversity, and the hard work has paid off with U.S. News & World Report top-tier regional ranking for the Midwest.
McKendree University’s online MSN degree program is a perfect example of McKendree’s dedication to innovation and development. McKendree’s CCNE-accredited Division of Nursing has built a top-notch online answer to the problem of a growing gap in qualified nursing leadership, with a focus on nursing education, nursing management, and palliative care, as well as a dual MSN/MBA degree program. Required practicum experience depends on the specialization, and students can complete the program in two years of full-time courses, or on a less demanding part-time schedule. With tuition rates that fall in line with most public universities, McKendree’s online MSN is a strong contender for one of the best values in the US.
Lamar University
Founded in 1923 as a public junior college, Lamar University is named for Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, a former president of the Republic of Texas. While Lamar was once the flagship of its own system (the Lamar University System), in 1995 it became part of the Texas State University system. From the beginning Lamar’s focus was on practical technical and career learning, eventually growing into an important regional institution for professional studies. Lamar is one of only a few US colleges ranked at the top for quality of core curriculum standards by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, and many of Lamar’s individual programs are ranked in the top tier by U.S. News & World Report, including a top 75 online graduate nursing program.
Lamar University’s online MSN degree program tracks focus on the academic and administrative sides of nursing, with concentrations in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and a dual MSN-MBA program. All ACEN-accredited MSN courses are available online, and without clinical practice requirements, can be completed from pretty much any location. As for value, online tuition is an unbelievably low $318 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable high-quality programs available. That fact in itself makes Lamar a solid investment with potential for a high return, as well as a bright future in the healthcare field.
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University has emerged in the 21st century as one of the most influential public research universities in the US, having revolutionized public higher education with a philosophy of acceptance, experiment, and innovation. OSU has particularly become a leader in professional studies, including nursing. With recognition from U.S. News & World Report, and a growing reputation as one of the healthiest campuses in the US (through initiatives such as the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities and the Buckeye Wellness program), the Ohio State University College of Nursing is known for their quality and commitment.
The Ohio State online MSN degree program allows students to choose concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal NP, or Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Two tracks allow students with a nursing bachelor’s degree (the Traditional MS) or with a non-nursing bachelor’s (the Graduate Entry option) to start their nursing leadership career. But one factor that definitely sets Ohio State apart as a value is their tuition: out-of-state residents pay the same reasonable rates as residents, so location is less of a barrier to an Ohio State degree. With reasonable costs and a great quality education, the Ohio State University offers a solid investment for online MSN students.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is one of the first names in American medicine. Founded in 1876 out of the largest philanthropic gift ever made at the time – $7 million, nearly $150 million in today’s dollars – Johns Hopkins is elite, competitive, and challenging, having been at the center of some of the most important medical discoveries, inventions, and research in American history. Johns Hopkins, however, is not generally thought of as an online educator, or as a value, but in recent years the university has made online education a new priority, bringing its world-changing nursing programs in particular to a wider student body.
The Johns Hopkins online MSN degree program is offered with a Health Systems Management concentration, focusing on the technical aspects of healthcare delivery, decision-making, and leadership. As one of the oldest and best-ranked nursing schools in the nation, Johns Hopkins balances out a high tuition cost with access that no other school can match, with a high ROI and connections that make a nursing degree from Johns Hopkins an investment like no other. Students may also pursue a dual degree program in both the MSN and the Master of Public Health. While few may be selected, those who make the grade can expect Johns Hopkins to prove itself an educational investment like no other.
Old Dominion University
Founded in 1930, Old Dominion began as an extension campus for the College of William & Mary (one of the Colonial Colleges, the oldest colleges in the US pre-dating the American Revolution), but in the 21st century ODU has more than established its own name. Not only is Old Dominion Virginia’s largest public university, it is also one of the most reputable and recognizable names in online education, having jumped into the field early and enthusiastically. Since 1994, ODU’s distance education has grown into a third of its student body, and the School of Nursing’s online master degrees are always highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a sign of their quality.
The ODU online MSN degree program includes nine concentrations, including Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal NP, or Nurse Administrator/Educator. The ODU faculty, a highly qualified body of scholars and practitioners who bring in millions of dollars in research grants to fund their innovative work, also teach ODU’s online programs, giving online students access to the same top-flight minds and mentorship that residential students receive. Plus, ODU keeps online course tuition rates affordable at $464 per credit for Virginia residents, and only $516 per credit for out-of-state residents – a great rate compared to out-of-state rates for most other public universities. Old Dominion’s exceptional combination of educational excellence and affordability put it solidly in the top 10 of smart MSN investments.
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington dates its founding back to 1895, to a private school established to close the education gap created by the region’s underfunded schools. The Arlington College quickly grew from a primary and secondary school into a public college, then into a military academy, and eventually was taken in by the Texas A&M system. Today, though, UT Arlington is part of the University of Texas system, and over the years the university has quietly grown into a respected regional institution, ranked by the Princeton Review as a best western college and named a Next Generation University by the New America Foundation. In particular, UT Arlington has built up an online nursing program that is the envy of many more prominent schools.
UT Arlington’s online MSN degree programs represent some of Texas’ best. Arlington’s College of Nursing graduates the most nurses in the state of Texas, and considering Texas’s reputation for size, that’s an impressive number. Though the full college is enormous – around 8,000 students – students are divided into small groups led by a designated mentor, providing the kind of personal attention in an online format that helps residential students succeed. UT Arlington provides fully online MSN degrees in several concentrations, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology, and Pediatric specialization, complete with electronic textbooks, technical support, and a cohort of online learners led by a faculty member. A well-developed online program provides students with everything they need to earn a degree and advance in their career, giving UT Arlington a place of distinction in the best value ranking.
Sacred Heart University
Founded in 1965, Sacred Heart University is a young Catholic institution, one built on the revolutionary ideas of the Second Vatican Council, in which the church took on important reforms in openness and accessibility. In that spirit, Sacred Heart was the first Catholic college founded to be governed by lay people, and though it is a hundred years younger, Sacred Heart has built a reputation that is coming to rival fellow Catholic institution Boston College. With recognition from the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report as one of the best regional institutions in the North – a highly competitive field – Sacred Heart University is making the 21st century its own, particularly in professional and online education.
Sacred Heart’s online MSN degree program is perfectly designed for the working nurse and career-changing professional alike. For students looking for a CCNE-accredited nursing program that emphasizes ethics, service, and community, with the advantages of a small student to faculty ratio and the attention of a small university, Sacred Heart is tailor-made. Online students can concentrate in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Management and Executive Leadership, or Nursing Education, and while the price tag may be higher than a public program, at $650 per credit hour it’s still well within the realm of affordable, while providing an education that will have a sterling market value.
Nova Southeastern University
In just 50 years from its founding in 1964, Nova Southeastern University has become one of Florida’s fastest-growing and most admiring institutions. Nova began as a school for advanced technology focused on the social sciences and sciences, building its campus on a formal naval base designated for education. Nova reached its current status after merging with Southeastern University of the Health Sciences, adding the “Southeastern” to its name and the crucial addition of nursing and healthcare to its curriculum. With both osteopathic and allopathic medical schools, and one of the most respected nursing schools in the state, Nova Southeastern is Florida’s healthcare leader.
Nova Southeastern’s online MSN degree programs offer several options for prospective nursing leaders, with both non-clinical (Nursing Education, Health System Leadership, or Nursing Informatics) and clinical concentrations (Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP). As is appropriate for nursing, one of the most diverse careers, NSU is recognized as one of the most diverse institutions in the US according to the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report; Nova Southeastern has been noted for awarding more professional doctorates to minority students than any other American university. A wide variety of options, and a level of accessibility that has made it nationally recognized, make Nova Southeastern a clear best value and one of the strongest options for Florida’s prospective nursing leaders.
University of St. Francis
Illinois has a multitude of world-class Catholic colleges, and like Saint Xavier University (#6) and Benedictine University (#7), the University of St. Francis is a highly regarded private Catholic college in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded by the Congregation of the Third Order of Saint Francis to educate new members of the convent, the University of Saint Francis slowly grew, first admitting women from outside the convent, then becoming coeducational, and finally growing to university status. USF began offering distance education in 1972, and a partnership with the Saint Joseph College of Nursing in 1997 set the stage for the university’s excellent online nursing programs.
The University of St. Francis online MSN degree program, offered by the Leach College of Nursing, is dedicating to meeting the healthcare needs of diverse populations, from health promotion and education to health restoration from the individual to the public level. Students can choose from four concentrations – Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP, Nursing Education, or Nursing Administration, and a special RN-BSN-MSN program for nurses without a nursing bachelor’s degree includes all of the concentrations as well. A highly interdisciplinary, ethically-focused program, the USF online MSN prepares nurses for collaborative leadership, public service, and the complexities of modern healthcare.
University of West Georgia
A comprehensive public institution, the University of West Georgia is part of the University System of Georgia and a major educator for Georgia’s western border region. Originally an agriculture and mechanics school founded in 1906 to educate young farmers of high school and college age, the school grew from a junior college to a full, doctoral university over the course of the 20th century. In the 21st century, UWG is one of the key components in professional and technical education for western Georgia, with recognition from the Princeton Review as one of the top regional institutions in the South. As a regional institution, UWG has a mission to provide opportunity to as many students as it can, and in recent years UWG’s online programs have emerged as important component in that mission.
The UWG online MSN degree program is offered by the Tanner Health System School of Nursing, which has been consistently ranked one of the top 30 graduate nursing schools in the nation. The School of Nursing, fully accredited by the CCNE, emphasizes innovation, professional development, and the application of theory to real-world needs; two concentrations, in Nursing Education and Health Systems Leadership, are available online, as are two post-graduate certificates in the same specializations. The University of West Georgia is doing its part to meet Georgia’s healthcare needs, and providing prospective leaders in the field with a top value as well.
Jacksonville University
Founded in 1934 as a private junior college, Jacksonville University (then named for its founder, William J. Porter University) took over a decade to find its footing, moving numerous times before the end of WWII and the GI Bill gave the college the student body and funding to set down permanent roots. When the junior college merged with the Jacksonville College of Music, Jacksonville University was born, and over the years adapted into a respected, small liberal arts college, with an 11:1 student:faculty ratio and a reputation for service and engagement within the Jacksonville community.
The Jacksonville University online MSN degree program comes from the CCNE-accredited Keigwin School of Nursing, and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top online graduate nursing schools in the nation. Three specializations speak to the needs of the healthcare system today: Clinical Nurse Educator, Leadership in Healthcare Systems, and Informatics. All of these specializations meet critical needs not only in Florida’s healthcare field, but in the US as a whole, especially the need for technical mastery and for qualified instructors to educate the next generation of nurses. With the flexibility of six 8-week terms throughout the year, and locally-administered practicum experience, Jacksonville University’s online MSN is a solid choice for nursing’s next leaders.
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh dates back to 1787, just after the American Revolution, when Pittsburgh was still considered the American frontier (which in those days meant west of the Allegheny Mountains). Originally an academy for settlers, the school became a university in 1819, reflecting the growth of not only the school, but Pittsburgh itself, which had become a significant city. Today, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the largest and most productive research universities in the nation, and retains an unusual mix of public and private (like Rutgers University and a handful of other institutions) that allows it the freedom of a private university and the resources of a public. The University of Pittsburgh is particularly known for its community outreach, as the largest non-government employer in the city and a key element of Pittsburgh’s healthcare system.
As U.S. News & World Report’s #5 graduate nursing program, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing has reason to brag. It’s also one of the best-funded research nursing schools, according to the NIH, and these factors reinforce why the University of Pittsburgh’s online MSN degree program is a great investment. Online students can earn an MSN with concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Informatics. In addition, Pitt’s online tuition is now the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, making the online MSN a value wherever student may be. Pitt’s stellar reputation means your degree is sure to get nursing graduates’ resume to the top of the stack on the job market, with the higher salary, responsibility, and status an MSN brings.
Ball State University
Ball State University was founded in 1918 on a gift from the Ball Brothers (of Ball jar fame), who bought the campus of a closed normal school (a 19th-century teacher’s school) and donated it to the state of Indiana to establish a new public normal school. Over the course of the 20th century, Ball State grew into a comprehensive public research university, offering degree programs from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level. Ball State has been named an up-and-coming university by U.S. News and is ranked in the top tier of national universities, with many individual programs noted as high as the top ten for their field.
The Ball State online MSN degree program comes from Ball State’s School of Nursing, which has been noted by U.S. News & World Report not only for the quality of their online graduate nursing program in general but also as a best online program for veterans, due to Ball State’s organized efforts at making a college education convenient and accessible for veterans returning to civilian life. Online MSN students can focus on one of two tracks: either Leadership (education and management) or Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner. Designed for working nurses, the program is flexible and can be completed part-time within a few years. It’s an affordable way for prospective nursing leaders to invest in their careers from one of the best in the midwest.
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University of Arkansas
The flagship of the University of Arkansas system, and a top-tier land and sea-grant public research institution, the University of Arkansas was founded in 1872 as an agriculture and mechanics school, like other land-grant universities. However, over the 20th century U of A grew to dominate research, learning, and culture in Arkansas, standing as a beacon in the Deep South. U of A is particularly well-regarded in areas of professional studies, technology, and especially business, as the beneficiary of the largest donation in higher education history from the Walton family, the founders and owner of Wal-Mart. The University of Arkansas is ranked in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s national universities, and is considered one of the finest public research institutions in the South.
The University of Arkansas online MSN degree program is accredited by the CCNE and is noted for both quality and value. Students can choose between two concentrations, Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive Leader, learning the critical, problem-solving, and motivational skills necessary to take on managerial and teaching positions in the nursing field. Students must have a nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school as well as a current RN license, and the curriculum is designed for convenience and flexibility; fully online courses, local practicum, and both full-time and part-time options allow students to complete their degree without leaving their current jobs. With U of A’s reputation throughout the South, students can count on their online MSN to provide entry into the most rewarding levels of the nursing profession.
University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is one of the oldest colleges in the Midwest and the second-largest in Ohio. Like many colleges during the 19th century, what was then Cincinnati College went through several iterations as financial pressures forced the first college to close down, mergers brought in different programs (such as a law school), and social changes brought growth. The university reached its most stable form when a local businessman willed his estate to the city, which established the University of Cincinnati as comprehensive liberal arts and professional institution. UC has been named an up-and-coming university by U.S. News & World Report, and in recent years has moved into the top tier of national universities.
The University of Cincinnati’s online MSN degree program comes from the College of Nursing, a school on the rise, with big plans for the future and a growing reputation. With solid rankings from U.S. News & World Report, students have the assurance of quality education from UC, but with aggressive expansion and global goals, graduates can count on seeing the status of their degree increase. Cincinnati offers many online MSN degree concentrations, including Adult-Gero and Family NP, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Administration, and Women’s Health. A strong name in nursing education and affordable tuition rates mean the University of Cincinnati is a value that is going to look better and better.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Part of the University of Nebraska system, the University of Nebraska Medical Center began as a private medical school in 1880, before being taken into the UN system in 1902. Over time, the Medical Center opened a teaching hospital, and in 1968 the University of Nebraska gathered all of its health science programs into the UNMC campus in Omaha to help faculty and students improve communication, collaboration, and service. Today, the UNMC is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best medical education systems, with several programs ranked in the top 10 nationally.
The UNMC online MSN degree program offers 6 concentrations in some of the most in-demand areas, including Nurse Leader/Executive and Women’s Health NP; in a rare option, all of the UNMC concentrations can also be combined with the Nurse Educator Training to prepare nurses for teaching roles as well. With student: faculty ratios as low as 6:1, UNMC provides students with a world-class level of support, and the Medical Center’s student-centered curriculum is focused on making the most capable nurses in the nation. A highly diverse student body is part of UNMC’s commitment to excellent healthcare for all, and a curricular emphasis on adaptability, lifelong learning, and holistic health ensures the UNMC online MSN will remain a value throughout the graduate’s career.
West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University began its life in 1910 as one of Texas’ seven normal schools, the precursor to the teacher’s college in which prospective teachers learned their craft in a real classroom. As the school expanded into a teacher’s college, then a regional state college, its degree offerings expanded as well, incorporating numerous academic and professional programs beyond its original emphasis on teacher education. In 1990 West Texas State came under the Texas A&M University system, and the 21st century brought a new emphasis on revitalization and fundraising that has made WTAMU one of Texas’ most promising, up-and-coming institutions.
The West Texas A&M online MSN degree program builds on a long tradition of excellence in graduate nursing education. WTAMU has been offering the MSN degree since 1978, meeting the needs of Texas’ healthcare system with a CCNE-accredited, highly advanced curriculum. The online program, named the Comprehensive MSN, is a broad, adaptable program designed to let students fit their education to their current or preferred positions, from Nursing Administration to Nursing Informatics. While the program is oriented toward the leadership side of nursing, clinical practice is not left behind, as students complete practicum experiences in their home area. With a high median income for graduates and a trusted name throughout the Southwest, the West Texas A&M online MSN is a solid value for Texas’ great nurses.
University of Arizona
The first college in the Arizona Territory, the University of Arizona was founded in 1885 as a land-grant institution, but because of the state of education in the area at the time, the university began as a kind of catch-all, even requiring a college prep program due to the lack of high schools in Arizona. Today, the University of Arizona is a comprehensive university at the center of much of Arizona’s research and intellectual life, particularly in healthcare. UA has two medical schools, in Tucson and Phoenix, and the only academic medical center in the state; the UA College of Nursing has been the state’s primary source for well-prepared nurses since 1957, with degree programs from the bachelor’s to doctoral level, including some of the nation’s best online nursing programs.
The University of Arizona’s online MSN degree program offers two distinct paths to reach the Master of Science in Nursing. Both are intended for RNs, the difference being whether the applicant holds an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The student with an Associate Nursing Degree (ADN) follows a 44-credit, 2-year curriculum, while the applicant with a BSN will pursue the 31-credit, 15-month curriculum. Both tracks lead to an MSN. The University does not require any residencies throughout the program and enrollment is available at three starting times per year: January, May, and September. Ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s top 40 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, University of Arizona is a solid choice for students looking for a reputable program with online convenience to advance in the nursing field.
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Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.