20 Best Online Part-Time MSN Programs – 2024


Written By: Chris Meyer, RN-BSN

Are you a registered nurse considering going back to school to earn a higher degree? Are you trying to decide if becoming an advanced practice registered nurse or nurse practitioner is the right path for you? Do you feel limited because you cannot commit to full-time study? If so, you are in luck! There are many options for part-time MSN programs where you can achieve your goals.

Maybe you thought of a part-time option but wonder, “What are the best online part-time MSN programs?” If that sounds like you, this article is for you! As you continue reading, you will discover the 20 best online part-time MSN programs for 2024. I will share unique features about the programs, such as their cost, admission requirements, and what you will learn. You will also find helpful information about earning potential, job outlook, and possible careers to help you decide if this path is one you wish to pursue.



What Exactly Is the Goal of an Online Part-Time MSN Program?


Online part-time MSN programs are designed to prepare currently licensed RNs with a graduate degree in nursing and the skills and knowledge needed to practice at an advanced level. Through flexible online part-time coursework, these programs integrate scientific theories and knowledge from nursing and health-related disciplines into advanced nursing practice, preparing students to translate and integrate scientific evidence into practice. In these flexible programs, you will learn to manage patient care through interdisciplinary collaboration and become a vital member and leader of healthcare teams. MSN part-time online programs will help you develop the skills and abilities needed to utilize technology to integrate, enhance, and deliver healthcare and provide high-quality patient care and education.



When Do Part-Time MSN Online Programs Start?


Part-time MSN online programs start at various times. The size of the school and the number of available faculty and clinical sites often determine how many start dates they offer. The following are a few examples of when some of the nation’s top programs begin.

The University of Alabama offers start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Classes for the online part-time MSN program at Ohio State University begin in the fall semester each year.

At the University of South Carolina, you can the program in the spring, summer, or fall, making it possible to choose a time that is most convenient for you.

The Catholic University of America starts its program in the spring and fall of each academic year.

The University of Pittsburgh offers one of the nation’s best part-time online MSN programs. Students here can begin classes in the spring, summer, or fall.



How Many Credits Are There in Part-Time MSN Online Programs?


The number of credits required for online part-time MSN programs varies depending on the program and specialization. As you research different programs, you will find most require students to complete between 40 and 75 credits. Your previous academic history and the number of transferable credits could mean you may complete fewer credits to earn the MSN.

At Ohio State University, you can choose from three online part-time MSN programs. The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway is a 59-63 credit program. The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program requires you to complete 53 credits. The Psychiatric Mental Health NP program features a 62-credit curriculum.

At Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, you may choose from seven MSN concentrations. The credit requirements are as follows.

o Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 42 credits
o Adult-Gerontology Acute Care: 42 credits
o Nursing Leadership: 43 credits
o Nursing Education: 42 credits
o Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist: 42 credits
o Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist: 42 credits
o Psychiatric Mental Health NP: 42 credits


The University of South Carolina offers online part-time MSN programs with Healthcare Leadership and Nursing Informatics specialties. The Healthcare Leadership pathway is a 30-credit pathway. The Nursing Informatics pathway requires 33 credits.

The University of Alabama offers four pathways for its part-time MSN online program. The Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner single pathways each require 45 to 51 credits. The dual Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner pathway requires 66 to 72 credits. The Nursing Administration pathway requires 33 to 39 credits.

At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, you have the option to choose between five MSN specialties. Each specialty requires between 33 and 53 credits.

o Nursing Education: 33 credits
o Family Nurse Practitioner: 46 credits
o Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 46 credits
o Certified Nurse Midwifery: 53 credits
o Direct-Entry Generalist: 48 credits




How Long Are Part-Time MSN Online Programs?


Part-time MSN programs online typically take between two and three years to complete. The slower pace of part-time learning makes it possible for you to continue working or handling other obligations while earning your degree. The following are the estimated times it takes to complete five of the nation’s best programs.

At Ohio State University, you can complete the online part-time MSN programs in three years. The pathway includes include one summer semester.

Indiana State University also offers seven pathways for its online MSN part-time programs, which can be completed in three years.

At the University of South Carolina, students typically complete the part-time MSN in Nursing Informatics in seven semesters. The university also offers an MSN in Healthcare Leadership that can be completed in 18 months of part-time study.

The Catholic University of America offers three pathways for its online part-time MSN programs. You can complete the programs in eight semesters.

At the University of Central Florida, you can choose from three pathways to earn your MSN. The Nurse Educator and Nurse Leadership and Management pathways can be completed in seven semesters. The Nursing and Healthcare Simulation pathway takes five semesters to complete.



How Much Do Part-Time MSN Online Programs Cost?


The cost of part-time online MSN programs varies widely, depending on the school. Programs can cost as little as $17,000 to as much as $100,000. Each school determines its tuition rate, and factors, such as whether you are a state resident or out-of-state resident, may determine your cost. The following is a list of the cost of some of the top programs in the country. Unless otherwise stated, the costs listed are for tuition only. Therefore, you should consider additional fees and expenses when planning to pay for your degree.

At Ohio State University, tuition costs $1,011.68 for state residents and $1,211.68 for non-residents per credit. Students complete 53 to 63 credits, depending on specialty, making tuition cost between $53,619.04 and $76,335.84 based on the pathway they choose and whether they live in-state or out-of-state.

The University of Pittsburgh charges students in its online part-time MSN programs $1,231 per credit hour. The university offers three pathways that require between 33 and 43 credits. Therefore, the cost of your tuition will range from $40,623 and $52,933.

At the University of South Carolina, tuition is based on state residency. In-state students pay $572.25 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $1,240 per credit hour. The online part-time MSN programs require 30 to 33 credits. In-state students pay between $17,167.50 and $18,884.25 based on which pathway they choose. Out-of-state students pay between $37,200 and $40,920.

Tuition for the online part-time MSN programs at George Washington University costs $1,395 per credit. You will complete between 36 and 52 credits based on your specialty concentration. Therefore, tuition ranges from $50,220 and $72,540.

At the University of Central Florida, the part-time online MSN programs require between 31 and 36 credits. Tuition costs $369.65 for state residents and $1,194.05 for non-residents. Therefore, tuition ranges between $11,459.15 and $42,985.80, based on your specialty and whether you live in the state or out-of-state.



What Is the Minimum GPA Required to Get into Online Part-Time MSN Programs?


The minimum grade point average for admission to online part-time MSN programs varies among schools. Most schools require candidates to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, some schools consider other GPAs.

For example, George Washington University and the University of South Carolina require candidates to have a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average. Rutgers University requires a minimum of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. At the University of Alabama, you need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 OR a 3.0 for the most recent 60 credits of nursing coursework.

As a nursing instructor, I encourage you to work for the highest grade point average you can attain. Because admission to graduate nursing programs is competitive, the higher your GPA, the better your chances of being a viable candidate for the top programs.



What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Part-Time MSN Programs?


As you research the best part-time MSN programs online, it is important to review the admission criteria carefully. Although programs may have similar admission requirements, you will likely find variations from one school to the next. The following are examples of the admission criteria for a few of the programs featured in this article.

To be admitted into the part-time MSN program at the University of South Carolina, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and submit official transcripts reflecting an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, complete the professional recommendation form with three letters of reference, submit a personal goal statement, and provide a current CV/resume. Candidates must also have a minimum of one year of full-time equivalent nursing experience within the last 24 months, a current RN licensure in their state of residence, and current BLS certification.

Admission to the online part-time MSN programs at Vanderbilt University requires applicants to have a BSN or higher from an accredited nursing school with a scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You must provide all official college or university transcripts. Candidates must submit a statement of purpose that addresses the advanced practice nurse role in their specialty and complete the essay questions as outlined on the application. Three letters of recommendation are also required, one of which must come from a person with a master's degree or higher. Finally, applicants to the neonatal nurse practitioner specialty must submit recommendations from a neonatologist and a neonatal nurse practitioner who can evaluate their clinical practice.

Admission to the online part-time MSN programs at the Catholic University of America is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program, and have a current unencumbered RN license in the US. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have at least one year of practice experience as a registered nurse. Required supplemental documents include a professional resume/CV, one letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor in a clinical setting, and a professional goal statement.

To be admitted to the programs at Ohio State University, you have a current, nonrestricted RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Candidates must have a minimum nursing grade point average of 3.0 and provide official transcripts from any college or university where credits were attempted. Additionally, you must provide a recorded online video interview, a current resume or CV, a Statement of Intent, and three letters of recommendation. A Test of English Proficiency is required of international applicants.

To be admitted to the part-time MSN online programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, you must have a BSN earned at an NLN- or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing and a 3.0 GPA from the most recent two years of undergraduate studies. You must provide three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers that speak to your potential to complete the graduate program, a current resume/curriculum vitae, and a statement of around 300 words describing your professional goals and reasons for pursuing graduate education. All candidates must have an active, unrestricted RN license and one year of work experience as a licensed registered nurse.



What Are the Best Online Part-Time MSN Programs in the Nation?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 20 Best Online Part-Time MSN Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)


1. University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC


Specialties Offered:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Leadership, and Nursing Informatics


2. Ohio State University - Columbus, OH


Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


3. The University of Alabama- Tuscaloosa, AL


Specialties Offered:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Psychiatric Mental Health & Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Administrator


4. The Catholic University of America - Washington, DC


Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric-Dual Acute & Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


5. University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA


Specialties Offered:

Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Informatics, and School Nursing


6. George Washington University - Washington, DC


Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Leadership & Management, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


7. University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV


Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


8. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis - Indianapolis, IN


Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership in Health Systems, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


9. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN


Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan), Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - WHGRNP, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner/ Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Dual Focus


10. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark, NJ


Specialties Offered:

Nursing Informatics and Nursing Leadership


11. University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL


Specialties Offered:

Nursing & Healthcare Simulation, Nursing Leadership & Management, and Nurse Educator


12. University of Texas at Tyler- Tyler, TX


Specialties Offered:

Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, Quality & Safety, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


13. University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, TX


Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Executive Nurse Leader, and Nurse Educator


14. University of Connecticut - Storrs, CT


Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner


15. East Carolina University - Greenville, NC


Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Education, and Health Systems Leadership


16. Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA


Specialties Offered:

Academic Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Transformative Systems Leadership, and Women's Health – Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner


17. Georgia College & State University - Milledgeville, GA


Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwifery


18. Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA


Specialties Offered:

Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science


19. University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT


Specialties Offered:

Nursing Education and Nursing Informatics


20. Yale University - West Haven, CT


Specialties Offered:

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online Part-Time MSN Programs?


Part-time online MSN programs feature in-depth curriculum plans and include specialty courses based on the concentration you wish to pursue. The following are some examples of classes offered at five of the nation’s top programs.

The part-time MSN online programs at the University of South Carolina include classes such as Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations for Nursing, Application of Basic Statistics for Nursing & Nursing Services Management, Introduction to Biostatistics, Clinical Application of Population Analysis, Foundations of Nursing Informatics, and Research Methods for Nursing.

At Ohio State University, students complete classes based on their specialty concentration. Some of the classes offered include Pathophysiology of Altered Health States, Advanced Pharmacology in Nursing, Developmental Physiology & Pathophysiology of the High-Risk Neonate, Developmental Care of the High-Risk Neonate & Family, Neuroscience Principles & Concepts, and Assessment & Management of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Issues.

The curriculum plans for the online part-time MSN programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, include classes such as Advanced Pharmacology & Genetics, Advanced Practice Nurse Business & Roles, Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision Making for the APRN, Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, and Health & Public Policy for Advanced Practice of Nursing.

The University of Alabama offers four pathways for its part-time online MSN programs. Depending on your chosen track, you could study subjects, including Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Health Assessment, Organizational & Systems Leadership, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology.

Students enrolled in the part-time online MSN programs at the University of Pittsburgh follow rigorous curriculum plans. You will take classes such as Applied Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice, Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Information Technology Project Management, Clinical Information Systems, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Culturally Diverse Populations, Informatics Theories and Issues, Leadership Development, and Studies in Advanced Nursing Ethics.



What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online Part-Time MSN Programs?


Online part-time MSN programs provide students with the opportunity to gain practical training in their field of study. Depending on your chosen concentration, this can range from clinical rotations and practicums to research projects or even internships.

At the Catholic University of America, students complete between 540 and 870 clinical hours. The minimum clinical hours required for each specialty are as follows.

o Family Nurse Practitioner: 700 hours
o Dual Acute and Primary Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: 870 hours
o Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 540 hours
o Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 540 hours


The part-time MSN online programs at the University of Pittsburgh require between 120 and 720 clinical practicum hours. Students work collaboratively with clinical faculty to identify and arrange clinical sites and preceptors in settings relevant to their chosen specialty.

o Clinical Nurse Leader: 720 hours
o Nursing Informatics: At least 360 hours
o School Nurse: 120 hours


At the University of South Carolina, the MSN in Nursing Informatics and MSN in Healthcare Leadership pathways require 225 and 224 hours of clinical practicum, respectively. The Psychiatric Mental Health NP program includes 672 clinical hours. The university has established partnerships with various healthcare facilities and also offers support to students who prefer to locate preceptors and clinical sites in regions near their homes.

Rutgers University offers Nursing Informatics and Nursing Leadership online part-time MSN programs. The Nursing Informatics pathway features 225 clinical hours. Students in the Nursing Leadership pathway complete 500 clinical hours. Clinical practicums are arranged by program faculty with consideration for where students live.

At the University of Texas - Tyler, students in the MSN pathways complete between 112.5 and 625 clinical hours, depending on their chosen specialty. Students work together with Clinical Placement Faculty to locate clinical practice sites and preceptors.

o Nursing Administration: 112.5 hours
o Psychiatric Mental Health NP: 500 hours
o Nursing Informatics, Quality, & Safety: 200 hours earned through the MSN Informatics Capstone Experience
o Family Nurse Practitioner: 625 hours
o Nursing Education: 112.5 hours




5 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online Part-Time MSN Program


Pursuing your degree through online part-time MSN programs means you will work with faculty to develop and hone advanced nursing skills. You will learn why these skills and abilities are essential for master's-prepared nurses and put them into practice in clinical settings. As a nurse, I encourage you to learn from your faculty and preceptors as much as possible. Everything you learn in your program is something you can continuously build upon to help you grow professionally for years to come. You will gain the following five essential skills and abilities in an online MSN part-time program.

1. You will learn effective communication and interpersonal skills:

In part-time online MSN programs, you will develop and hone the skills needed to promote therapeutic communication used to interact with patients, family members, and your interdisciplinary team. You will learn to demonstrate compassion and cultural competence in communication and patient care.

2. Critical thinking and analytical skills:

As nurses, we have to think critically and analyze any given situation with our patients, students, or clients. Online part-time MSN programs will prepare you with critical thinking and analytical skills that will improve your ability to make reasonable judgments and decisions based on facts and experience. As you implement critical thinking and analytical skills, you will make better decisions for your patients, which contributes to better patient outcomes.

3. You will learn to implement evidence-based practice:

Evidence-Based Practice is a method of decision-making, problem-solving, and clinical practice in which healthcare providers use evidence from research to make judgments, decisions, and treatments about patient care. When you earn a Master of Science in Nursing, you will learn to implement evidence-based practice into every aspect of patient care.

4. You will develop solid leadership skills:

In online part-time MSN programs, you will learn nursing leadership principles and how to implement them in practice. You will develop expert nursing knowledge and skills to promote care coordination and patient-centered nursing.

5. You will learn to leverage your knowledge to advocate for patients:

While all nurses advocate for patients, when you earn a graduate degree, you can leverage your knowledge and skills to advocate on a deeper level. Whether you advocate to get new equipment used in patient care, to reduce nurse/patient ratios, or for safer working conditions, you can make a significant difference in your patients’ lives.



4 Main Advantages of Online Part-Time MSN Programs


Nurses desiring a broader scope of practice, higher earning potential, or more autonomy find that earning a Master of Science in Nursing is an excellent way to do that. There are many advantages to earning your degree through online part-time MSN programs. The following are four of the main advantages to consider.

1. Part-time MSN online programs lay the foundation for earning a doctorate:

One of the awesome things about earning a Master of Science in Nursing is that this degree is only one step away from earning a doctorate in nursing. You can go from an MSN to a Doctor of Nursing Practice, earning the highest nursing degree possible.

2. You can become a nurse practitioner:

Suppose you are interested in having more autonomy in your role or providing care to a specific patient population. In that case, you can earn your degree through part-time MSN online programs and become a nurse practitioner.

3. There are many areas of specialization:

Another awesome thing about earning a master's degree in nursing is that there is a wide range of specialties you can choose from. You can work with a specific population, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women's health. You also have options to specialize with patients experiencing a specific type of illness. For example, you may find oncology, cardiology, or critical care interesting and obtain certifications in those areas.

4. You will have a sense of accomplishment:

When you graduate from one of the best online part-time MSN programs, you will have an amazing sense of accomplishment, and rightly so! Not only will you feel the personal satisfaction of completing a graduate degree, but your professional peers will also appreciate you and the hard work it takes to become a Master of Science in Nursing.



2 Main Disadvantages of Online Part-Time MSN Programs


As with any college degree program or career path, there are some disadvantages to online part-time MSN programs. If you know the pros and cons and weigh them carefully, you can decide if this is the right career path for you. The list below includes two of the main disadvantages of earning your degree through one of those online part-time programs.

1. With a broader scope of practice comes more responsibility:

As nurses, we enjoy the autonomy that comes with earning a higher degree. However, with increased independence and a broader scope of practice comes the weight of more responsibility. If you prefer a role that does not require you to supervise others or lead teams of nurses, you may find earning an MSN makes you feel disadvantaged.

2. The coursework can be challenging:

Graduate nursing programs, like online part-time MSN programs, feature rigorous curriculum plans. If you plan to work while enrolled, you must plan carefully to ensure you have ample time for studying and completing school assignments.


3 Best Jobs for Graduates of Online Part-Time MSN Programs


When you earn your degree through one of the best online part-time MSN programs, you will have opportunities to pursue a wide array of jobs. The following are examples of three of the best jobs for program graduates with different specialties.

1. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner:

With a Master of Science in Nursing, you can choose to specialize in mental health and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a PMHNP, you will assess, diagnose, and treat clients experiencing mental and behavioral health disorders. You will prescribe medications and treatments, as indicated, and work with the interdisciplinary team to promote positive outcomes.

2. Family Nurse Practitioner:

If you enjoy caring for clients of all ages, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner is an excellent option. Family Nurse Practitioners care for patients from birth to old age with varying degrees of health issues. Your job will involve assessing, diagnosing, and educating patients and their caregivers.

3. Nurse Informaticist:

Nurse Informaticists use clinical nursing knowledge combined with computer skills and technology to support nurses, healthcare providers, and patients. In this role, you will use your knowledge of information processes, structures, and technology to promote competent decision-making in various healthcare settings.



What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?


The starting salary for graduates of online part-time MSN programs is approximately $80,960 per year. This pay breaks down to $38.92 hourly, $1,557 weekly, or $6750 each month.

Hourly$38.92
Weekly$1,557
Monthly$6,750
Annual$80,960
(Source: Salary.com)



What Average Salary Can Graduates of Part-Time MSN Online Programs Expect?


After gaining working experience, you can expect your salary with an MSN to increase significantly. Graduates of part-time MSN online programs earn an average hourly rate of $57.81, a weekly salary of $2,312, or $10,020 each month. This adds up to an average annual salary of around $120,249.

Hourly$57.81
Weekly$2,312
Monthly$10,020
Annual$120,249
(Source: Salary.com)



10-Year Job Outlook for Graduates of Part-Time MSN Online Programs


The job outlook for graduates of part-time MSN online programs is excellent! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 45.68% in the number of jobs available for graduates between 2021 and 2031.

2021-31
+45.68%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



Bonus! Is the Cost of an Online Part-Time MSN Program Worth the Return on Investment (ROI)?


If you are looking for a degree that is worth the time and money you spend to achieve, earning a master’s degree in nursing is a fantastic option. With programs costing as little as $17,000, you could become a master's-prepare registered nurse with little out-of-pocket expense. Even if you choose a program that costs more, you can see a positive return on your investment.

For example, graduates of online part-time MSN programs earn entry-level salaries of nearly $81,000 annually. The average income for graduates is $120,249. If you pursue a program that costs $80,000 to $100,000, you can still expect to see a positive return within just a few years.

The longer you work and the more experience you gain, the better your earning potential. Therefore, when you compare the cost of online part-time MSN programs, the return on investment is worth the cost.



My Final Thoughts


If you are considering earning a master’s degree in nursing but need the flexibility of learning on your own terms, a part-time online MSN program is a great way to achieve your goal. With so many schools and specialties, it is natural to wonder, “What are the best online part-time MSN programs?” In this article, I addressed that question and provided you with information about the 20 best online part-time MSN programs for 2024 in the nation. With excellent income-earning potential, a great long-term job outlook, and a broad range of specialty options and career paths, earning a master's degree in nursing is a win-win!


Chris Meyer, RN-BSN
Christopher Meyer is a Registered Nurse with ICU and critical care experience. He is a current Family Nurse Practitioner graduate student with a specific interest in rural and public health. Before beginning his nursing career, Chris worked as a Hydrologic Technician for the U.S. Geological Survey in Louisiana and Puerto Rico.