A Master of Science in Nursing degree can pave the way for a career in advanced practice nursing. As there are many options out there, it pays to study in one of the best programs in the country.
Fortunately, the US News & World Report (USNWR) has eased up the search by ranking 169 programs based on output productivity, practice participation, faculty credentials, student-faculty ratio, and research activity, to name a few.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 on-campus and online NP programs from the USNWR list:
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Top 5 On-Campus NP Programs
If you prefer having face-to-face classes, then here are the top 5 MSN programs that offer in-person learning:
Emory University
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Online + Campus
Modality: On-campus (full-time) and online with on-campus intensives (part-time)
Credit Hours: 47-49
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $24,259 per semester plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked first in the USNWR’s ranking of Best Nursing Schools (Masters), Emory’s Woodruff School of Nursing offers an in-person, full-time MSN program that may be completed in 2 to 3 years. The MSN program can lead the way toward a career in either of the following NP tracks: adult-gerontology (acute and primary care, neonatal care, and pediatrics (acute and primary care.) It also offers an FNP program, which USNWR ranks fourth in the nation. Specializations in women’s health and psychiatric mental health, meanwhile, may only be obtained through the DNP program.
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus and online
Credit Hours: 53-73
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $9,682 per semester plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $22,982 per semester plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked as the fourth-best MSN school in the US, OSU offers a traditional MSN program with eight tracks. The FNP program, which is listed as the second-best program in the country, is available on-campus and online. The neonatal and PMHNP programs, on the other hand, can be completed through distance education. Adult-gerontology (acute care and primary care), pediatrics (acute care and primary care), and women’s health programs are only available through in-person learning. Depending on the track and course load (part-time or full-time), students may obtain their degree in 2 to 3 years.
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 12 (minimum)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $56,262 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The Ivy League University’s MSN program, which is ranked fourth in the nation, offers a total of eight APRN tracks that may be completed in 1 to 2 years. These include acute care specializations in adult-gerontology, neonatal, and pediatric nursing, as well as primary care tracks in pediatric, women’s health, psychiatric, and adult-gerontology nursing. It also has a FNP program that USNWR ranks eighth in the nation. The university also offers minors in oncology, global health, and palliative care, among many other specialist fields.
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Campus + Hybrid + Modified block
Modality: On-campus, hybrid, and modified block
Credit Hours: 36 (minimum)
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,997 per credit for 36 credits – starting at $71,892 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Tied with the University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt is heralded for offering the fourth-best MSN program in the US. The university offers a variety of educational modalities, such as hybrid learning for the combination nurse-midwife/FNP track and in-person learning for the adult-gerontology acute care and psychiatric mental health tracks. The rest of the specializations, including USNWR’s rank 3 FNP program, are available on a modified block basis. Here, courses are rendered through ‘concentrated’ time blocks on the campus.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Campus + Hybrid + Online
Modality: On-campus, hybrid, and online
Credit Hours: 44 to 78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $13,136 to $13,347 per term plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $15,728 to $26,891 per term plus other fees
Program Overview:
As with most universities in this list, rank 7 UM-Ann Arbor offers a variety of learning modalities for its MSN students. Distance learning is available for the primary care tracks in pediatric and adult-gerontology nursing. The same learning modality applies to the FNP program, which is ranked sixth in the nation. Traditional and hybrid options, meanwhile, are available for adult-gerontology (acute care) and nurse-midwifery/primary care FNP students. Students may opt to pursue a full-time 2-year courseload or a 3-year part-time study plan.
Top 5 Online NP Programs
If you have a busy schedule or live far from campus, then you may want to consider these top-ranked online NP programs:
Duke University
- Durham, North Carolina
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42-49
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $2,075 per credit for 42-49 credits – $87,150 to $101,675 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked third in the nation, Duke’s MSN program follows a curriculum that combines online coursework with on-campus intensives. The school offers 8 APRN tracks, such as adult-gerontology care (acute care and primary care), neonatal nursing, pediatric nursing (acute care and primary care), psychiatric and mental nursing, and women’s health. Its FNP program, meanwhile, is considered the best in the country by USNWR. MSN students may also obtain specialty certificates in cardiology, endocrinology, and oncology, among many other disciplines.
George Mason University
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus and online
Credit Hours: 49
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $850 per credit for 49 credits – $41,650 plus other fees
Program Overview:
While GMU only offers the FNP track, the school is considered one of the best schools in the USNWR list. Ranked tenth nationwide, its online program can be completed in 2.5 years. Its on-campus track, meanwhile, may be finished in 2-3 years, all according to course load. Despite the difference in learning modes, the courses, evaluation methods, and expected outcomes remain the same.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online (with on-campus intensives)
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of <3.2
Tuition: $682 per credit for 45 credits – $30,690 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UAB’s MSN programs, which include the Nurse Practitioner track, are also ranked tenth in the USNWR list. Students can choose from various pathways, such as adult-gerontology nursing (primary care, acute care, and acute care with RN first assist), psychiatric/mental health, pediatrics (primary care and acute care), neonatal nursing, and women’s health. It also offers a highly-regarded FNP program, which USNWR ranks as the eighth-best in the nation. All programs can be completed in as short as six semesters.
University of South Carolina
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $6,867 per semester plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $14,880 per semester plus other fees
Program Overview:
USC’s MSN program provides RNs with the opportunity to pursue an advanced practice career in either adult-gerontology (acute care), family, or psychiatric/mental health nursing. Ranked 22nd in the nation, the university also offers concentration pathways in Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics.
St. John Fisher University
- Rochester, New York
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46-50
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $52,302 to $56,850 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked 31st in the country, St. John Fisher’s online MSN program requires applicants to have a BSN degree, unencumbered nursing license, and at least one year of professional experience. The FNP track may be taken on an accelerated or part-time track, while the PMHNP, AGPCNP, and AGACNP programs can be pursued by working nurses on a part-time basis.
Top On-Campus FNP Programs
Family nurse practitioners take care of patients of all ages. To venture into this field, nurses must take an MSN or DNP course with an FNP specialization. Here are some of the top programs that may be taken in-person:
Columbia University
- New York, New York
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 83-85
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $72,766 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Columbia’s DNP degree, which is ranked as the tenth-best FNP program, utilizes a team-based approach. Instruction is done through lectures, simulation labs, clinical exposure, and an intensive practicum in any of the clinical sites in the tri-state area. RNs can enter the program through the post-BS DNP or MSN to DNP track. APRNs with an MS degree, meanwhile, can gain additional FNP specialization through a six-semester program.
Yale University
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 59.5
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, must be in the 50th percentile for students with a GPA of <3.0
Tuition: $49,998 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Tied with Columbia at the tenth spot, Yale’s MSN-FNP program provides nurses with the competencies needed to deliver holistic, family-focused care. The curriculum, which focuses on classroom and clinical teachings, is grounded on evidence and the latest research. Given the intensive study, Yale graduates have managed to post a 100% pass rate in certification exams administered by the ANCC and AANP.
Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $2,308 per credit for 40 credits – $92,320 plus other fees
Program Overview:
As the 12th-best FNP program in the country, CWRU’s MSN-FNP provides RNs with the skills they need to care for young and old patients. The full-time program involves 40 hours of coursework and 600 hours of clinical exposure, all of which may be completed in four semesters or two years.
New York University
- New York, New York
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 54
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $2,308 per credit for 54 credits – $124,632 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Also ranked 12th in USNWR’s best FNP programs list, NYU’s MSN degree is known for its small student-faculty ratio and individualized student advisements. With its intensive courses and clinical placements across the tri-state area, the program is designed to prepare RNs for the fast pace of advanced practice nursing.
Top Online FNP Programs
While there are many online FNP programs available, only a few are recognized as the country’s best by the USNWR. Here are five of them:
Georgetown University
- Washington DC
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 44
Tuition: $42,444 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ranked as the second-best online FNP program after Duke and Ohio State, Georgetown’s FNP program features a combination of asynchronous and synchronous classes plus in-person clinical intensives. Given its rigorous curriculum, the school has posted a 100% passing rate in the recent certification exams administered by the ANCC and AANPCB.
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,765 per credit for 42 credits – $74,130 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Duquesne’s online MSN is heralded as the 12th-best FNP program in the country. This is made possible through its 12 intensive courses that cover vital topics, such as the foundations of family care and the pathophysiology of advanced practice nursing. FNP students may also take additional concentration courses in Forensic Nursing or Transcultural Nursing. The entire program may be completed in 2-3 years.
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 49
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,765 per credit for 42 credits – $74,130 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAU’s MSN-FNP program is ranked fourth in the USNWR list, largely because of its caring philosophy and flexible study offerings. Students may take up the course online or on-campus, on a full-time or part-time basis. The curriculum includes a variety of in-depth graduate core courses, direct care core courses, and concentration courses.
Frontier Nursing University
- Hyden, Kentucky
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 52
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $685 per credit for 52 credits – $28,770 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FNU’s MSN-FNP program is tied with FAU at the fourth spot. It is considered one of the best in the country due to its flexible learning format, immersive campus experiences, and ‘caring culture.’ Students are also given the opportunity to take their 750-hour practicum in any of the 13,000 affiliated sites, as supervised by capable preceptors.
George Washington University
- Ashburn, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,530 per credit for 52 credits – $79,560 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With its didactic and clinical experiences that prepare students for a challenging APRN career, GWU’s curriculum makes it the seventh-best online FNP program in the US. To graduate, students must finish 48 hours of coursework (including two on-campus components) and 600 hours of clinical rotations. The program may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.