There has never been a better time to further your education in the nursing discipline. If you have ever wanted to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, now is the time—especially with the rise of accelerated online MSN programs for working nurses.
The advancements in information technology make access to education convenient, affordable, and efficient. In this post, we feature three top online Master of Science in Nursing degrees that are not only reputable, but also flexible enough for working professionals.
The health sector is more and more getting inclined towards employing degreed professionals. This is because of the highly competitive and demanding nature of the healthcare sector work environment.
If you want to upgrade yourself and ride on the crest of the wave, below are the top three accelerated MSN programs for working professionals.
Top 3 Accelerated MSN Programs for Working Professionals
1. Georgetown University: Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree
This is one of the most credible universities that offer online nursing degrees. The online version of the Master of Science degree can be completed remotely, with accelerated options available depending on your chosen track and prior qualifications. Tuition for this degree ranges between $21,000 and $36,000 per year of full-time learning.
The institution is ranked number 21 in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report National Universities Ranking list. This is one of the oldest Catholic universities, which offers students personal attention.
The Master of Science in Nursing degrees span four distinct specialties, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP), Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), and WHNP.
Tip: Georgetown’s online programs are delivered in partnership with top edtech platforms like 2U, ensuring high-quality, interactive e-learning environments.
2. Johns Hopkins University: Online Master of Science in Nursing
This is one of the top medical institutions in the world. The entity now offers an online Master of Science degree which has worldwide recognition. The master’s program is packaged for professionals that want to adapt to the demands of the health sector work environs as well as those that want to take their nursing practice to the next level. Tuition of this program is around $33,168 per year for full-time students.
It is interesting to note that Johns Hopkins University is ranked first among nursing graduate programs, and also features highly in Nursing Service Administration and Family Nurse Practitioner Programs, according to the U.S. News and World Report 2024 rankings. The university comes with all the credibility you expect for a globally recognized education giant like Johns Hopkins University.
The program also offers hybrid and flexible start dates, making it a smart fit for working professionals.
3. Western Governors University: Online Master of Science in Nursing
This is one of the top nonprofit universities. The university purports to provide affordable higher education opportunities for hard working adults. The degree package is aimed at enabling learners to go through a flexible learning thrust. The varsity has an online version of the degree which is fully accessible. Students can select their preferred specialty from the following:
- MS Nursing Education
- MS Nursing Leadership
- MS Nursing Education (RN-MSN)
- MS Nursing Leadership (RN-MSN)
Tuition is billed on a per-term basis, and you need $3,975 per term (updated for 2025). What is unique about Western Governors University is that their education thrust is competency-based as opposed to credit hour-based. This allows students to move at their own pace, which is especially beneficial for working nurses.
WGU is often listed alongside other flexible learning institutions like University of Phoenix and SNHU for adult learners seeking online, accredited education.
4 More Flexible MSN Programs for Busy Nurses
This section presents four more additional institutions that you can consider for more flexible MSN programs for busy nurses.
Take note that all the options we present here are accredited institutions, most of which have a global footprint. These programs offer solid academic reputations, multiple specialisations, and flexible learning paths suitable for working professionals.
1. Duke University: Elite Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree
The university comes with prestige and global recognition. This is one of the most respected medical schools in the world. The varsity recently joined the bandwagon of online nursing education, and now you can complete your online Master of Science in Nursing degree with Duke University.
The learning thrust of this university is credit-based, and tuition for the program is $1,358 per credit (2025 update). Duke offers a variety of clinical and leadership-focused tracks, making it a flexible option for working nurses.
The entity ranks number 8 in the list of most highly rated universities in the National Universities Overall Rankings by U.S. News and World Report. Its online MSN is ranked number 7 in Faculty Credentials and Training, reflecting the calibre of instruction.
2. Capella University: CCNE-Accredited Online MSN Degree
This is one of the highly rated institutions of higher learning. The university carries accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, while the nursing department is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Capella University aims at providing quality nursing education to adult learners. The program is packaged so as to equip graduates to be on top of their careers in the demanding healthcare environs. If you want to pursue an MSN with Capella University, you will have eight degree specialties to choose from, including Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership. If you are a holder of a BSN, you will have four tailored MSN options to explore.
Capella provides a competency-based curriculum, allowing students to progress at their own pace while focusing on skill mastery. The learning thrust is optimised to equip students with sharp skills and expertise for optimum performance in healthcare settings. It is worth noting that about 96% of employers rate the performance of Capella graduates as exceptional, based on internal graduate surveys.
3. Drexel University: Tech-Forward Online MSN Degree
This is a comparatively newer player in the online nursing education space. The Master of Science in Nursing degree offered by Drexel University is aimed at equipping graduates to be top-performing functionaries in the healthcare discipline.
Tuition for this program is based at $800 per credit, and the school features a strong technology-driven learning infrastructure. Drexel has a formidable assortment of specialisations — students will be able to choose from seven different specialty tracks, including newer options such as Healthcare Innovation, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nursing Education. Students can settle for what resonates with their career bigger pictures.
Drexel ranks number 2 in Student Services and Technology, Student Engagement, and Accreditation, according to U.S. News and World Report’s online education honour roll — a nod to its digital-first approach to remote learning.
There are many credible institutions offering authoritative qualifications in nursing practice. Whether you want to do your first nursing degree, or you want to up your studies to the master’s or doctoral level, you just need to take time searching diligently for the course that fits in well with your career goals and can be accessed conveniently and affordably.
4. Loyola University New Orleans: Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree
This institution has truly come of age, with over 30 years of experience providing advanced education in nursing practice. The good part with Loyola is that they understand the unique needs of registered nurses (RNs), and the university is well versed in what learners require for a successful MSN journey. Getting a qualification from Loyola will help you transition smoothly from one level of your studies to the next.
Tuition for this program is $744 per credit hour. According to U.S. News & World Report, Loyola ranks #7 for Online MSN Programs. Even more impressively, it holds the #1 spot in Student Services and Support, providing a holistic and accessible environment for working professionals.
The university is also ranked #2 in Faculty Credentials and Training, and has earned top spots in Student Engagement and Accreditation. Overall, this makes Loyola University New Orleans one of the highest-ranked all-round programs on the online education honour roll. Regionally, the university also enjoys strong standing as the #9 university in the Southern U.S. by U.S. News.
Budget-Friendly Accelerated MSN Options
It is not always an easy task identifying budget friendly accelerated MSN degree options.
This section presents 2 budget friendly accelerated MSN options you should consider for your post grad career development in nursing.
1. University of Florida: Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree
The University of Florida is well respected for its formidable research thrust in the nursing practice. Established in 1853, this institution brings a century and a half of experience to the healthcare education space. The online Master of Science in Nursing degree from UF is a strong option if you’re looking for a research-oriented, academically rigorous programme.
If you want to pursue your MSN online with the University of Florida, tuition is currently $11,954 per year for online students (2025 update). In contrast, onsite learners can expect to pay $29,347 per year.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Florida as the 54th best university in the nation, and its College of Nursing is ranked #44 among nursing schools. The online MSN program offered by the university is globally respected and remains a reliable choice for those looking to build strong clinical and academic foundations in nursing.
2. University of Texas–Tyler: Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree
This is another well-packaged degree programme designed specifically for working professionals who want to further their nursing education. The online MSN from the University of Texas–Tyler is both flexible and affordable, making it a solid choice in 2025.
Tuition is billed at $338.23 per credit (for 9-credit loads) for residents and $689.00 per credit for non-residents. This cost-conscious option provides learners with access to high-quality faculty and coursework without a heavy financial burden.
The MSN from UT–Tyler is ranked #3 for Student Engagement and Accreditation by the U.S. News and World Report online education honour roll — a testament to the school’s commitment to interactive learning and student-centred support.
Online MSN Programs FAQs
Are Online MSN Degrees Respected in 2025?
Yes! Employers value accredited programs (CCNE/ACEN) from reputable schools like Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Capella.
How Fast Can I Complete an Online MSN?
An Online MSN program can run for 12–24 months (accelerated) at WGU or Capella vs. 2–3 years (traditional).
What’s the Cheapest Online MSN Program?
Western Governors University ($3,250/term) or University of Texas-Tyler (~$338/credit).
Can I Work While Earning an Online MSN?
Absolutely! Most programs (e.g., Drexel, Loyola) are designed for working nurses.
Final Note
There you go. Whether your priority is pace, student support, academic research, or affordability, these institutions stand out as strong contenders for where to pursue your online Master of Science in Nursing degree. Choose a path that aligns with your career vision, budget, and schedule — and take the next bold step in advancing your nursing career.