Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in New Jersey | 2025

Explore the top Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in New Jersey, including curriculum details, admission requirements, salary expectations, and tips for choosing the right program.

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As patient care models and complexities shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing skills continues to grow in New Jersey. To stay ahead of these changes and make a significant impact in your community, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This guide will provide insights into the prospects of earning an MSN in New Jersey and highlight the top programs available in the state.

Best MSN Programs in New Jersey - Online & On-Campus

The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.

*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.

  1. #1 Stockton University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Stockton University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, New Jersey 08205-9441, US
    • 1-609-652-1776

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 76% Graduation Rate
    • 7,770 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 976 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 39% Men
    • 61% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 82% White
    • 7% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  2. #2 Rowan University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Rowan University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, US
    • 856-256-4000

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • 72% Graduation Rate
    • 14,647 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,791 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 52% Men
    • 48% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 80% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 12% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  3. #3 Kean University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Kean University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • 60% Graduation Rate
    • 10,842 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,118 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 65% White
    • 16% Hispanic
    • 19% Black
    • 7% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  4. #4 Ramapo College of New Jersey

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 505 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, New Jersey 7430, US

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • 71% Graduation Rate
    • 4,664 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 508 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 42% Men
    • 58% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 81% White
    • 11% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  5. #5 Montclair State University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Montclair State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 7043, US

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • 71% Graduation Rate
    • 17,677 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,508 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 41% Men
    • 59% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 72% White
    • 15% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  6. #6 Saint Elizabeth University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Saint Elizabeth University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • Convent Road, Morristown, New Jersey 07960-6989, US
    • 973-290-4000

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • 65% Graduation Rate
    • 636 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 339 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 68% White
    • 14% Hispanic
    • 18% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  7. #7 Rutgers University, Newark

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Rutgers University, Newark is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNL, CRNA, CNM, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACME, CCNE, and COA and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 71% Graduation Rate
    • 7,187 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,392 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 72% White
    • 12% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 8% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  8. #8 Felician University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Felician University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, MSN to DNP, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • 64% Graduation Rate
    • 1,754 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 403 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 24 Average Age
    • 29% Men
    • 71% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 68% White
    • 19% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 7% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  9. #9 Saint Peter's University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Saint Peter's University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 2641 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, New Jersey 7306, US

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • 58% Graduation Rate
    • 1,939 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,572 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 40% Men
    • 60% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 56% White
    • 23% Hispanic
    • 22% Black
    • 8% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  10. #10 Rider University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Rider University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of online programs—including MSN, and NP degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 8648, US

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 65% Graduation Rate
    • 3,192 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 839 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 43% Men
    • 57% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 80% White
    • 6% Hispanic
    • 10% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  11. #11 Seton Hall University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Seton Hall University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 400 S Orange Ave, South Orange, New Jersey 7079, US

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • 69% Graduation Rate
    • 5,924 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,433 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 44% Men
    • 56% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 12% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  12. #12 Monmouth University

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Monmouth University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, New Jersey 7764, US

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • 74% Graduation Rate
    • 3,831 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,139 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 36% Men
    • 64% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 84% White
    • 7% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  13. #13 Fairleigh Dickinson University, Metropolitan Campus

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Fairleigh Dickinson University, Metropolitan Campus is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 1000 River Road, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666, US
    • 201-692-2000

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 96% Acceptance Rate
    • 57% Graduation Rate
    • 2,578 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,167 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 48% Men
    • 52% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 13% Hispanic
    • 14% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  14. #14 Berkeley College-Woodland Park

    allnurses College Ranking: C+
    0 reviews

    Berkeley College-Woodland Park is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including LPN/LVN, LPN to BSN, MSN, and NP degrees. and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

    • 44 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, New Jersey 07424, US
    • 800-446-5400

    School Overview

    • Located in New Jersey
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
    • 0% Acceptance Rate
    • 51% Graduation Rate
    • 1,798 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 107 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 23% Men
    • 77% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 64% White
    • 23% Hispanic
    • 16% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated
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What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program designed for nursing professionals or individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to advance their careers in the nursing profession. MSN degrees provide nurses with advanced education and training in theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and management in the healthcare setting.

After completing an MSN, RNs can pursue clinical nursing roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Alternatively, post-MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings, depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Physicians Office
  • Nursing Schools
  • Home Health Care Services
  • Public Health and Community Clinics
  • Research Institutions

Can MSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Many MSN programs can be taken online. However, it's important to note that some online programs may have in-person requirements such as exams, hands-on training, and more, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.

Certain specializations, such as NP, typically require a certain number of clinical hours that need to be completed in person, under the supervision of licensed professionals. Some programs may also arrange clinical placements for their students.

Before selecting a program, it's important to research to ensure that it fits your needs, whether entirely online, hybrid, or in-person.

MSN Program Admission Requirements in New Jersey

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

  • Active RN License in good standing
  • Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • 1-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
  • RN experience of 3 to 5 years
  • Graduation Record Examinations 
  • Interview to enter the program

MSN RN Salary Expectations in New Jersey

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared salaries of the top MSN RN roles in New Jersey with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

New Jersey NP compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $69.73
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $145,030

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

  • Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
  • Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
  • High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

  • California: $161,540
  • Nevada: $148,670
  • Washington: $145,400
  • New Jersey: $145,030
  • Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Administrator

New Jersey nurse administrator compensation: 

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $78.09
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $162,430

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

  • Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
  • Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
  • High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

  • New York: $179,160
  • District of Columbia: $170,710
  • Delaware: $164,190
  • New Jersey: $162,430
  • Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Midwife

New Jersey nurse midwife compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $64.41
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $133,980

Compared to the national nurse midwife salary (BLS):

  • Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
  • Mean: $131,570. or $63.26 per hour
  • High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

  • California: $183,740
  • Hawaii: $161,820
  • Massachusetts: $154,080
  • Maine: $140,440
  • Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Educator

New Jersey nurse educator compensation:

  • Mean Annual Wage:: $101,540

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

  • Low: $49,120
  • Mean: $86,530
  • High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

  • District of Columbia: $111,130
  • Oregon: $109,110
  • New York: $102,980
  • New Jersey: $101,540
  • Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems.

Are MSN Programs Worth It in New Jersey?

Deciding whether an MSN program in New Jersey is worth it depends on your career goals and preferences. Below, we've listed their key advantages and disadvantages for your consideration.

Pros of MSN Programs in New Jersey

  1. High Earning Potential: Advanced practice nurses in New Jersey, especially NPs and nurse administrators, earn well above the national average.
  2. Premier Health Systems: Close proximity to world-class hospitals and academic medical centers (e.g., RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, Rutgers Health) provides many clinical and employment opportunities.
  3. State Incentives & Loan Repayment: New Jersey's Nursing Student Loan Redemption Program and Nurse Faculty Loan Program offer significant debt relief for graduates who serve in high-need or academic settings.
  4. Diverse Clinical Settings: From urban teaching hospitals to suburban community clinics and expanding telehealth networks, MSN students can tailor clinical rotations to their specialty and career goals.

Cons of MSN Programs in New Jersey

  • High Tuition & Cost of Living: Graduate-level nursing programs in the tri-state area tend to be expensive, and living costs, particularly near New York City, can quickly drive up overall debt.
  • Competitive Admissions & Clinical Placements: Top-ranked programs have rigorous GPA, experience, and prerequisite requirements; securing sought-after clinical sites can also be challenging.
  • Strict State Practice Regulations: While New Jersey has expanded APRN autonomy, some specialties still require collaborative agreements and specific supervisory arrangements.
  • Commute & Scheduling Pressures: Many clinical sites and campuses are spread throughout the state, meaning MSN students often balance long commutes with demanding coursework and practicum hours.

Tips to Choose an MSN Program in New Jersey

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.

Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:

  1. Cost
  2. High Pass Rate
  3. Location
  4. Academic Reputation
  5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
  6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
  7. Flexibility of Schedule
  8. Curriculum
  9. Campus and Surroundings
  10. Nursing Clinicals Location
  11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

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Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

How flexible are online or part-time MSN options for working RNs in New Jersey?

Numerous New Jersey schools now offer hybrid or fully online MSN tracks designed for full-time nurses. These programs blend asynchronous didactics with short, on-site intensives and arrange clinical preceptorships at facilities near your home or workplace to accommodate shift schedules.

What kind of clinical experiences can I expect in a New Jersey MSN program?

Most programs partner with major health systems—RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, Atlantic Health—and with community clinics and public health departments. You'll rotate through specialty units, engage in interprofessional teams, and often complete simulation-lab modules before entering live patient care.

Is it better to have an MSN or DNP in New Jersey?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN in New Jersey?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 13 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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