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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Maryland's healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with nurses playing a crucial role in driving change. As patient care models and complexities shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing skills continues to grow. 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 Maryland and highlight the top programs available in the state.
Best MSN Programs in Maryland - 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.
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#1 University of Maryland, Baltimore
allnurses College Ranking: A0 reviewsUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore 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, DNP, PhD, CNL, 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.
- 620 West Lexington St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, US
- 1-410-706-3100
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
- 65% Acceptance Rate
- 92% Graduation Rate
- 956 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 5,968 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 27 Average Age
- 17% Men
- 83% Women
- 2% Veterans
- 66% White
- 5% Hispanic
- 25% Black
- 5% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Online Program$31,428 In-State Tuition4.6 Program Score
* tuition estimated
#2 Johns Hopkins University
allnurses College Ranking: A0 reviewsJohns Hopkins University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, US
- 1-410-955-4766
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
- 7% Acceptance Rate
- 93% Graduation Rate
- 5,643 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 25,231 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 46% Men
- 54% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 76% White
- 8% Hispanic
- 12% Black
- 6% Asian
#3 Salisbury University
allnurses College Ranking: B+0 reviewsSalisbury 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, RN to MSN, and DNP degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, Maryland 21801, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 70% Graduation Rate
- 6,145 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 745 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 45% Men
- 55% Women
- 0% Veterans
- 78% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 17% Black
- 3% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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On-Campus Program$17,004 In-State Tuition4.5 Program Score
* tuition estimated
#4 Frostburg State University
allnurses College Ranking: B+0 reviewsFrostburg State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including 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.
- 101 Braddock Rd, Frostburg, Maryland 21532, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 88% Acceptance Rate
- 60% Graduation Rate
- 2,873 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 804 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 21 Average Age
- 47% Men
- 53% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 76% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 19% Black
- 3% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Hybrid Program$31,388 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Online Program$17,538 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Hybrid Program$31,920 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
* tuition estimated
#5 Bowie State University
allnurses College Ranking: B+0 reviewsBowie State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, Maryland 20715, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 51% Graduation Rate
- 5,289 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 897 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 22 Average Age
- 38% Men
- 62% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 36% White
- 5% Hispanic
- 55% Black
- 4% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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On-Campus Program$22,393 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
* tuition estimated
#6 Coppin State University
allnurses College Ranking: B+0 reviewsCoppin State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21216, US
- 1-410-951-3970
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
- 45% Acceptance Rate
- 39% Graduation Rate
- 1,708 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 249 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 26 Average Age
- 23% Men
- 77% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 34% White
- 4% Hispanic
- 60% Black
- 2% Asian
#7 University of Maryland Global Campus
allnurses College Ranking: B0 reviewsUniversity of Maryland Global Campus is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783, US
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 4 year or higher institution
- Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
- 0% Acceptance Rate
- 30% Graduation Rate
- 44,458 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
- 9,104 Graduate Students Enrolled
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking studentsStudent Demographics
- 29 Average Age
- 56% Men
- 44% Women
- 2% Veterans
- 60% White
- 8% Hispanic
- 29% Black
- 5% Asian
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SpecialtyFormatTuitionScore
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Online Program$33,174 In-State Tuition3.9 Program Score
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Online Program$31,428 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
* tuition estimated
#8 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
allnurses College Ranking: B0 reviewsUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CRNA, CNS, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, US
- 1-301-295-1707
School Overview
- Located in Maryland
- 8% Acceptance Rate
- 98% Graduation Rate
Student Demographics
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:
- Entry-Level Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's in a field other than nursing.
- ADN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with an ADN.
- BSN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with a BSN.
- Direct Entry Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in another related field.
- Dual Master's Degree: An option to choose dual concentration specialties, such as Family and Psychiatric NP or Family NP and Nurse Midwifery.
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 which 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
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 Maryland
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 Maryland with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.
Nurse Practitioner
Maryland NP compensation:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $61.54
- Mean Annual Wage:: $127,990
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 Midwife
Maryland nurse midwife compensation:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $61.73
- Mean Annual Wage:: $128,400
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 Administrator
Maryland nurse administrator compensation:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $72.40
- Mean Annual Wage:: $150,590
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 Educator
Maryland nurse educator compensation:
- Mean Annual Wage:: $88,610
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. For more detailed insights on nursing salaries by location and specialty, explore our Nursing Salary Guide.
Tips to Choose an MSN Program
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:
- Cost
- High Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- 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
Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:
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About Erin Lee, BSN, RN
Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.