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

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

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Article fact-checked by our Editorial Team.

Massachusetts' 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 significantly impact your community, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This guide will provide insights into the prospects of earning an MSN in Massachusetts and highlight the top programs available in the state.

Best MSN Programs in Massachusetts - 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 University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

    allnurses College Ranking: A+
    2 reviews

    University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School 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, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
    • 1-508-856-5801

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • 97% Graduation Rate
    • 1,352 Graduate Students Enrolled

    Student Demographics

    • 25 Average Age
    • 86% Men
    • 14% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  2. #2 Boston College

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Boston College is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CRNA, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, US
    • 1-617-552-4250

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • 92% Graduation Rate
    • 9,751 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 5,305 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 19 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 82% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 8% Black
    • 5% Asian

  3. #3 University of Massachusetts, Amherst

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Amherst 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, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNL, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • 81% Graduation Rate
    • 24,111 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 7,838 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 49% Men
    • 51% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 88% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  4. #4 Salem State University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Salem State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of , hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • 64% Graduation Rate
    • 4,592 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,461 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 34% Men
    • 66% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 84% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  5. #5 Simmons University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Simmons 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, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the , ACEN, and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • 82% Graduation Rate
    • 1,786 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,922 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 0% Men
    • 100% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  6. #6 Northeastern University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Northeastern 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, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Masters, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • 89% Graduation Rate
    • 16,172 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 13,711 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 44% Men
    • 56% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 84% White
    • 6% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  7. #7 Elms College

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Elms College 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, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, Massachusetts 01013, US
    • 1-413-594-2761

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • 76% Graduation Rate
    • 915 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 295 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 26% Men
    • 74% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 10% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  8. #8 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth 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, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-2300, US
    • 1-508-999-8586

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • 54% Graduation Rate
    • 5,331 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,940 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 49% Men
    • 51% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 89% White
    • 4% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  9. #9 Regis College

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Regis College 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, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, BSN 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 New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • 68% Graduation Rate
    • 1,095 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,109 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 21% Men
    • 79% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 9% Hispanic
    • 15% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  10. #10 University of Massachusetts, Boston

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Boston is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to PhD, CNS, DNP, Entry Level BSN, MSN, MSN to PhD, MSN to DNP, NP, Other, PhD, Post Grad Certificate, Post Grad Certificate, and RN to BSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 2125, US
    • 1-617-287-7500

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • 57% Graduation Rate
    • 11,749 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,365 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 43% Men
    • 57% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 9% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  11. #11 University of Massachusetts, Lowell

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Lowell is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 220 Pawtucket St., Suite 420, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854-2874, US
    • 978-934-4000

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 62% Graduation Rate
    • 11,985 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,764 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 58% Men
    • 42% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  12. #12 Endicott College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Endicott College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, DNP, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 376 Hale Street, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915, US
    • 978-927-0585

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 75% Graduation Rate
    • 2,999 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 944 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 36% Men
    • 64% Women
    • 15% Veterans
    • 92% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 2% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  13. #13 MGH Institute Of Health Professions

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    MGH Institute Of Health Professions is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Entry Level Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN 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 New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 95% Graduation Rate
    • 140 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,213 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 27 Average Age
    • 16% Men
    • 84% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  14. #14 American International College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    American International College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of 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 New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 1000 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01109, US
    • 413-737-7000

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • 43% Graduation Rate
    • 1,142 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 843 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 46% Men
    • 54% Women
    • 75% White
    • 13% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  15. #15 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 179 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 2115, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 79% Graduation Rate
    • 3,488 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,302 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 24% Men
    • 76% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 82% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  16. #16 Curry College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Curry College 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, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 60% Graduation Rate
    • 1,804 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 219 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 42% Men
    • 58% Women
    • 2% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 3% 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 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 Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Massachusetts NP compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $69.24
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $144,010

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

Massachusetts nurse midwife compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $74.08
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $154,080

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

Massachusetts nurse administrator compensation: 

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $76.22
  • Mean Annual Wage:: $158,540

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

Massachusetts nurse educator compensation:

  • Mean Annual Wage:: $87,140

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:

  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

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in Massachusetts?

MSN graduates have many job opportunities, with the highest-paying roles often being Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Nurse Administrators. According to BLS data, the highest-paying MSN RN positions in Massachusetts are Nurse Midwives, closely followed by Nursing Administration roles—both ranking among the top five nationally for highest pay. Nurse Practitioners come in third, but they have the potential to earn more than both CNMs and nurse managers, depending on their specialty concentration and experience.

Q: Is an MSN worth it in Massachusetts?

Deciding whether or not an MSN is worth it will vary depending on the goals of each individual. Many MSNs find their careers as NPs and APRNs personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Q: Is it better to have an MSN or DNP?

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.

Q: Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN?

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.

Edited by Erin Lee

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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