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

New York has one of the most active healthcare systems in the U.S., with growing demand for advanced-practice nurses in settings like city hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Areas like Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of upstate New York are especially in need of nurse practitioners, mental health specialists, and nurse educators. Earning an MSN can help you move into these roles and qualify for higher-paying jobs across the state.

This guide covers MSN programs offered throughout New York, including online, hybrid, and on-campus options. It breaks down what to expect in terms of clinical hours, admission requirements, and program formats. You'll also find salary data based on New York-specific roles and tips for choosing the right program based on your experience, location, and career plans.

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

What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in patient care, education, and healthcare leadership. In New York, MSN graduates often go on to become nurse practitioners, clinical instructors, or administrators in hospitals, public health departments, and academic settings.

New York also has unique licensure and scope-of-practice rules, especially for nurse practitioners. The state grants full practice authority after a transition period, allowing NPs to work independently without physician oversight. MSN programs here are built with those regulations in mind and often include partnerships with local hospitals, health systems, and clinics to help meet the state's clinical training standards.

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 in New York?

Yes, several MSN programs in New York offer fully online options, especially for non-clinical tracks like nursing education, informatics, and nurse executive leadership. Schools such as SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Excelsior University, and Pace University provide online formats that allow students to complete coursework remotely while continuing to work.

However, clinical-focused tracks like nurse practitioner programs still require in-person clinical hours at approved sites across the state. Even in online programs, students are responsible for arranging or completing these hands-on requirements under supervision, often with support from the school's placement services.

What Do You Learn in an MSN Program in New York?

In a New York MSN program, you'll build on your nursing experience with advanced courses in subjects like pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and leadership. These core areas help prepare you for specialized roles in direct care, education, or administration.

Your coursework will also depend on your track. For example, a nurse practitioner student may study diagnostics and population health, while a nurse educator might focus on curriculum design and teaching methods. Programs at schools like Stony Brook University and SUNY Downstate often combine classroom learning with clinical hours to give you hands-on experience in your chosen specialty.

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 New York 

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

Nurse Practitioner

New York NP compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $68.67
• Mean Annual Wage: $142,830

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

New York nurse midwife compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $64.96
• Mean Annual Wage: $135,120

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

New York nurse administrator compensation: 

• Mean Hourly Wage: $86.14
• Mean Annual Wage: $179,160

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

New York nurse educator compensation:

• Mean Annual Wage: $102,980

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 our report on Nurse Salaries in New York.

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

What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in New York?

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 New York are Nursing Managers and Administrators, earning significantly more by approximately 30K annually. Nurse Practitioners follow, with NPs having the potential to earn more than nurse managers depending on their specialty and experience.

Is an MSN worth it in New York?

Yes, earning an MSN in New York can be a smart investment for nurses looking to move into higher-paying and more advanced roles. Nurse practitioners in the state earn an average salary of over $140,000, while nurse administrators make nearly $180,000 per year. These figures are well above the national average and reflect strong demand across New York's hospitals, clinics, and academic centers.

Beyond salary, an MSN can open doors to roles with more autonomy and long-term career stability. New York also offers full practice authority for nurse practitioners after a transition period, which makes the degree even more valuable for those pursuing independent practice.

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.

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.

What are the most in-demand MSN roles in New York?

Nurse practitioners, especially in family medicine, psychiatric-mental health, and adult-gerontology, are among the most sought-after roles in New York. Community health centers in underserved areas like the Bronx, parts of Brooklyn, and upstate counties rely heavily on NPs to meet primary care needs. Nurse educators are also in short supply, particularly in CUNY and SUNY nursing schools that need qualified faculty to meet growing enrollment. For nurses interested in leadership, administrative roles in hospital systems and managed care organizations are expanding as healthcare operations grow more complex.

Is it expensive to earn an MSN in New York?

Tuition varies, but public schools like CUNY Hunter and SUNY Downstate are often more affordable for in-state students. Some programs cost less than $20,000 total. Private schools like NYU and St. John Fisher cost more but may offer scholarships or tuition breaks for nurses working in health systems. Many hospitals and union employers in New York offer tuition assistance or loan repayment for nurses pursuing advanced degrees. You may also qualify for state aid through TAP or scholarships tied to workforce needs in underserved areas.

Is housing hard to find while attending school in New York?

It depends on where you're studying. In NYC, housing is expensive and competitive, so many students live with roommates or commute from nearby boroughs. In upstate cities like Rochester or Utica, housing is more affordable and often located near campus or clinical sites. Some schools offer graduate housing or have off-campus housing coordinators who can help you find a place that fits your budget.

Do New York MSN programs require the GRE?

Most do not. In recent years, many New York MSN programs have dropped the GRE requirement, especially for applicants who meet GPA or work experience thresholds. Some schools may still ask for GRE scores if your GPA is below the minimum or if you're applying to a dual-degree or leadership track. It's best to check the current policy on each school's website, since requirements can change year to year.

How early should I apply to an MSN program in New York?

Ideally, you should start preparing 6 to 9 months before the application deadline. Many programs have deadlines in the late fall or early Spring for admission the following academic year. Some schools offer rolling admissions, but competitive programs tend to fill early. If you're requesting letters of recommendation or employer support, give your contacts plenty of notice so you're not rushed at the last minute.

What is student life like in New York as an MSN student?

Student life in New York depends a lot on where you're enrolled. If you're attending school in the city, your days might revolve around navigating clinical shifts, commuting by subway, and squeezing in study sessions between work and school. There's no shortage of coffee shops, libraries, or 24-hour spots to get work done. Campus life at schools like NYU or Hunter College tends to be fast-paced and diverse, with access to professional conferences, academic workshops, and hospital-based learning.

If you're upstate, like at St. John Fisher or SUNY Polytechnic, things are usually quieter and more community-focused. You might live closer to campus, have more face time with faculty, and find it easier to build connections with classmates. Either way, most MSN students are balancing school with jobs, so social life tends to be centered around group study, clinical rotations, or online forums.

What's transportation like for nursing students in New York?

In NYC, most students rely on public transit to get to class, clinicals, and work. The subway and bus systems are accessible and widely used, but it's smart to budget extra time during peak hours. If you're attending a program outside the city, like at Utica University or Molloy, you'll probably need a car to get to clinical sites or class. Some campuses offer parking permits or shuttle services, especially for evening and weekend students.