Master of Science in Nursing Online (MSN)

The current total tuition is $25,020–$27,105. Tuition is $695 per credit hour. Specializations for Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Education require 39 credits, while the Nursing Management and Executive Leadership specializations require 36 credits.

Yes. Sacred Heart’s online MSN is built for working nurses, with all core coursework delivered asynchronously across a flexible 2–6 year completion window. Students choose their term-by-term course load based on professional demands, scaling up during lighter clinical seasons and back during busier periods. Clinical hours for most specializations are completed at a facility near you (many students use their current employer), eliminating the need to relocate or take extended leave. FNP and PMHNP students should also account for on-campus residency components at SHU’s Fairfield, CT campus when planning their schedule.

All MSN applicants need a current, unencumbered U.S. RN license, official transcripts from all prior institutions, two letters of recommendation (at least one from a direct supervisor), a résumé, a statement of professional goals, proof of professional liability insurance, a prerequisite undergraduate statistics course, and a $75 non-refundable application fee. No GRE or GMAT is required. GPA and degree requirements vary by specialization: the FNP and PMHNP tracks require a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, while other specializations accept a BA or BS in any field with a 3.0 GPA.

SHU’s online MSN opens five distinct advanced nursing career pathways (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Educator, and Nursing Executive), with average annual salaries ranging from approximately $90,000 to $132,000+. FNP and PMHNP graduates earn a BLS-reported median of ~$132,050 (May 2024), with APRN employment projected to grow 35% through 2034. Nursing Management and Executive roles at large health systems can exceed $140,000 at senior levels, while Nursing Education positions typically offer $80,000–$100,000 with significant schedule flexibility.

Yes. SHU’s MSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the U.S. Department of Education–recognized gold standard for graduate nursing program accreditation. CCNE accreditation has three concrete implications for graduates: (1) FNP and PMHNP completers must hold a degree from a CCNE-accredited program to sit for national certification exams through ANCC or AANPCB; (2) the credential is accepted across all 50 states, ensuring licensing board eligibility wherever you practice; and (3) most healthcare employers require CCNE accreditation when evaluating APRN candidates for advanced practice roles.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Sacred Heart University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Eligible students can access federal financial aid through the FAFSA, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans . Students may also reach out to their financial aid counselor to explore other alternative loan options. Many working nurses also qualify for employer tuition reimbursement, one of the most common MSN funding pathways. Employer caps typically range from $5,250–$10,000 per year, though some hospital systems and VA facilities cover significantly more. SHU’s per-credit pricing and term structure are designed to align with most employer reimbursement cycles. Additional options include the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program and the NHSC Loan Repayment Program for eligible graduates serving in high-need areas.