Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can be a valuable investment for nursing professionals in Alabama who are looking to advance their careers. With the healthcare industry in Alabama growing rapidly, there are numerous opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees. However, with multiple MSN programs available, selecting the right one can be a challenging task.
Fortunately, we're here to help! In this article, we'll explore the top ten best MSN programs in Alabama. From accreditation to specialized tracks and tuition costs, we'll provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision and take your nursing career to the next level.
Auburn University
Auburn University's MSN program stands out for its emphasis on hands-on experience, offering students a range of clinical placement opportunities to develop their skills and gain practical knowledge in various healthcare settings.
School Details:
Campus:
Auburn, AL
Founded:
1856
Retention Rate:
91%
Admission Rate:
84%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
19:1
Students Enrolled:
31,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition (in-state):
$10,968 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$31,956 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, and Nurse Educator
Samford University
Samford University's MSN program sets itself apart by offering a faith-based education, integrating Christian values and principles into the curriculum to prepare students to serve their communities with compassion and ethics.
School Details:
Campus:
Birmingham, AL
Founded:
1841
Retention Rate:
87%
Admission Rate:
83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
12:1
Students Enrolled:
5,600
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition:
$19,170 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health)
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama's MSN program distinguishes itself by offering a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their courses to their career goals and interests, and offering part-time and full-time options to accommodate their schedules.
School Details:
Campus:
Tuscaloosa, AL
Founded:
1831
Retention Rate:
88%
Admission Rate:
59%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
22:1
Students Enrolled:
38,500
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition (in-state):
$10,780 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$30,250 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nursing Administration, Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health), Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's MSN program is unique for its emphasis on research, offering opportunities for students to participate in research projects and develop their research skills through coursework and practical experience.
School Details:
Campus:
Birmingham, AL
Founded:
1936
Retention Rate:
86%
Admission Rate:
74%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
19:1
Students Enrolled:
22,500
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition (in-state):
$10,410 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$25,950 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nursing Informatics, Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Neonatal, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health), Nurse Anesthesia, Nursing Administration, Nurse Educator
University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville's MSN program distinguishes itself by its focus on technology, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively in healthcare delivery and management.
School Details:
Campus:
Huntsville, AL
Founded:
1950
Retention Rate:
82%
Admission Rate:
81%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
10,500
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition (in-state):
$10,170 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$23,910 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nursing Administration, Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health), Nurse Educator
Spring Hill College
Spring Hill College's MSN program offers a unique focus on social justice, educating students to address healthcare disparities and advocate for underserved populations, particularly in the Gulf Coast region.
School Details:
Campus:
Mobile, AL
Founded:
1830
Retention Rate:
73%
Admission Rate:
43%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
13:1
Students Enrolled:
1,200
Type of Institute:
Private
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition:
$14,270 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator
University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama's MSN program stands out for its commitment to interprofessional collaboration, offering opportunities for students to work with students and faculty from other healthcare disciplines to improve patient care and outcomes.
School Details:
Campus:
Mobile, AL
Founded:
1963
Retention Rate:
75%
Admission Rate:
79%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
14,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Tuition (in-state):
$8,412 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$16,848 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Nursing Administration, Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health), Nurse Educator
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama's MSN program distinguishes itself by its focus on leadership development, preparing students to take on advanced roles in healthcare management and administration.
School Details:
Campus:
Florence, AL
Founded:
1830
Retention Rate:
75%
Admission Rate:
69%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
8,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Jacksonville State University's MSN program offers a flexible, online format, allowing students to complete their coursework on their own schedule while still receiving personalized attention from experienced faculty.
School Details:
Campus:
Jacksonville, AL
Founded:
1883
Retention Rate:
67%
Admission Rate:
54%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
18:1
Students Enrolled:
8,500
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
Troy University's MSN program offers a unique concentration in International Nursing, providing students with the skills and knowledge to work in a global healthcare setting.
School Details:
Campus:
Troy, AL
Founded:
1887
Retention Rate:
71%
Admission Rate:
90%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
16:1
Students Enrolled:
17,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses
