A public school, college, or university is a state-funded institution with appointed trustees who oversee the allocation of funds throughout the school. A public institution typically costs less to attend than a privately funded college or university. This can significantly lower the amount of debt you owe at the end of your education -- and the less you owe, the less time it will take you to pay off your student debt when you enter fulltime employment.

A master of science in nursing degree enables current RNs to expand their employment options into specialized tracks within the nursing field. This encompasses a large variety of careers including nurse midwife, family practice nursing, and nurse anesthetist. Some RNs who possess an MSN degree also choose to work in related fields like nursing education or nursing administration and management.

What are the benefits of earning an MSN?

For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.

For our 2024 rankings of ADN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of associate’s degree programs.

For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.