If you're a nurse in Indiana looking to boost your resume, pursue leadership roles, or become a nurse practitioner, enrolling in a graduate-level nursing program is an important first step. Many nurses in Indiana choose Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs for their shorter duration and relatively affordable tuition, which helps manage both time and costs. These programs are particularly beneficial for working nurses juggling busy schedules while advancing their careers.

In the sections below, we’ll explore how to select an MSN program and highlight some of the most affordable and accelerated options available in the state of Indiana, whether you’re in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or one of the state’s smaller Midwestern communities.

2025 - Best Online MSN Programs in Indiana

RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Indiana for 2025. These programs are noted for their academic excellence, flexible learning opportunities, and commitment to advancing nursing practice. Rankings are determined using a comprehensive methodology evaluating program quality, accessibility, and student outcomes. For more information, visit our rankings methodology page.

1.

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN

The University of Southern Indiana offers MSN programs through the College of Nursing and Health Professions, which is dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering a culture of critical thinking and innovation. The department's philosophy emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, as well as the development of leadership skills to prepare students for advanced nursing roles. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, the MSN programs at USI prepare graduates to excel in the constantly evolving healthcare field.

MSN Programs
2.

Indiana University

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University School of Nursing offers highly reputable and competitive Master of Science in Nursing programs through their esteemed nursing department. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the ever-evolving healthcare field. The nursing department prides itself on its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment for students to thrive in.

MSN Programs
3.

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University's MSN programs, offered through the College of Health, are designed to prepare nurses to become leaders in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain advanced knowledge and skills through hands-on experiences and cutting-edge research. The nursing department's commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion further enhances the education and career opportunities for MSN graduates.

MSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs in Indiana

A traditional MSN program typically takes 3 or 4 years to complete, but many nurses simply don’t have the schedule that allows them to pursue full-time education. However, in cases where a nurse has already graduated from a nursing associate degree program and is licensed as an RN, there is a much shorter and affordable option — an RN to MSN program. This type of bridge program allows nurses to get the education they need to apply to higher-level nursing positions in around half the amount of time.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

  • Indiana RN license
  • ADN or nursing diploma
  • GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
  • Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
  • Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

If you’re interested in applying to RN to MSN programs in Indiana, take a look at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) which offers this option. Other RN to MSN programs in the state include:

Evansville, IN

College of Nursing & Health Professions
8600 University Boulevard
Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 465-1173

Fort Wayne, IN

Department of Nursing
2701 Spring St
Fort Wayne, IN 46808

Marion, IN

School of Nursing
4201 South Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953
(765) 677-2813

Muncie, IN

School of Nursing
2000 W University Avenue
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 285-8718

Valparaiso, IN

College of Nursing and Health Professions
1700 Chapel Dr
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-5289

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Indiana

You don’t have to sacrifice your hard-earned pay and valuable time to get a graduate-level education. There are plenty of affordable and fast-paced, flexible, MSN programs offered in Indiana. Here are some ways you can find the best MSN programs in Indiana and some examples of each.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

MSN programs are a naturally fast option when contemplating graduate nursing programs. But still, there are many MSN programs located in Indiana that are faster than others. One way you can shorten the amount of time you’ll need to invest in your education is by establishing residency in the state prior to application, allowing you to seek in-state tuition rates. You may also find online programs available that allow you to complete your schoolwork in your own time. Here are a few examples of the fastest Indiana MSN programs:

SchoolEstimated LengthOnline Option?
St. Mary's College (SMC)2 YearsNo
Indiana State University (ISU)2.5 YearsYes
Indiana University (IU)2 YearsYes

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

While Indiana is typically considered a somewhat affordable state by national standards, that doesn't always mean that our schools are also affordable. To find the cheapest MSN programs located in Indiana, you'll need to know where to look. A few examples of schools in Indiana that offer affordable tuition for MSN programs are:

SchoolEstimated CostCredits
Indiana University, South Bend (IUSB)$13,000 – $15,00042
Indiana University – Northwest (IUN)$15,000 – $34,00036
Indiana University – Southeast (IUS)$17,000 – $40,00039

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs in Indiana offer an accelerated pathway for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to pursue a career in nursing. These programs, also known as direct-entry MSN programs, combine foundational nursing education with advanced practice coursework, enabling graduates to earn both a BSN and MSN in an intensive format. MENP graduates are eligible for RN licensure and advanced practice roles, making these programs ideal for career changers seeking a swift transition into nursing.

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
  • GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
  • Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
  • Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
  • Admissions interview

For examples of MENP programs in Indiana, see St. Mary's College (SMC), which currently offers the only MENP program in the state.

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

One cool thing about MSN programs (and nursing graduate programs in general) is the ability to specialize in a unique area. These could be medical practice area concentrations or even administrative or educational specializations in the nursing field. Here are some examples located in Indiana:

SchoolSpecialtyCredits
University of Indianapolis (UIIndy)Neonatal Nurse Practitioner39
University of Southern Indiana (USI)Healthcare Systems Leadership36
Indiana University (IU)Pediatric Nurse Practitioner42

What is MSN Accreditation?

As you can see, Indiana has plenty of options for students seeking MSN programs. However, before you begin applying, you’ll want to make sure that each one is accredited. MSN accreditation ensures that a Master of Science in Nursing program meets quality standards set by accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It confirms the program's curriculum, faculty, and outcomes prepare students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Accredited programs are also recognized by employers and qualify for financial aid.

2025 List of MSN Programs in Indiana

Are looking for other options than the ones listed above? Take a look at the full list of MSN programs in Indiana listed below:

MSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Anderson, IN

Anderson University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Campus Based - Website

    • Nursing Informatics Concentration
    • Campus-based MSN Program
    • Advanced Healthcare Technology Focus
    • Professional Development Pathway
    • Digital Healthcare Systems Training

Evansville, IN

University of Southern Indiana

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education Leadership

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 36 Total Credit Hours
    • Complete in 2.5-3 Years
    • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
    • Active RN License Needed
    • First Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
    • First Start Date: May 12, 2025
    • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Degree
    • 42 Total Credit Hours
    • Complete in 2.5-3 Years
    • BSN Required for Admission
    • 3.0 Minimum GPA
    • Accredited Program
    • May 2025 Start Date
    • April 2025 Application Deadline
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Healthcare Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 36 Total Credit Hours
    • Complete in 2.5-3 Years
    • 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
    • Nationally Ranked Program
    • Unencumbered RN License Needed
    • Leadership-Focused Curriculum
    • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Fort Wayne, IN

Purdue University Fort Wayne

  • Master's - Nurse Practitioner: Adult Gerontology Primary Care

    Campus Based - Website

    • 46 credit hour graduate program
    • 600 supervised clinical hours
    • Three-year completion timeline
    • Advanced practice certification eligibility
    • Comprehensive adult/geriatric focus
    • Nursing research and evidence-based practice
    • Health promotion and management courses
    • Professional practice management training

Gary, IN

Indiana University-Northwest

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 44 credit hours
    • Part-time, 7 semester program
    • Blended learning format
    • Zoom classes 2-4 times/semester
    • 600+ clinical practice hours
    • Complete within 4 years
    • 82% certification rates
    • Diverse healthcare settings
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Administration - Campus Based - Website

    • Three MSN track options
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus
    • Population health improvement
    • Interprofessional team collaboration
    • Ethical scholarship emphasis

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest

  • Master's - MSN Nurse Executive

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 12-month Full-Time Option
    • $512.16 Per Credit
    • 32 Total Program Credits
    • ACEN Accredited Program
    • Real-World Practicum Experience
    • Expert Nursing Faculty
    • Leadership Skills Development
  • Master's - MSN Nurse Executive

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Flexible Program
    • 12-Month Full-Time Option
    • $512.16 Per Credit
    • 32 Total Program Credits
    • ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
    • Practicum at Current Workplace
    • Expert Nursing Faculty
    • Transfer Up to 9 Credits
  • Master's - Nurse Educator

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online MSN Program
    • Complete in 12-24 months
    • $512.16 per credit tuition
    • 35 total program credits
    • 135 practicum clock hours
    • ACEN Accredited Program
    • Quality Matters™ Certified Curriculum
    • Transfer up to 9 credits

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University-Indianapolis

  • Master's - Nursing Leadership in Health Systems

    Online Learning - Website

    • Ranked #11 in U.S. News & World Report 2024.
    • Offers part-time and full-time study plans.
    • Eligible for Nurse Executive certification.
    • Includes administrative practicum experience.
    • Tailored elective courses available.
    • Clinical experiences arranged in Indiana.
    • Covers leadership and organizational theory.
    • Focus on economics and decision-making.
  • Master's - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42 credit hour hybrid program
    • 525 direct patient contact hours
    • Multiple certification exam options
    • Interprofessional clinical experiences
    • Post-master's certificate available
    • Advanced practice provider preparation
    • Diverse clinical setting training

Kokomo, IN

Indiana University-Kokomo

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Administration - Campus Based - Website

    • 37-credit nursing administration track
    • 300 practicum hours included
    • Flexible graduate nursing program
    • BSN required with 2.8 GPA
    • Advanced leadership preparation
    • Core and specialized courses
    • Competitive admission process
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 44 total credit hours
    • 600 total clinical hours
    • Seven semester progression
    • BSN GPA requirement 2.8+
    • Two years clinical RN experience preferred
    • Admission each January
    • Comprehensive clinical practicum
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus

Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

  • Master's - MSN MBA Dual Degree

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Delivery
    • 60 Total Credit Hours
    • 36+ Month Program Duration
    • $595 Per Credit Hour
    • Advanced Nursing Leadership Focus
    • Business and Healthcare Integration
    • 520-Hour Supervised Practicum
    • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Master's - ASN to MSN Primary Care Nursing with a Specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • 45 months total duration
    • 66 total credit hours
    • 820 practicum hours
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Advanced practice preparation
    • $455-595 per credit hour
  • Master's - MSN Nurse Educator

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 18.5 Months Duration
    • 12 Total Courses
    • $595 Per Credit Hour
    • 33 Total Credit Hours
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • 175 Practicum Hours
    • CCNE Accredited Program

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  • Master's - MSN in Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • 36-month completion time
    • $455 per credit hour
    • 58-60 total credit hours
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Minimum 1 year professional practice
    • 175 practicum hours required
    • Prepares for Nurse Educator exam
  • Master's - MS Nursing in Health Systems Leadership

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online 24-month program
    • 14 total courses
    • $595 per credit hour
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Capstone practicum experience
    • Leadership-focused nursing education
    • Flexible online learning format
  • Master's - ASN-MSN in Primary Care Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 19 total courses
    • 45-month program duration
    • 820 practicum hours
    • No BSN required
    • Online program format
    • Onsite residency intensives
    • Lifespan psychiatric care focus
    • Independent clinical practice preparation

Mishawaka, IN

Bethel University

  • Master's - MSN in Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN Nurse Educator track
    • 33-34 total credit hours
    • 2-year completion time
    • $510 per credit hour
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Prepare for CNE certification
    • 186-hour teaching practicum
    • Up to 6 transfer credits
  • Master's - MSN

    Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN with Nurse Administrator track
    • 33-34 total credit hours
    • $510 per credit hour
    • 2-year completion time
    • Up to 6 transfer credits
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Practicum in administration
    • 100% job placement rate

Muncie, IN

Ball State University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Delivery
    • 40 Total Credit Hours
    • Seven-Semester Completion
    • 180-Hour Healthcare Practicum
    • Leadership-Focused Curriculum
    • Nationally Ranked Nursing Program
    • CCNE Accredited
    • Flexible Part-Time Options
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 40 Total Credits Required
    • Seven Semester Completion
    • 180-Hour Clinical Practicum
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Nationally Ranked by U.S. News
    • Flexible Part-Time Options
    • Advanced Nursing Theory Courses

Richmond, IN

Indiana University-East

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • FNP cohorts start January
    • Partners with IU campuses
    • Prepares for advanced practice
    • No summer/fall FNP admissions
    • Serves regional healthcare needs
    • Licensure in most US states
    • Leadership skill development

Saint Mary of the Woods, IN

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
    • Designed for working RNs
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Begins in August
    • Primary care focus
    • Rural community emphasis
    • Prescriptive authority training
    • Comprehensive patient care approach

South Bend, IN

Indiana University-South Bend

  • Master's - Nursing Administration

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/in-person format
    • 300 practicum hours
    • Advanced nursing management
    • Flexible learning options
    • Multiple healthcare employment paths
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Six-semester completion timeline
    • BSN with 2.8 GPA required
  • Master's - Nursing Education

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 75% online coursework
    • 300 practicum hours
    • Six semester completion
    • Nursing faculty preparation
    • BSN 2.8 GPA requirement
    • Rolling admissions
    • Fall/Spring start options

Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University

  • Master's - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Web-based distance learning format
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • One year RN work experience required
    • National League for Nursing certification eligible
    • Multiple concentration options available
    • Post-master's certificate option
    • Clinical and academic career preparation
  • Master's - MSN - Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN Accredited Program
    • Two annual application dates
    • Comprehensive healthcare approach
    • Meets ANCC/AANP certification
    • Evidence-based nursing practice
    • Applications: Oct 1, March 1
    • Professional role development
    • Clinical competency focus
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online distance learning
    • Leadership focused curriculum
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Prepares for management roles
    • Requires RN work experience

West Lafayette, IN

Indiana State University

  • Master's - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Web-based distance learning format
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • One year RN work experience required
    • National League for Nursing certification eligible
    • Multiple concentration options available
    • Post-master's certificate option
    • Clinical and academic career preparation
  • Master's - MSN - Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN Accredited Program
    • Two annual application dates
    • Comprehensive healthcare approach
    • Meets ANCC/AANP certification
    • Evidence-based nursing practice
    • Applications: Oct 1, March 1
    • Professional role development
    • Clinical competency focus
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online distance learning
    • Leadership focused curriculum
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Prepares for management roles
    • Requires RN work experience