Top MSN Programs in California
Master's degrees in nursing: nurse practitioner, education, leadership, informatics and entry-level tracks.
46 schools in California reported MSN-level nursing awards to IPEDS or have a verified MSN program profile; 6 programs have a verified profile. MSN Programs in all states
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory / official school websites
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (46)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private nonprofit | MSN-FNP | CCNE |
| University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences | San Marcos, CA | Private for-profit | MSN, Post-Master's-FNP, DNP | CCNE |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | Private nonprofit | MSN | CCNE |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | Costa Mesa, CA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-Leadership | CCNE |
| West Coast University-Orange County | Anaheim, CA | Private for-profit | BSN, LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, MSN-FNP, MSN-Leadership, Post-Master's, Post-Master's-FNP, DNP, DNP-Leadership, MSN-DNP | — |
| Western University of Health Sciences | Pomona, CA | Private nonprofit | MSN, Post-Master's, Post-Master's-FNP, Post-Master's-PMHNP, DNP-Leadership | CCNE |