Look at our tuition and fees page for the current rate. Campus undergraduate students will be charged according to the current campus tuition rates and policies.

The flexibility of our nursing programs attracts students with all sorts of work schedules. Our programs are designed for full-time working nurses. We follow the flexibility of the 7-1-7 model where students take one class at a time every seven weeks with a one week break in between. There are no set login times and students have access to their classroom at any time. 

The flexibility of our clinical requirements is also beneficial to the students. You will choose your own preceptor in your home state.  

To be accepted in SAU’s online RN-MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure  
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended  
• 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits  
• An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program  
• Short personal statement  
• Completed online application  

Students can only take one course at a time (excluding clinical & residency).  Our programs are uniquely designed for working nurses to be able to advance their education while continuing to work. 

To be accepted in SAU’s online RN-BSN program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure 
• An official transcript from all previous institutions attended with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all prior college work 
• Completion of at least 58 transferable semester hours 
• An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program 
• A writing sample 
• Completed online application 

Spring Arbor University offers 18 CCNE-accredited online nursing programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• RN to MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Nurse Educator
• RN to MSN/MBA Dual Degree
• BSN to MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Nurse Educator
• BSN to MSN/MBA Dual Degree
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Nurse Educator
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The MSN residency is a four-day visit to our main campus during the second year of the program and is tied into the Health Assessment Course.  It is a practicum that provides students with clinical opportunities to further refine and practice physical examination. You will meet their professors, fellow classmates and gain a personal sense of community within the program. We offer discounted rates in the nearby hotels in the area. 

Our online nursing programs emphasize a Christian worldview that will better prepare you to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those for which you care. This does not mean you need to be a Christian to enroll in our programs; all health care professionals – no matter their background or beliefs – will benefit from the recognition of a spiritual component to nursing. 

As an online nursing student at Spring Arbor University, you will have direct access to dedicated educators who are known for their active involvement in improving nursing care, and you will have your very own Student Success Coach who will walk beside you and offer support throughout your program. You will also have access to spiritual development support and career services. 

SAU offers seven concentrations in its MSN/MBA program:

• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resource Development
• Management
• Organizational Consulting
• Executive Leadership
• Cybersecurity and Data
• Executive Communication

• SAU’s online RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 20 months 
• SAU’s online RN to MSN programs can be completed in as few as four years 
• SAU’s online BSN to MSN programs can be completed in as few as two years and five months 
• SAU’s online Post-Master’s Cert programs vary depending on completed prerequisites: 
  • PMC-Family Nurse Practitioner: 14-24 months 
  • PMC-Psychiatric Mental Health NP: 18-24 months 
  • PMC-Nurse Educator: 16-22 months 
  • PMC-Adult-Gerontology NP: 14-20 months 
  • PMC-Pediatric NP: 18-24 months 

To be accepted in SAU’s online Post-Master’s Certificate programs, you must meet the following requirements:

• MSN degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Official graduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
• An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
• Online application
• Short personal statement
• Prerequisites courses:
  • Advanced Pharmacology 
  • Advanced Pathophysiology 
  • Advanced Physical Assessment 

We accept a maximum of 12 transfer credits from prior graduate courses taken. Transcripts will be evaluated to ensure there is a 100% course for course match. If the courses don’t match, we cannot guarantee transfer. We usually ask that the student provides course syllabi in their application process to make the evaluation of credits seamless. 

88% first-time pass rate / 100% of students who have taken the exam have passed it.

Yes, SAU’s online nursing programs are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) – an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. 

To be accepted in SAU’s Online MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements:

• A BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and nursing program (CCNE or NLN)
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
• Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
• Online application
• Short personal statement

Yes! We encourage all online graduates to join us for the graduation ceremony. It’s a great time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and share your accomplishments with those who matter most in your life. 

Technology plays a huge role in online learning. As a prospective online student, you should have basic computer skills; Internet access; and the ability to send email, navigate the Internet and install software. Of course, we will help you navigate this technology every step of the way. 

Yes! SAU is well known for its quality programs, and you will find that same reputation in our online programs. Spring Arbor University has been an accredited four-year institution since 1963, and also has a long history of providing real-world education to the adult learner.  

Online learning, also called distance learning, is instruction that takes place using computer technology and the Internet. This can occur between students in the same town or in different countries. Within semester limits, SAU Online courses are completely asynchronous, which means students may sign on and work any time during the day or night. Likewise, the instructor and students need not be logged onto the course at the same time, unless the faculty member has set test dates or chat sessions indicated on the course syllabus. 

The academic catalogs may be acquired from the Office of Registration and Records and on this page here.

Eligible students may receive all federal, state and/or institutional financial aid for SAU Online course charges. *Note: Remember to apply early in order for your financial aid eligibility to be determined before you enroll. Click here for more information regarding financial aid. 

Courses are seven weeks in length, typically three credit hours.