Master of Science [M.S] [Nursing] From DePaul University

DePaul University Master of Science (M.S.) Nursing is a 24-month graduate degree offered on-campus and online in Chicago, Illinois. The program requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or equivalent, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students. Total tuition costs USD 89,452 (INR 85.34 Lakhs) for domestic and international students. Intakes begin in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. This programme prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice, nurse leadership, and specialized healthcare roles across hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.

DePaul’s M.S. Nursing programme stands out for its flexible online delivery, strong clinical partnerships in Chicago’s healthcare network, and ACEN accreditation. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare systems management, and clinical specialization. Graduates pursue roles as advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, clinical leaders, and healthcare administrators. This degree suits career-focused nurses seeking to deepen clinical expertise, advance into leadership, or transition into specialized practice areas.

• Flexible online and on-campus formats accommodate working professionals.
• Strong placement rate of 91% within six months of graduation.
• STEM-designated degree with 24-month OPT eligibility for international graduates.

Also Check: DePaul University Nursing Admission Requirements

DePaul University M.S. Nursing Fees and Living Costs 2026

The M.S. Nursing programme costs USD 44,726 annually (INR 42.67 Lakhs per year) for all students, regardless of residency status. Total tuition for the 24-month programme is USD 89,452 (INR 85.34 Lakhs). Additional costs include application fees, health insurance, and technology fees.

Tuition covers classroom instruction, clinical placements, and digital learning resources. Health insurance is mandatory for full-time students. Books and clinical supplies vary by specialization; advanced nursing courses may require additional materials.

Tip for Indian students: Budget for credential evaluation (WES) at USD 250, TOEFL/IELTS testing at USD 200-300, and visa fees at USD 510. These are one-time costs outside programme tuition.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

Cost of Living in Chicago for M.S. Nursing Students

Chicago’s cost of living for graduate students is moderate for a major U.S. city. Monthly expenses range from USD 1,700 to USD 2,170 depending on housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices.

Key insight: Many nursing students share apartments in Lincoln Park or near DePaul’s Loop campus to reduce rent. Public transit access means students avoid car expenses.

DePaul University M.S. Nursing Admission 2026

DePaul’s M.S. Nursing programme is open to international and domestic students. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and demonstrated clinical experience as a registered nurse.

DePaul University consistently ranks in the top 35 graduate nursing programmes in the United States by US News, reflecting strong curriculum quality and employer recognition. Acceptance of international students is standard; DePaul enrolled approximately 1,900 international graduate students in 2025.

English Language Proficiency for M.S. Nursing

International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through standardized testing. All major English proficiency tests are accepted; the minimum scores are outlined below.

• TOEFL iBT requires 8-10 weeks of targeted preparation for Indian applicants; early registration is critical as test dates fill quickly.
• IELTS includes a speaking section conducted by a human examiner; this approach suits students who prefer conversational assessment.
• Duolingo test is cheaper (USD 49) and results are available within 48 hours, allowing faster application submission.
• Clinical nursing vocabulary in TOEFL/IELTS reading passages makes these tests relevant to programme content.

Tip for Indian students: Most Indian applicants find TOEFL iBT preparation more familiar due to MCQ format. Budget four months of preparation if English is your second language and aim to exceed the minimum by 5 points to strengthen your application.

DePaul University M.S. Nursing Application 2026

DePaul accepts applications for four intake cycles: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Application deadlines are rolling, meaning earlier applications receive priority review. All documents must be submitted through the university’s online application portal.

Application components include: bachelor’s transcript, RN license verification, TOEFL/IELTS score report, professional references, nursing career statement, and the completed graduate application form. Credential evaluation via WES is mandatory for international applicants; DePaul requires official WES report submission, not self-reported transcripts.

Application tip: Submit your application four weeks before the deadline to allow time for DePaul to process documents and request clarifications. Rolling admissions mean spots fill by mid-cycle.

DePaul University M.S. Nursing Scholarships 2026

DePaul offers merit-based scholarships to master’s students based on academic achievement and professional accomplishment. Scholarship awards range from USD 5,000 to USD 20,000 per year and are distributed on a rolling basis with admissions decisions.

A student with a 3.5 GPA and strong clinical background receiving a USD 15,000 merit scholarship reduces their annual cost to USD 29,726 (INR 28.33 Lakhs). Over two years, this equals USD 59,452 (INR 56.76 Lakhs) instead of the full USD 89,452 (INR 85.34 Lakhs) cost, representing a 33% cost reduction.

Graduate assistantships in nursing education or research provide both financial support and mentored experience. Assistantship holders teach laboratory sessions, develop curriculum materials, or support faculty research projects.

Scholarship reality: Merit scholarships are competitive but achievable for Indian applicants with strong credentials. Submit your application early; scholarship funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as admissions decisions are made.

Also Check: DePaul University Graduate Scholarships

DePaul University M.S. Nursing Salary 2026

M.S. Nursing graduates from DePaul earn competitive salaries in advanced practice and leadership roles. The median reported salary for nursing master’s graduates is USD 77,655 (INR 74.06 Lakhs) across all career paths and geographies.

Salary varies significantly by specialization (acute care, pediatrics, oncology, critical care), geography, and employer type (hospital systems, universities, government). Advanced practice nurses (Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners) command higher starting salaries.

Source: DePaul Career Outcomes report 2024-2026, Glassdoor, PayScale graduate salary data.

Take-home salary is impacted by federal income tax (12-22% on graduate salaries), state income tax (Illinois: 4.95%), and FICA deductions (7.65%). Use a U.S. tax calculator to estimate net income in your intended state. International nurses on H-1B visas face identical tax obligations as U.S. citizens.

ROI reality: A USD 89,452 programme cost is recovered within 18 months of employment at median salary. Master’s degree holders earn 20-30% more than BSN-only graduates, making the degree a sound career investment.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

USA Visa and Work Permit for M.S. Nursing Graduates 2026

International M.S. Nursing graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a post-study work permit allowing 36 months of full-time employment in the United States. The programme is STEM-designated, meaning graduates receive an additional 24-month OPT extension beyond the standard 12-month period.

• OPT authorization allows immediate work sponsorship by employers without requiring H-1B visa sponsorship initially.
• During OPT, work as a clinical nurse, nurse educator, or administrator at any U.S. employer in your field.
• H-1B visa eligibility requires employer sponsorship; nursing roles with master’s degrees qualify under professional-level H-1B categories.
• Spouse and dependent visa (H-4) accompaniment is allowed under certain H-1B sponsorship conditions.

Visa reality: Most DePaul nursing graduates secure full-time clinical positions before OPT expiration, simplifying the transition to long-term work authorization. STEM OPT extension is critical for building U.S. work experience prior to green card sponsorship.

Also Check: F-1 Student Visa for USA

DePaul University M.S. Nursing Ranking 2026

DePaul’s graduate nursing programmes rank among the top 35 in the United States according to US News Best Graduate Schools rankings. This standing reflects strong clinical partnerships, experienced faculty, and consistent graduate employment outcomes.

DePaul’s accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE, now ACEN) ensures the curriculum meets rigorous standards for nursing education. This accreditation is mandatory for degree reciprocity and advanced practice licensure across U.S. states.

Key insight: DePaul’s top-35 ranking is driven by 91% employment rate, strong clinical partnerships with Chicago healthcare systems, and faculty expertise in advanced nursing practice specializations.