Demographic and Academic Factors Associated With Enrollment in Online MSN Programs.

Background: There is a need to better understand the demographic and academic characteristics of individuals enrolled in online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. Method: This article reports a retrospective analysis of 4,079 students enrolled in one of three MSN programs: family nurse practitioner (FNP), nurse educator, and nursing administration. Demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, race, age) and academic variables (i.e., academic load, past undergraduate/graduate enrollment at the university) were examined for all enrollees. Results: Students in the MSN programs were younger than the national mean age for RNs, were primarily White, and were enrolled part time. The sample was composed of a disproportionately higher percentage of students from ethnic minority backgrounds than national RN profiles. Conclusion: Study implications indicate that understanding the commonalities, differences, and educational experiences of students in on-campus and online MSN programs is important. The finding that almost 90% of online graduate nursing students enroll as part time has significant financial, family, and career implications.