This guide compares Rasmussen University vs Chamberlain University PMHNP programs based on cost, format, clinical placement support, and admissions requirements.
Quick Take
Chamberlain is the better choice for most students due to lower cost and access to federal financial aid. Rasmussen is better for students who prioritize guaranteed clinical placement and maximum flexibility.
- Choose Rasmussen if you want coordinated clinical placement, a fully self-paced online format with no weekly deadlines, and a DNP pathway option.
- Choose Chamberlain if you want lower MSN tuition, federal financial aid eligibility, and a structured program with board-prep support.
Important Difference
- Rasmussen does not offer federal financial aid
- Chamberlain does
Rasmussen vs Chamberlain: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rasmussen University | Chamberlain University |
|---|---|---|
| Program Options | MSN, Post-Graduate Certificate | MSN, Graduate Certificate |
| Format | Fully online; in-person practicum only | Fully online; two required campus visits |
| MSN Cost Per Credit | $290 (core) / $915 (specialization) | ~$735 |
| MSN Total Estimated Cost | $50,380 (69 credits) | $34,545 (47 credits) |
| Certificate Total Estimated Cost | $28,417 (53 credits) | $26,600 (35 credits) |
| MSN Duration | ~27 months full-time | ~2.5 years full-time |
| Certificate Duration | ~21 months full-time | ~1.5 years full-time |
| Clinical Hours | Not specified | 625 hours MSN (750 in Kansas); 650 certificate |
| Clinical Placement Support | Coordinators secure placements for students | Practicum Commitment® guidance team |
| Campus Visits | None required | Two required (immersion + final intensive) |
| Title IV Financial Aid | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Accreditation | CCNE / HLC | CCNE / HLC |
| Start Dates | January and July | Not specified |
Best For Breakdown
- Best for affordability: Chamberlain
- Best for clinical placement support: Rasmussen
- Best for flexibility: Rasmussen
- Best for financing options: Chamberlain
Cost Comparison
Chamberlain’s MSN-PMHNP comes in at an estimated $34,545 (47 credits at ~$735/credit), making it significantly less expensive than Rasmussen’s MSN-PMHNP at $50,380 (69 credits, with specialization credits billed at $915 each).
On the certificate side, the gap narrows: Chamberlain estimates $26,600 versus Rasmussen’s $28,417.
A critical distinction: Rasmussen’s programs are currently not eligible for Title IV federal student aid, meaning no federal loans or Pell Grants. Chamberlain is eligible. For most students, this alone is a major decision factor. Rasmussen does offer a 10% military tuition grant and allows employer reimbursement.
Students should also factor in travel costs. Chamberlain requires two campus visits; Rasmussen does not.
Program Format and Flexibility
Rasmussen uses its Empowered Learning® model — fully asynchronous with no weekly deadlines, allowing students to move faster or slower within each term.
Chamberlain is also fully online but follows a more structured pacing model with two required on-campus events.
Students who need maximum schedule flexibility may prefer Rasmussen; students who benefit from structured checkpoints and in-person touchpoints may prefer Chamberlain.
PMHNP Program Options
Both schools offer an MSN track for BSN-prepared nurses and a post-master’s certificate for nurses with an existing graduate degree. Neither school lists a DNP-PMHNP track, though Rasmussen does offer a DNP as a separate program. Nurses should confirm whether a DNP-entry PMHNP path is available before enrolling if that is a goal.
- BSN-prepared nurses should compare MSN tracks — Chamberlain’s is shorter (47 vs. 69 credits) and lower cost.
- MSN-prepared nurses should compare certificate options — both are similarly priced, but Chamberlain’s is 35 credits versus Rasmussen’s 53.
Admissions Requirements
Both programs require an active, unencumbered RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and professional references. Neither requires the GRE. Rasmussen explicitly notes that the program is not available to residents of all states and requires an admissions rep conversation for eligibility. Chamberlain accepts transfer credit, which could reduce total cost and time for some applicants.
Rasmussen may be a better fit for applicants in states where Chamberlain has limited availability. Chamberlain may be better for nurses with prior graduate credits they want to transfer in.
Clinical Placement and Student Support
This is one of the most meaningful differences between the two programs. Rasmussen’s clinical practicum coordinators actively secure placements in the student’s community, potentially at the student’s own workplace, under master’s- or doctoral-prepared preceptors. Students also complete a virtual immersion prior to clinical start.
Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® program provides guidance and support, but the structure implies students play a more active role in securing sites. Chamberlain’s MSN track specifies 625 clinical hours (750 in Kansas) and its certificate requires 650 hours — providing more transparency on clinical volume than Rasmussen’s published materials.
Students who are concerned about finding preceptors on their own should look closely at how each school defines “placement support” before enrolling.
Which PMHNP Program Should You Choose?
Choose Rasmussen if you want a fully self-paced online program, fully managed clinical placement, no required campus visits, and are a military-affiliated nurse or have employer tuition reimbursement lined up. Be aware that federal student loans are not available.
Choose Chamberlain if you want lower MSN tuition, federal financial aid access, a shorter credit path to the MSN, and structured board-prep support. Budget for two campus visits.
Both programs are CCNE-accredited and designed for working RNs. The better choice depends on how you plan to fund the program, how much flexibility you need in your schedule, and how important fully managed clinical placement is to you.
Compare more programs or view all PMHNP options to find the best fit for your goals.