Guide to the Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
With many affordable online nurse practitioner programs available today, you can earn an NP degree without taking on overwhelming debt. This guide covers key details like accreditation, specializations, clinical requirements, and financial aid to help you find an online NP program that fits your goals.
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A Look at Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
While every student weighs different factors when selecting a nursing degree program, cost tops the factors list for almost everyone. Finding a top-quality online nurse practitioner program at an affordable price can lay the foundation for both academic and career success.
“Affordability” in an NP program involves a number of important elements, the most common including:
- Low tuition rates and program fees.
- The availability of tuition waivers, discounts, and payment plans.
- Taking advantage of scholarships, grants, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and other “free money” opportunities.
- Access to low-interest student loans.
The three spotlighted online nurse practitioner programs below are examples of quality, accredited programs that feature affordability. These spotlights will give you a good idea of what to look for during your program search.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing offers a CCNE-accredited Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program that prepares nurses for advanced practice in primary care. Designed for working professionals, the program’s content is delivered through a combination of online coursework, on-campus immersions, and in-person precepted clinical practice experiences.
Course topics include:
- Health assessment
- Care of well women and children
- Clinical management
- Differential diagnosis
- Research and evaluation
Classes are taught by clinically-active nurses who provide real world experience to their students. Support services include access to enrollment services advisors, and clinical and student success coordinators.
Graduates are eligible to take the both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exams.
Tuition and Fees: $893/credit (residents) and $908/credit (non-residents). Total per-semester tuition costs for full-time students is $8,922 (residents) and $9,072 (non-residents).
Tuition covers fees for instruction, general expenses, IT, distance learning, and program-specific costs. Students must additionally pay a $32 bloodborne pathogen insurance fee.
Financial Aid: Financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants are available to all qualifying online students. Packages may include funding for tuition, books, personal expenses, health insurance, and more. Visit this Tuition and Financial Aid Budget and Limits page for more information.
Maryville University
Maryville University of Saint Louis offers Online Post-Master’s NP Certificate Programs designed for working nurses, helping them update their clinical skills and prepare for national certification exams. There are five concentrations available:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (35 credits)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (35 credits)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (35 credits)
- Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner (35 credits)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (38 credits)
All five certificates are CCNE-accredited and combine 100% online coursework with clinical placements in the student’s local area. Completion times vary depending on the specific program and student’s chosen study pace.
There are no GMAT/GRE requirements for admission.
Tuition and Fees: $863/credit. Additional costs include a $725/semester technology fee, background check ($75-$120), course materials, and graduation fees.
Total program costs can be mitigated by transferring in previously-earned credits, resulting in a range of total program costs of $17,709 to $37,144.
Financial Aid: A wide variety of financial aid opportunities are available to Maryville online students, including scholarships and grants, federal and private loans, employer tuition assistance programs, and more. Maryville provides a number of financial aid resources designed to help you explore your funding options, including this Online Students’ Guide to Understanding Financial Aid.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Postgraduate Certificate Program is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to expand their expertise in primary care. The program features fully-online coursework and local clinical placements, and is completed, on average, in approximately 1.5 years.
The curriculum consists of 12 courses covering topics such as advanced physiology, health assessment, and primary care across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared to take the exams for ANCC and AANP certifications.
Admission requires a nursing master’s degree with an upper-level major or DNP, along with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. The program is accredited by the CCNE.
Tuition and Fees: $25,200 ($420/credit for 60 credits). Additional program fees and costs (books, supplies, etc.) apply.
Financial Aid: Students can lower the costs of their certificate studies through any of several financial aid types, including scholarships, loans, military tuition discounts, and more. Submit your FAFSA to explore your options and get personalized guidance on maximizing your aid.
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Comparing the Cost of Online and Campus NP Programs
When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of online vs. campus-based NP programs, you’ll discover that online programs combine both flexibility and cost-efficiency that can greatly mitigate the overall cost of your education.
In comparison, programs that are campus-based or include significant in-person components come with what can be substantial costs beyond tuition and fees. For example, campus-based students must bear costs associated with travel to and from campus (gas, parking fees, public transportation, etc.).
There are also potential indirect costs, such as lost earnings resulting from the inability to maintain normal employment hours in order to attend scheduled in-person classes.
So, while there may be some expenditures exclusive to online NP programs (like buying a reliable computer and paying internet access fees), it’s likely that they’ll be eclipsed by those associated with campus-based study.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online Nurse Practitioner Degree
What else can you do to help make your nurse practitioner degree more affordable? Consider the following tips as you work to defray costs and take full advantage of incentives, discounts, and other opportunities.
Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More
- Look to scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers to substantially lower expenses.
- Investigate institutional and outside scholarships in addition to need-based assistance programs.
- Numerous professional nursing organizations provide scholarships for nursing students alone, so take advantage of every avenue available.
Maintain Part-Time Employment
- Working part-time while attending school pays for living and minimizes the use of loans.
- Find part-time work with tuition remission or flexible scheduling to accommodate work and school.
- Most healthcare organizations offer part-time jobs that will give you experience as you work to become an NP.
Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement
- Find out from your employer whether they offer tuition reimbursement for MSN programs.
- Employers often provide tuition reimbursement benefits as an incentive to retain their most valued employees.
Utilize Free Certification Exam Prep Resources
- Prepare for certification exams using free resources like online study guides, practice tests, and review courses. Check out our Essential Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies guides to learn more.
- Many professional nursing organizations offer free or reduced-price materials to their members.
Ranking of the Most Affordable Online NP Programs
We’ve surveyed the current landscape of online NP programs and ranked the most affordable ones below using a combination of quality and affordability metrics from the latest Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data.
Click the “About the Ranking” button for more information on our methods and metrics.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Union University
- The University of Utah's Nurse Practitioner program features a 100% national certification pass rate, demonstrating strong academic preparation and professional success for graduates.
- The program offers a hybrid learning format integrating both synchronous and asynchronous online coursework with essential on-campus activities, providing flexibility without sacrificing quality.
- Students complete 780 direct patient care hours through clinical placements, ensuring extensive hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings prior to graduation.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Hunter College
- The program offers a unique Evelyn Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Fellowship, providing specialized clinical experience and mentorship opportunities.
- Advanced standing can reduce required coursework by up to 42 credits and allow relevant clinical hours from a prior master's to count toward the DNP clinical requirements.
- Graduates qualify for New York State nurse practitioner certification and meet national certification requirements in their specialty, facilitating swift professional credentialing.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 74% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Valparaiso University
- Valparaiso University’s Nurse Practitioner program offers tailored advising by appointed faculty advisors to guide students through clinical and academic progression, enhancing personalized mentorship and support.
- The program delivers a rigorous terminal practice doctorate with a strong focus on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems thinking, preparing graduates for advanced leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
- Students benefit from a structured DNP project spanning three semesters, providing extended hands-on clinical experience and the opportunity to implement real-world quality initiatives under faculty guidance.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 74% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Peter’s University
- Saint Peter's University offers a fully online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program that can be completed in as little as two years, providing an accelerated pathway to degree completion.
- The program is strongly grounded in three pillars— theoretical foundation, utilization of research, and specialty practice—preparing students for leadership roles and potential doctoral studies with a value-based education approach.
- Students benefit from high-quality clinical practice opportunities, including 600 practicum hours embedded in advanced practice courses, enhancing real-world readiness in primary care settings.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected D’Youville University
- The Family Nurse Practitioner advanced certificate program at D’Youville University offers an accelerated 12 to 24-month curriculum designed for working nurses who already hold a master’s degree, allowing flexible and timely progression to advanced practice.
- Students receive personalized instruction and career guidance from experienced educators committed to supporting their professional success throughout the program.
- The program includes diverse clinical experiences with multiple patient populations in a variety of settings, preparing graduates thoroughly for board certification and licensure in New York State.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Buffalo
- The University at Buffalo's Nurse Practitioner program offers hands-on learning through community and regional clinical placements, providing transformative immersive experiences that enhance practical skills.
- The program incorporates telehealth and underserved primary care opportunities into its curriculum, preparing students to effectively serve diverse and underserved populations.
- Graduates are eligible for multiple national certifications, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Addictions Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice, expanding career credential options.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Virginia Wesleyan College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Nurse Practitioner program offers an accelerated RN to MSN pathway that integrates bridge coursework, allowing students to transition efficiently into advanced practice nursing with flexible online and hybrid learning.
- The program arranges practicum experiences in students’ home communities, enabling convenient access to clinical training without the need to relocate, thus supporting practical skill development in familiar settings.
- The program features a competitive cohort admission process ensuring personalized attention and a dedicated faculty-to-student ratio, enhancing mentoring and support throughout the rigorous curriculum.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clarke University
- Clarke University’s Nurse Practitioner MSN-DNP Bridge program offers small cohort sizes limited to 20 students, ensuring personalized instruction and close mentorship.
- The program uses a hybrid learning format with only two on-campus class days per month, balancing flexible online coursework with face-to-face clinical discussions, ideal for working professionals.
- Students complete 1,000 clinical hours tailored to their concentration, providing comprehensive hands-on experience required for national certification and advanced practice readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Maryville University’s Nurse Practitioner programs offer multiple flexible start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies without delay or long waiting periods.
- The program requires no GRE, GMAT, or statistics prerequisite for admission, reducing common barriers to entry and streamlining the application process for prospective students.
- Students complete clinical practicums locally at approved facilities, enabling convenient hands-on training near their home or work environment without campus visits.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Alverno College
- Alverno’s Nurse Practitioner program offers small classes with dedicated faculty mentors providing personalized guidance and hands-on training, ensuring a supportive and empowering learning environment.
- The program features strong clinical partnerships providing direct hands-on patient care experience across diverse settings, enhancing practical skills and job readiness.
- Flexible options allow students to customize their learning experience to fit their lifestyle, accommodating individual needs for balancing education and personal commitments.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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