Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

How much financial aid you can secure for your online nurse practitioner program

Securing reliable financial aid is the easiest and most effective way to cut costs. Most programs offer at least a few opportunities, with some schools offering more aid than others–including awards specifically for nurse practitioner students. You can also determine your eligibility for federal aid by completing the FAFSA.

If the NP program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working

This won’t reduce your tuition rate, but it puts you in a good position to cover the expenses. Some programs discourage outside work during school, while others allow it or even integrate it into the clinical fieldwork component. Either way, the ability to continue working while you study not only helps you advance your career, but it also provides additional financial support.

If your NP program is offered by a private or public college

The general rule of thumb here is that private institutions cost more than state schools. This is true for virtually all disciplines, including nursing. Private schools do not receive state subsidies the way public colleges and universities do. Instead, they rely on tuition and donations to support their operations.

Whether you live in-state or-out-of-state

Attending a public college or university may not automatically guarantee cheaper tuition. Each institution follows a different approach, but keep in mind that many public schools charge higher rates if you live out of state–even if you plan to complete an online program. If you live in state, however, you could benefit from lower tuition.

How much of the NP program coursework is offered online

If you attend a program that requires significant in-person learning components you’ll need to consider the costs associated with travel. For example, commuting to and from campus for class, meetups, and other mandatory functions creates an additional expense that may not be reflected in the tuition figures alone.

How expensive application fees are

Some schools waive application fees, but this is not a universal feature of most online nurse practitioner programs. Application and processing fees aren’t too expensive – usually around $50 each – but they can add up, especially if you plan to apply to more than one program at a time.

1. Search for scholarships and grants designed specifically for NP students

There are quite a few scholarship and grant opportunities that go beyond the scope of federal or school-based aid. Outside scholarships for nurse practitioner students are a great way to help reduce expenses. Some scholarships only apply to tuition, but others can help you pay for things like books, travel, and other study materials. Organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners offer scholarships to new and returning students.

2. Take advantage of student discounts

Small discounts may not seem like much, but they add up. Companies like Apple and The North Face offer regular student discounts on their products, as do Verizon, AT&T, and other internet providers (a key consideration for online students). See our handy guide to discounts and incentives for nursing students for more tips and ideas.

3. Ask about tuition reimbursement

If you’re pursuing a nurse practitioner degree, odds are you’ve already launched a healthcare career and built a few key relationships. Those built-in networks can also help you lower costs. Many hospitals and other facilities have tuition reimbursement opportunities. It’s worth checking with your employer to see what they offer or even switching employers if you can get substantial help with tuition. Read the fine print to make sure you know how long you must be employed to take advantage of these benefits. At the federal level, you can also participate in the nursing education loan repayment program.