Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Explore low-cost, high-quality online NP programs and learn other ways to save on your nursing grad degree.
Written By
Blake Huggins
- Bio
Blake Huggins is a writer, researcher, and educator based in New England. He writes widely on a range of topics with specific expertise in the higher education, healthcare, and technology spaces. An Oklahoma native, Blake holds a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in writing and composition, religion, and philosophy.
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Finding a top-quality, accredited nurse practitioner program at an affordable price is one of the most important things you can do as a prospective student. Reducing costs helps you limit student debt once you graduate, allowing you to focus on what matters most: providing the best treatment and care to patients.
This guide identifies top online MSN and DNP nurse practitioner programs, using affordability as a key benchmark. It looks at what these programs offer, including how they can help you lower expenses, and details how each program works in terms of flexibility and online learning. You’ll also find helpful tips and resources for lowering costs even more and determining school affordability.
Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in 2023
While every student weighs different factors when selecting a nursing school, overall cost tops the list for many. We created the ranking below with those concerns in mind, using a combination of quality and affordability metrics from the latest Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data. See “About the Ranking” for more information on method and metrics.
Find out which online nurse practitioner programs rise to the top in 2023 and learn how they can help you advance your career without breaking the bank.
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s 2023 Online College Rankings
1. Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in subject area offered partially or fully online.
2. Assign Weightings
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
Affordability
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
Support Services
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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 2022
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL | Public | $ | 1 | The University of West Florida seeks to accelerate and streamline prospective family nurse practitioners’ career trajectories through their online Master of Science in nursing (MSN) program. UWF graduates had a 100% pass rate (95% on first attempt) on the FNP AANP certification exam, earning scores 10% higher than the national average. Students of the MSN FNP program at University of West Florida can look forward to advancing their knowledge base in theoretical and clinical principles, diagnostic skills, mechanisms of disease symptomatology, use of evidence-based theories and practices to improve outcomes, and how social determinants of health influence patient access and outcomes. In addition to nursing courses, students are also required to complete 600 hours of direct patient care hours. Program Highlights: Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 2 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $ | 1 | The Master of Science in nursing – family nurse practitioner degree program at Texas A&M University is designed to educate advanced practice nurses to become leaders in the nursing field. Through pursuits in research, policy, and practice, graduates can expect to promote health and wellbeing in their communities on a local, national, and international level. The MSN degree prepares graduates for positions in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, rehabilitation summers, schools and summer camps, health departments, colleges and universities, and insurance companies, to name a few. Students in the program are required to possess a valid RN license without restrictions in the state of Texas, though this can be waived for new bachelor’s in nursing graduates. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 3 | University of North GeorgiaDahlonega, GA | Public | $ | 1 | Consisting of primarily asynchronous coursework with the option of synchronous sessions in some courses if desired, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at University of North Georgia addresses the needs of different types of learners, both those who thrive in the independence of coursework at their own pace as well as those who feel most engaged in the company of their peers. Recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Institute of Medicine, the DNP is the preferred degree for advanced practice nurses. The DNP program at UNG also has an executive leader or education track for nurses who envision their futures as nursing administrators or educators. Program Highlights: Doctor of Nursing Practice
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 4 | Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA | Public | $ | 1 | The Columbus State University Master of Science in nursing – family nurse practitioner program views family-focused care as the priority in educating advanced practice nurses. Nurses can continue their careers while completing their master’s in nursing online at Columbus State University. The program is designed for graduates to gain deep understanding of the individuals and families they treat and the healthcare system as a whole. The program consists of 44 semester hours over five semesters, meaning that students can complete the program in as little as two years. While the course component of the program is administered online, students are required to complete 765 clinical hours in their local areas. Program Highlights: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 5 | Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TX | Public | $ | 2 | With full approval from the Texas Board of Nursing, the family nurse practitioner master’s degree program at Angelo State University empowers nurses to prepare to work as an FNP in a myriad of settings, including their own practice. For those who are seeking an academic path in their nursing career, the MSN nurse educator degree prepares students to offer the most up-to-date standards of care while training the next generation of nurses. While the courses are taught online, students are still afforded the opportunity to network with healthcare professionals and fellow nursing students in ASU’s student organizations. The clinical hours requirement can be completed in the student’s local area within Texas. Program Highlights: MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Nurse Educator
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 6 | East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 7 | Texas A & M University-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 8 | Weber State UniversityOgden, UT | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
AccreditationNWCCU | ||||
| 9 | University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 10 | Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 11 | Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 12 | New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 13 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 14 | The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 15 | Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 16 | Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse, NY | Public | $$ | 3 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio6/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 17 | SUNY BrockportBrockport, NY | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 18 | The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston, TX | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 19 | Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 20 | Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato, MN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 21 | Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA | Public | $$ | 3 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 22 | South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 23 | Winona State UniversityWinona, MN | Public | $$ | 4 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 24 | The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 25 | Radford UniversityRadford, VA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 26 | Delta State UniversityCleveland, MS | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 27 | University of Southern MainePortland, ME | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationNECHE | ||||
| 28 | University of IowaIowa City, IA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 29 | University of MemphisMemphis, TN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 30 | Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 31 | The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 32 | Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 33 | Morehead State UniversityMorehead, KY | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 34 | University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 35 | Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 36 | University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH | Public | $$ | 3 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 37 | Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette, IN | Public | $$$ | 3 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio28/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 38 | Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ | Public | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 39 | The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 40 | Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette, MI | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 41 | Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH | Public | $$$ | 4 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 42 | Herzing University-MadisonMadison, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 43 | Herzing University-BrookfieldBrookfield, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 44 | Herzing University-KenoshaKenosha, WI | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 45 | Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta, GA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 46 | Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham, AL | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 47 | Clarkson CollegeOmaha, NE | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 48 | South CollegeKnoxville, TN | Private for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 49 | ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach, VA | Private for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 50 | University of MaryBismarck, ND | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio11/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 51 | Husson UniversityBangor, ME | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationNECHE | ||||
| 52 | Chamberlain University-IllinoisAddison, IL | Private for-profit | $$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 53 | Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MI | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 54 | Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC |
What Makes an Online Nurse Practitioner Program Affordable?
Several factors impact tuition rates and the overall cost of your online nursing program. Here are a few things to look out for as you weigh the bottom line, consider the potential expenses, and prepare to finance your degree.
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.
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 the costs and take full advantage of incentives, discounts, and other opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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