Most Affordable Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Explore accredited and affordable online PMHNP programs that let you pursue a career in mental health nursing for less.
Written By
Shannon Lee
- Bio
Shannon Lee has been a freelance writer, editor, and novelist for over 25 years. Her work has appeared on Fox Business, Forbes, MSN, Bob Vila, Modernize, Nashville Scene, MoneyGeek, MVP Parent, and many other outlets; her writing on home improvement led to an editorial position with The Spruce in 2021. She's written extensively on higher education, relationships, and the intersection of technology, health, and medicine. When she's not freelancing, Shannon also writes fiction novels.
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As more patients seek counseling and other mental health services, mental health professionals are increasingly in demand. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) work closely with primary care physicians to help patients find the assistance they need.
There are several different paths to becoming a PMHNP, including through convenient and affordable online grad degree programs from accredited universities. This guide will help you find a quality online psychiatric nurse practitioner program at a price that’s within budget. You’ll also find additional tips and strategies for lowering the cost of grad school that can help keep your degree financially within reach.
Among the many factors to consider when choosing a PMHNP program, one of the most important is overall cost. In the following program rankings, informed by data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), schools received a combined score based on tuition rate, financial aid availability, and several key education quality factors. To learn more about our methodology, click the “About the Ranking” button.
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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 | Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA | Public | $ | 1 | For students looking to become a mental health nurse practitioner, they should check out the program from Georgia Southern University. Along with offering high-quality education, this program is designed with affordability and flexibility in mind. To be a successful applicant, students must already have education and work experience in the nursing field and should have a passion to advance their career. Because of this, many students are already working as nurses and classes are designed to fit their busy schedules. Along with flexible class times, the program also offers an online option. Online courses are synchronous and 2-3 days on-campus are required each semester. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 2 | East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC | Public | $ | 1 | East Carolina University offers a mental health nurse practitioner program which is a great option for those with previous education and experience in the nursing field. Successful applicants usually have previous experience in psychiatric nursing or have a passion for mental healthcare. Since many students are working full-time while completing the degree, the program is offered online in a synchronous format. It’s important to note that for students looking to get their professional license through this program, it’s only valid in the state of North Carolina. Once students have graduated, they can advance their nursing career anywhere in the state. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 3 | McNeese State UniversityLake Charles, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Students looking to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, should consider the online program from McNeese State University. This program offers affordability, high-quality education, and flexibility. Because of this, it’s perfect for working professionals and those with a busy schedule. The program is also partially online for added flexibility. All online courses are offered synchronously and some program requirements can only be taken on campus. However, the program boasts that most students can complete 50-99% of their coursework online. Successful applicants should already have their master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing. By the time they are done, they will be ready to work as a nurse practitioner in this specific field. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 4 | Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Southeastern Louisiana University offers a doctorate in psychiatric mental health nursing which is perfect for those with previous education and experience in the field. With this doctorate, students can open up new professional opportunities as a nurse practitioner. Since most students are already working full-time, many of the courses are offered asynchronously online to accommodate a working professional’s schedule. However, courses with lab components must be taken on campus. Additionally, the program is designed to be completed faster than most other programs -- students can complete the program in as little as two years. By the time they are done, they will be ready to advance their career and become a nurse practitioner. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 5 | New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM | Public | $$ | 1 | New Mexico State University offers a doctorate in psychiatric mental health nursing which is an ideal program for anyone who lives in the area and wants to advance their nursing career. To apply, candidates should have already completed previous nursing coursework and have some experience in the field. Since many students work while completing their degree, the program is 100% online. Classes are synchronous and require some in-class participation. Additionally, all classes cover one (or more) of four core areas: advanced health assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management. These specializations can open up even more opportunities for students as they deepen their expertise. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | |||
| 6 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 7 | The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 8 | Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 9 | Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse, NY | Public | $$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio6/1 |
AccreditationMSCHE | ||||
| 10 | Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 11 | South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 12 | Winona State UniversityWinona, MN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 13 | University of IowaIowa City, IA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 14 | University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 15 | Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 16 | University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 17 | University of KansasLawrence, KS | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 18 | Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 19 | University of ArizonaTucson, AZ | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationHLC | ||||
| 20 | The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 21 | Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 22 | University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham, NH | Public | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationNECHE | ||||
| 23 | University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA | Public | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationNECHE | ||||
| 24 | Husson UniversityBangor, ME | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationNECHE |
What Makes an Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program Affordable?
A school’s tuition rate certainly matters when choosing a school, but other elements also make a huge difference in the ultimate cost of your online education. The following discusses some of those factors.
How much financial aid you can get for your online psychiatric nurse practitioner program
Financial aid takes many forms. Scholarships and grants are aid that doesn’t have to be paid back. School loans are another viable option with affordable terms such as deferred interest and payments until after graduation when most PMHNP graduates are earning a respectable income.
If the psychiatric NP program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working
Many PMHNP programs are part-time. Since a lot of students are already practicing registered nurses, the ability to work while in school provides the income necessary to pay tuition and other costs.
How expensive application fees are
The application fees for most schools are around $60, so costs add up when applying to several competitive programs. Search for programs with lower fees and prioritize where you’ll apply to make the cost of applying less burdensome.
Whether you live in-state or-out-of-state
Residency is usually important regardless of the type of institution you attend, especially if a program requires you to attend campus for immersive classes or orientation. Depending on how far away you live, these on-campus visits can cost you more than just travel time. Additionally, many schools charge higher tuition for out-of-state residence.
How much of the NP program coursework is offered online
Some programs hold in-person learning or clinicals at approved sites close to where you live or work while others hold at least some classroom learning on campus. For students who commute, having in-person components can significantly impact the cost.
If the psychiatric NP program is offered by a private or public college
Generally speaking, private schools have higher tuition rates than public schools. At the same time, out-of-state tuition rates can rival or exceed the cost of attending a private institution. Keep these in mind when determining the overall cost.
How to Lower the Cost of Your Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Degree
With the more notable factors affecting online PMHNP program cost in mind, take time to consider how to lower the cost of your degree. The advice below provides a great starting point.
- Search for scholarships and grants designed specifically for psychiatric NP students.
Scholarships and grants are gift-based assistance that doesn’t need to be paid back, making them the most desirable forms of financial aid and highly competitive. To increase your chances of winning an award, focus on scholarships and grants specifically intended for nurse practitioners looking to work in psychiatric or mental health fields. To get an idea of what’s available, check out our list of scholarships for nurse practitioner students.
- Ask about employer tuition reimbursement
Many employers will pay some or all of the tuition cost for employees wanting to further their education. Ask your benefits coordinator for details, keeping in mind that you may need to agree to work for your employer for a set period after you graduate to qualify.
- Check for student discounts
Some schools apply discounts directly tied to tuition. This can include discounts for students from states with reciprocity agreements with their school or students with veteran status. Other discounts, such as ones for laptops from computer companies and scrubs from specialty clothing stores, are also available. Discover more discounts by visiting our nursing students discount page.