As the U.S. healthcare system expands, nurse practitioners (NPs) play an increasingly important role providing primary and specialized care in a variety of settings. These advanced practice registered nurses offer many of the same patient services as physicians, with 69% delivering primary care and 65% certified as family nurse practitioners.
The majority of NPs find employment in physicians' offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45% growth in NP positions between 2019 and 2029, making it an ideal time to enter an online nurse practitioner program.
Students interested in this advanced nursing career with concerns about educational costs can use this guide to learn about the cheapest online NP programs. Although program length depends on the specialization and full-time versus part-time enrollment, most distance learners finish their degree requirements in 2-3 years. Online NP programs provide a flexible option for nurses who want to pursue a master's while maintaining their personal and work responsibilities.
Top 10 Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
RECOMMENDED NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2021
1. Texas A&M University
In Money Magazine's 2020 Best Colleges In America rankings, Texas A&M University's College Station campus ranked number 11 in the nation for the best tuition value. U.S. News and World Report ranked Texas A&M as the number one best value school in Texas for 2020.
Texas A&M offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) family nurse practitioner program with a minimum two-year path to licensure in 50 states. This affordable online FNP program requires campus visits for orientation and clinical hours. For this reason, only licensed RN's with Texas residency qualify for admission. Other application requirements are a BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a personal statement, a resume, and three professional references.
- Campus: College Station, TX
- Program Length: 48 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $6,351 per year
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Leadership and Policy, Quality Improvements and Health Informatics, Prevention and Population Health, Primary Care of Families II, Prevention and Population Health
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2. University of Southern California
In a Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education survey, the University of Southern California received an overall ranking of 18 out of 801 U.S. colleges and universities. The same survey ranked USC fourth in student engagement. This trait could be why U.S. News and World Report ranked USC's online MSN program number 17 in the nation for nursing programs for veterans.
The online MSN program at USC is an evidence-based degree with a minimum completion time of 21 months for full-time students. Applicants must have a BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA, a U.S.-issued RN license, and one year of clinical experience.
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Program Length: 49 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,995 per unit
- Program Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Research/Analytical Methods, Clinical Management of Adult Patients, Professional Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Transforming Research Evidence into Practice.
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3. George Washington University
In the latest U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges rankings, GW ranked 66 among national universities in overall quality. In the same survey, GW's master of science in nursing program ranks number seven for best online nursing programs.
GW's online MSN adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program trains registered nurses to be advanced practice leaders delivering care to critically ill patients. Graduates qualify to take the national American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exam for adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners. Licensed RN's may apply with transcripts from post-secondary schools, proof of a BSN from a regionally accredited institution, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Campus: Washington, DC
- Program Length: 48 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,395 per unit
- Program Accreditation: MSCHE
- Curriculum Snapshot: Genetics for Health Care Providers, Evidence-Based Practice for Health Care Researchers, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Biostatistics for Health Care Research, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
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4. Georgia College & State University
Georgia College and State University recently made The Princeton Review list of best southeastern colleges and ranked 54 in the U.S. News and World Report's regional best value schools rankings. Also, this university's online master's in nursing program ranked number 27 in its category.
The family nurse practitioner concentration MSN at Georgia College has a fully online format with minimal required on-campus time. Students must complete the online FNP program requirements within seven years. Applicants must present official transcripts, a copy of an unencumbered Georgia RN license, a resume, a completed application, and a statement of professional goals.
- Campus: Milledgeville, GA
- Program Length: 40 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $373 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Theory: Principles and Application, Primary Care for Adults I, Primary Care for Women, Primary Care for Children and Adolescents, Ensuring Healthcare Safety and Quality
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5. The University of Texas at Arlington
Along with being affordable, The University of Texas at Arlington earned a number one national ranking from the Military Times for service to veterans and their families.
UTAs online MSN family nurse practitioner (FNP) has a completion time of 31 to 36 months. Students may complete their hands-on clinical experiences at local facilities. Licensed nurses with a BSN may apply by submitting a completed online application, official transcripts, and a copy of an active RN license.
- Campus: Arlington, TX
- Program Length: 46 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $654 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Pediatric Assessment Lab, Adult-Gerontology Assessment Lab, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacology, Family Nurse Practitioner
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6. Samford University
The U.S. News & World Report graded Samford University as $6,000 cheaper than the national average cost of annual tuition. The Wall Street Journal recently ranked the university as the top college in the South for student engagement. In the current U.S. News & World Report rankings, Samford's MSN program rose to number 75 on the list in its category.
Samford University's online MSN family nurse practitioner program is nearly 100% online, requiring only three campus visits. This FNP program has close to a 100% success rate in preparing students for the national certification examinations. Aspiring students must submit a copy of an unencumbered RN license, BSN from an ACEN-, CNEA-, or CCNE-accredited institution, and a video.
- Campus: Birmingham, AL
- Program Length: 42 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $888 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Population Health and Policy, Ethical Leadership and Collaboration, Common Diagnostics and Procedures, Statistics for Advanced Practice Nursing, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
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7. The University of Texas at El Paso
The U.S. News & World Report ranks UTEP's out-of-state tuition as $2,000 cheaper than the national average for out-of-state tuition. The UTEP School of Nursing ranks number 30 out of more than 350 nursing schools in the Southwest, according to NursingSchoolsAlmanac.com.
UTEP offers a MSN nurse practitioner program that prepares nurses for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam. While offered online, this program may require students to travel 200 miles or more to fulfill clinical requirements. Applicants must complete an online application that requires a resume, official transcripts, and nursing school purpose statement.
- Campus: El Paso, TX
- Program Length: 46-49 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $552 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Pediatric Assessment Lab, Adult-Gerontology Assessment Lab, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pharmacology, Family Nurse Practitioner
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8. Winona State University
The U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Winona State University number 10 in the Top Public Schools in the U.S. On GradReports. Ninety four percent of WSU Nursing School reviewers stated their degree increased their career prospects.
The family nurse practitioner doctor of nursing practice at WSU has two-, three-, and four-year post-masters DNP plans of study. This online FNP program prepares students to become clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nurse leaders. RN's with a valid Minnesota licensure and one year of clinical experience may apply by submitting official transcripts, proof of a bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited graduate nursing program, three references, and a statement of purpose.
- Campus: Winona, MN
- Program Length: 31-74 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,834 per year
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Applied Biostatistics, Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health, Molecular, Genetic and Immune Mechanisms in Disease, Organizational and Systems Leadership, Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health
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9. Northern Arizona University
According to alumni reviews from GradReports.com, 84% of students believe their degree from Northern Arizona University boosted their careers. Nurse.org ranked NAU's nursing program the number one nursing school in Arizona.
NAU's online master of science family nurse practitioner degree attracts experienced registered nurses interested in providing primary care. Students must complete all course requirements within six consecutive years. To apply, licensed RN's must present a completed NAU online application, an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, and transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Campus: Flagstaff, AZ
- Program Length: 48 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $575 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Rural Theory and Health Policy, Advanced Nursing Assessment, Advanced Roles Transition, Family Nursing Theory and Practice, Healthcare Systems: Technology, Quality, and Economics
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10. Maryville University of Saint Louis
The Chronicle of Higher Education named Maryville University of Saint Louis the second-fastest-growing private university in the U.S. It has enjoyed 16 consecutive years of growth. Maryville's online master's in nursing program contributes to this growth trend by remaining committed to innovation and digital learning.
Maryville University offers a master of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner concentration that offers 100% online coursework with no required campus visits. Aspiring students must show proof of a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA in all college work, an unencumbered RN license in the U.S., a curriculum vitae or resume, and an essay.
- Campus: St Louis, MO
- Program Length: 41-50 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $813 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Rural Theory and Health Policy, Advanced Nursing Assessment, Advanced Roles Transition, Family Nursing Theory and Practice, Healthcare Systems: Technology, Quality, and Economics
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11. The University of Texas at Tyler
Graduates from the University of Texas at Tyler have fantastic pass rates on state licensure exams: 97.2% for Teacher Education, 94.9% for Nursing, and 100% for Counseling. Likewise, graduates from UT Tyler's nursing school have an exceptional pass rate of 100%.
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner master of science in nursing program at UT Tyler has small cohort sizes and limited campus visits. Also, the national certification exam prep is part of the curriculum. Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts with GRE scores, a two-page essay or video, proof of current licensure in the state of practice, a resume, and three professional references.
- Campus: Tyler, TX
- Program Length: 49 credit hours
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $286 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disease, Neurobiology Overview, Psychological Theory/Modalities, Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, Translational Science II, Organizational System Leadership
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12. Angelo State University
Since 2010, The Princeton Review has listed Angelo State University as one of the Best Colleges in the United States. Similarly, some of ASU's undergraduate and graduate programs rank nationally among the most affordable nursing programs.
ASU's online master of science family nurse practitioner program keeps the on-campus attendance requirements to an absolute minimum. Students may complete the clinical requirements at their city of residence in Texas. Texas-licensed RN's may apply with one year of clinical experience as an RN, a BSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited nursing program with a 3.0 GPA, a resume, three references, and a personal statement.
- Campus: San Angelo,TX
- Program Length: 49 credit units
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $300 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Rural Theory and Health Policy, Advanced Nursing Assessment, Advanced Roles Transition, Family Nursing Theory and Practice, Healthcare Systems: Technology, Quality, and Economics
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13. Cox College
With a strong commitment to excellence in health-care education, Cox College has a 96% career placement rate. It offers state-of-the-art facilities for students to train for real-world career opportunities.
Cox College offers a master of science in nursing degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) that produces advanced practice nurses capable of physical and mental patient care. The curriculum design allows admission year-round. Qualified RN's may apply for this program with an unencumbered RN license and a 3.0 GPA on BSN level work.
- Campus: Springfield, MO
- Program Length: 42 credit units
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $600 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling and Psychotherapy, Family and Child Dynamics, Psychiatric Management Across the Lifespan, Leadership in Health Care and Nursing Education Systems, Advanced psychopharmacology
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14. University of Central Missouri
U.S. News and World Report recently ranked the University of Central Missouri number 16 for Top Public Schools and number 64 for Best Value Schools. In 2020, Online U listed UCM's master of science in nursing online degree program among the Most Affordable Online Colleges, MSN.
Together with teaching advanced practice nursing knowledge, the master of science in nursing online degree program at UCM features coursework needed for the nurse educator certification. Licensed RNs in good standing can qualify for this program with a BSN accredited by the NLN or the CCNE, an undergraduate 3.0 GPA, and a minimum of one year as a registered nurse.
- Campus: Warrensburg, MO
- Program Length: 33-44 credit units
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $317 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Family/Population Health, Graduate Statistics, Primary Care for Childbearing Family, Family Population Health, Advanced Health Appraisal
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15. DeSales University
In U.S. News and World Report's 2021 rankings, DeSales University placed 38th in Best Value Schools and 75th in Regional Schools North. On GraduatePrograms.com, this university's master of science in nursing degree program held high marks in quality of instruction, satisfaction with a degree, and preparation for a career.
DeSales University's master of science in nursing adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (A-GACNP) program has full- and part-time schedules. Students can finish the full-time schedule in two calendar years and the part-time schedule in three calendar years. Applying to the program requires a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution, an active Pennsylvania RN license, and proof of one year of nursing practice within the last three years.
- Campus: Center Valley, PA
- Program Length: 50 credit units
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $885 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Curriculum Snapshot: Principles of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Health Informatics, Quality and Safety, Capstone Portfolio, Clinical Prevention in Population Health, Advanced Physical Assessment
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RECOMMENDED NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS
Applying to an Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Program
A nurse practitioner must hold a master of science in nursing (MSN). Most MSN programs require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a valid registered nurse (RN) license. Some schools offer RN-to-MSN options that enable RNs with an associate degree or a non-nursing bachelor's degree to transition into an MSN program.
MSN programs usually require a minimum GPA between 2.0 and 3.0. Applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and, in some cases, GRE scores. Many programs require between 1-2 years of nursing experience.
Most programs have established prerequisites in areas like anatomy and physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and statistics. Students admitted to an MSN program without a nursing degree who have not taken these prerequisites must complete these courses before they can earn master's level credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
Depending on the program and enrollment status, an online degree can take two or more years to complete. Length also varies based on the student's specialization and number of transfer credits and prerequisites taken. Bridge programs that admit RNs without their BSN or related degree may take 2.5-4 years to complete. Online NP programs require in-person clinical experience that may take more time.
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What is accreditation and why is it important?
State nursing boards only grant licenses to degree-holders from accredited nursing schools. Accreditation also determines financial aid eligibility and employment opportunities. The two major accrediting agencies for nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ensure that MSN programs meet nationally established academic and professional standards.
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Is a nurse practitioner a good job?
NP careers rank among the most rewarding and highest paid in the nursing field. These APRNs deliver the same primary and preventive patient care services as physicians but spend considerably less time and money to earn their degree. The demand for NPs continues to expand across the nation, especially in underserved areas of high-need populations.
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What can I do as a nurse practitioner?
NPs find employment in all types of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and medical clinics, diagnosing and treating patients, assessing medical tests, and coordinating with other healthcare providers. Their advanced training also prepares them for administrative and policy positions. NPs typically work with specific patient populations, including infants, children, adolescents, the elderly, cancer patients, and those with mental health issues.