In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online MSN nurse practitioner degree programs.
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook states that the overall employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 31 percent over the next eight years. This is a faster rate than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to the increased emphasis placed on preventive care and an increasingly large aging population. We examined approximately 139 colleges and universities with online nurse practitioner programs to find the top 30 most affordable.
To be considered for our list of the top 30 most affordable online nurse practitioner degree programs, the institutions must be accredited (regionally or nationally) and offer online nurse practitioner (NP) or online family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs. Institutions must also offer a graduate tuition rate of less than $25,000 per year as listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator). As an additional indicator, we attempted to select only schools and programs that had earned rankings or recognition from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. Most of the schools and programs on our list are CCNE-accredited and ranked with U.S. News.
Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable online nurse practitioner degree programs.
#30 – University of Pittsburgh
Online Master’s in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,140
University of Pittsburgh offers two types of online MSN NP programs that prepare students in nursing practice and/or specialized roles. The program offers full and part time study with two areas of concentration, including Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Nursing Informatics. The CNL program can be completed online and offers courses like applied statistics for evidence-based practice, healthcare quality, leadership development, health promotion and disease prevention in culturally diverse populations, and research for evidence-based practice. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s in nursing from an accredited institution, a current license to practice, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Pittsburgh #68 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #23 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#29 – Simmons College
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,154
One of the top online MSN nurse practitioner programs on our list is the online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from Simmons, designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who hold a bachelor’s degree. Part-time and full-time options are available, allowing students to balance work, education, and personal commitments. The MSN program offers online courses like advanced health assessment across the life span, family theory health and illness, primary care nursing across the life span, and the health care system–interdisciplinary perspectives. Simmons is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 14th best regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #72 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#28 – Saint Xavier University
Online Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,450
One of the most affordable online nurse practitioner programs on our list is the family nurse practitioner program at Saint Xavier University. The FNP program emphasizes health promotion and wellness in the health care system. Online instruction and summer courses make the degree ideal for working nurses with outside obligations. The graduate level program is open to licensed nurses who already hold a master’s in nursing and is considered to be a certificate program, though an online MSN track is available. U.S. News and World Report ranks St. Xavier #64 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #43 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs are ranked #1 in the country among 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#27 – Bradley University
Online MSN FNP
Peoria, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,930
One of the top online MSN NP programs on our list is the master’s in nursing with a family nurse practitioner certificate offered by Bradley University. This program is 100% online and requires no campus residency time. The program is CCNE-accredited, and courses are taught by university professors. Some of the required courses cover topics like advanced health assessment, evidence-based practice, health informatics, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, principles of FNP practice, and professional aspects of advanced nursing practice. Bradley is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 7th best regional university in the Midwest and 15th best value school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#26 – Maryville University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Saint Louis, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,646
The online MSN nurse practitioner program at Maryville University is offered 100% online with no campus visits required. To be admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s in nursing but are not required to take the GMAT or GRE. Courses are delivered online and include adult gerontology health care, evidence-based practice in nursing, family nurse practitioner practicum, leadership and quality, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. In addition to coursework, the program requires 745 clinical hours completed over four semesters. Maryville is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
#25 – University of Cincinnati
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468
University of Cincinnati’s nurse practitioner programs online include the FNP credential as part of the MSN degree. The program is designed for registered nurses to gain knowledge required to become leaders in their field. This is a post-licensure program that can be completed entirely online and in as little as two years. Some of the required courses include advanced health assessment, biostatistics for evidence-based practice, health care policy, pharmacology for advanced nursing practice, research and best evidence for clinical reasoning, and the care of well women and children. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #133 in best national universities and #111 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #11 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#24 – Chamberlain University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Addison, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,240
One of the most affordable online NP programs on our list is the MSN with family nurse practitioner specialty track. Through 100% online coursework, the FNP curriculum prepares nurses to become experts and leaders in their field. Courses cover topics like advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment, leadership and role of the advanced practice nurse, and population health and statistics principals. A practicum must be completed to satisfy requirements. The school and program are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and CCNE. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Chamberlain #118-#154 in best online graduate nursing programs.
#23 – Herzing University
Online Master’s in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Atlanta, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800
Herzing University offers an online MSN nurse practitioner program designed for licensed nurses. This program can be completed entirely online and takes just 20 months. There are three start dates per year and 100% of the coursework is delivered online to add to the flexibility of the program. Courses include advanced health assessment, health promotion across the life span, organizational systems and behaviors, research methods and evidence-based practice, roles for nurse practitioners, technology and nursing in advanced practice, and theoretical foundations for nursing. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Herzing as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #101 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#22 – South University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Savannah, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,316
South University’s online nurse practitioner programs include the specialization track in family nurse practitioner (FNP). The program is CCNE-accredited and mixes online classes with onsite clinical experiences. Courses are led by experienced faculty members and cover topics like advanced health and assessment, advanced nursing practice, health policy and health promotion in advanced nursing practice, nursing research methods, pre-specialty evaluation, and role of the advanced practice nurse – transformational leadership in advanced practice. To be admitted to the program, students must provide an undergraduate degree in nursing and have acquired licensing. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.
#21 – University of South Carolina
Online Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner
Columbia, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,254
University of South Carolina’s online MSN NP programs are offered fully online, though the FNP degree requires minimal campus visits during the clinical rotations. The master’s degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and provides eligibility to apply for national certification exams such as FNP. The FNP program is designed to equip nurses to become leaders in the field by providing them with knowledge and hands-on study to provide primary health care across the lifespan. To satisfy degree requirements, enrolled graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all 700-level courses, have completed the degree within fourteen semesters (4.5 years), complete clinical hours, and pass the MSN comprehensive assessment. University of South Carolina is a top ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #103 in best national universities and #142 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #5 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#20 – Ohio State University
Online Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,425
One of the top nurse practitioner programs online is the FNP program at Ohio State University. The program’s goal is to prepare graduates for advanced practice nursing in a variety of clinical settings. Coursework is delivered online, and classes include advanced health assessment, evidence-based nursing scholarship, health policy and advocacy, health promotion and disease prevention across the life span, innovation leadership in advanced nursing practice, and quality improvement and informatics. The FNP specialty track is nationally ranked and meets the guidelines of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Advanced Nursing Practice curriculum standards. U.S. News and World Report ranks Ohio State #54 among best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #2 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#19 – Walden University
Online Master’s in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Walden University’s online MSN nurse practitioner program is CCNE-accredited and designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in nursing practice. Entry to the program requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. The FNP specialization is a highly specialized program that limits enrollment to a few students each quarter. Classes are delivered online and taught by expert teaching faculty holding doctoral degrees. Some of the courses include advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, advanced practice care of adults across the lifespan, essentials of evidence-based practice, interprofessional organizational and systems leadership, and policy and advocacy for improving population health. Walden is recognized by U.S. News and World Report among the best, though unranked, national universities, and the graduate nursing programs are CCNE-accredited.
#18 – Old Dominion University
Online Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioner
Norfolk, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,904
One of the most affordable online NP programs is the FNP degree offered at Old Dominion University. The program requires 51 credit hours, clinical practicum at a physical location, and hands-on training in Norfolk, Virginia. Classes are delivered online and are taught by the same professors who lead courses on campus. Some of the courses include advanced health assessment, nurse practitioner across the life span, and policy and advocacy in nursing practice. This CCNE-accredited program requires applicants hold a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse with one year of current experience in the role of nursing. GRE scores are also required. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Old Dominion as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #58 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – The University of Alabama
Online MSN – Nurse Practitioner
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The nurse practitioner programs online from University of Alabama are accredited and affordable. Delivery for the MSN with nurse practitioner specialization is a blended format of online courses and also requires a 525-hour clinical requirement and an optional thesis. Some of the required courses include advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, primary care for rural families, and a rural family residency. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, have RN licensure, and have received an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 110th best national university and 76th best value school.
#16 – Clarkson College
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,764
One of the top online MSN NP programs on our list is the family nurse practitioner program at Clarkson College. Students may earn their MSN from Clarkson and then simultaneously enter the FNP program. Classes include advanced physical assessment, behavioral health care for practitioners, essentials of scholarly writing, health care delivery systems of managed care, primary health care, and research design and methods. Admission to the MSN program is required, and then students must complete the Acute Care Skills Assessment form and Technical Standards form for admission to the FNP program. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report recognize Clarkson as an unranked school, though the graduate online nursing programs rank #77 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#15 – Removed by Editor
#14 – Purdue University
Online MSN in Nurse Practitioner
West Lafayette, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,992
One of the top online MSN nurse practitioner programs on our list is offered by Purdue University. The CCNE-accredited MSN program prepares students for certification and to receive credentials as a nurse practitioner. Further specialty areas include adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. Upon completion of the FNP focus area, students may be eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Classes may be taken online, though there is a 640-hour clinical requirement. Purdue is ranked and accredited. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 56th best national university and 74th best value institution. It is one of the most affordable programs on our list.
#13 – Graceland University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Lamoni, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,387
Graceland University offers online NP programs like the family nurse practitioner program track designed to prepare RNs to rise in nursing leadership. The online FNP program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention beginning in childhood and continuing over the course of the life span. Classes are delivered online and include a series of core nursing courses and specialty track courses. Some of the classes include advanced practice nursing in primary care, introduction to MSN and post-graduate certificate programs, primary care of families, research methods and evidence based practice, and theory in nursing. U.S. News and World Report ranks Graceland #126-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#12 – Briar Cliff University
Online Master’s in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Sioux City, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,270
The nurse practitioner programs online at Briar Cliff University consist of the Family Nurse Practitioner and the Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Both programs follow an online format and require practicum hours. The programs are CCNE-accredited and do not require GRE scores for admission. Core classes for the FNP program include studies in advanced health assessment, foundations of advanced nursing practice, health promotion and disease prevention throughout the lifespan, research methods for advanced practice nursing, and theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice. Briar Cliff is a top ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Briar Cliff #31 in best regional colleges in the Midwest and #30 in best value schools.
#11 – Ball State University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,216
Some of the most affordable online nurse practitioner programs on our list include Ball State University’s online MSN in FNP. The program is fully online and provides direction for students to find clinical supervisors and preceptors in your own geographic location. Once coursework and clinical hours are completed, students may be eligible to apply for the FNP certification exam. Some of the program’s online courses include advanced practice nursing and role theory, data analysis in nursing research, introduction to statistical methods, nursing concepts in health promotion and injury prevention in populations, and nursing information technology. Ball State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 187th best national university and 99th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #23 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#10 – University of West Florida
Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Pensacola, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
University of West Florida’s online MSN NP programs are flexibly designed for professional nurses who want to acquire leadership and advanced nursing roles. The FNP program is a fully online degree that includes a series of courses and required clinical hours. Some of the online courses include advanced health assessment, foundations of nursing science, health systems leadership and policy strategies, and population health promotion and management. A total of 45 semester hours of coursework are required. University of West Florida is a top ranked national university with affordable graduate nursing options and is one of our picks for online NP degree programs.
#9 – Boise State University
Online MSN in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Boise, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,754
Boise State University offers a unique online MSN nurse practitioner program in adult gerontology. This fully online degree provides online courses that are taught by BSU professors and combined with three on-campus summer intensives (7-10 days) and four clinical rotations. Some of the online courses include advanced research and scholarly inquiry for nursing, concepts of population health nursing, foundation of knowledge and theory for advanced nursing, health assessment for the advanced practice nurse, and professional role for the advanced practice nurse. A total of 50 credits are required, including the 700 clinical hours. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank BSU as a top 300 national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #59 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#8 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,487
One of the best and most affordable online nurse practitioner programs on our list is the FNP hybrid nursing program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. The program is open to registered nurses who want to build on their baccalaureate degree. While some of the courses are delivered online, there are on-campus requirements. A total of 42 credits are essential for the MSN degree, and additional specialty track classes are also required. Upon completion of required coursework, students must finish a clinical rotation in their geographic location. The institution is ranked and accredited. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #77 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#7 – Troy University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Troy, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,362
Troy University’s nurse practitioner programs online include the family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialty track. The MSN program is open to individuals with a bachelor’s in nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and nationally accredited nursing program. Acceptable scores on the MAT or GRE are also required. Coursework is offered online, and students may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. Some of the required courses include advanced health assessment, data analysis techniques in research, family and cultural theories in advanced nursing practice, foundations of advanced practice, health care economics, and research methodology. Troy is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 89th best regional university in the South and 34th top public school. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – University of Southern Mississippi
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,218
University of Southern Mississippi offers accredited online NP programs that are some of the most affordable on our list. The online program provides a scientific and research-based curriculum with courses taught by qualified faculty members. The program is designed to prepare registered nurses at the graduate level to provide primary health care in rural and urban community health settings. To be admitted, students must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in all undergrad nursing courses. Additional requirements include proof of a current unrestricted RN license in Mississippi, GRE scores, and three letters of reference. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #58 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#5 – Columbus State University
Online Master’s in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Columbus, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,612
Columbus State University’s School of Nursing offers online MSN nurse practitioner programs that are accredited and affordable. No commutes to campus and 100% online asynchronous courses make the program ideal for working registered nurses. The program may be completed in as little as two years if enrolled on a full-time basis. Some of the required courses include advanced pathophysiology, diagnostic and clinical reasoning for advanced practice nurses, health assessment for advanced practice nurses, health care delivery models and economics, health promotion of adults and the elderly, and scientific underpinnings of the APN role. A six-credit nurse practitioner practicum is also required. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Columbus State #106 in best regional universities in the South and #45 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Indiana State University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,472
The online NP programs at Indiana State University include the MSN in family nurse practitioner (FNP). This fully online FNP program is designed to help build on the knowledge and skills of the RN through the completion of coursework and clinical placements. Required courses include family nurse practitioner role, health assessment and health promotion for advanced practice nursing, health care perspectives, nursing theory development, and theoretical foundations of family health care nursing – management of common chronic and acute health problems. A total of 675 clinical hours are also required. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Indiana State #231-#300 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #111 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#3 – East Carolina University
Online Master’s in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Greenville, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,270
East Carolina University offers one of the few online nurse practitioner programs with a neonatal specialty track. Admission to the program is competitive, though GRE and MAT exam scores may be waived if the applicant holds a current, unencumbered RNC-NIC certification. The program consists of 42 credits, and full-time and part-time plans of study are available. The curriculum plan includes classes in developmental physiology for advanced practice nurses across the lifespan, health assessment for advanced nursing across the lifespan, research for the practice of advanced nursing, and theory for the practice of advanced nursing. While some classes may be offered online, on-campus requirements must be fulfilled. ECU is ranked as a top national university and public school by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate nursing programs ranks #34 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Georgia College & State University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Milledgeville, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,206
One of the most affordable online NP program on our list is the family nurse practitioner program from Georgia College and State University. This fully online degree requires minimal face-to-face campus requirements throughout the duration of the program. Students work at their own pace but have up to seven years to complete the degree requirements. Some of the courses include advanced nursing assessment, ensuring healthcare safety quality, healthcare research and statistical analytics, nursing theory – principles and applications, perspectives of advanced nursing practice, and primary care for adults. Georgia College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 31st best regional university in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #39 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#1 – Delta State University
Online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
Cleveland, Mississippi
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,859
The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing offers online MSN NP programs that are designed to build upon the baccalaureate in nursing. To be admitted to the FNP program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00 overall and have obtained satisfactory GRE scores. Applicants must also have an unencumbered and current RN license to practice in the state where the clinical component will be completed and have completed at least one year of continuous nursing experience as a registered nurse. Classes include advanced nursing research and evidence based practice, family nurse practice, informatics in clinical practice, and role synthesis in nurse practitioners. U.S. News and World Report ranks Delta #114-#142 in best regional universities in the South. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #77 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
BCO Staff
June 2018
This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online MSN nurse practitioner degree programs.
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