Guide to the Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
You don’t have to choose between a quality education and a mountain of debt to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) thanks to affordable online NP programs. This guide will offer suggestions in achieving your NP goals without financial burden, ensuring you find a program that aligns with your career aspirations and budget. Learn about accreditation, program specializations, clinical hour requirements, and financial aid options to make informed decisions by reading on.
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A Look at Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
While every student weighs different factors when selecting a nursing school, costs can be at the top of the list for many. Finding a top-quality, accredited nurse practitioner program at an affordable price can be an important foundation that sets you up for success and financial peace of mind in your career. “Affordability” in an NP program can mean reducing costs, which will ultimately help you limit student debt upon graduating. Finding an affordable program can mean narrowing down the schools that offer financial aid, taking advantage of scholarships and grants, and more. Avoiding financial burden will allow you to focus on what matters most: providing the best treatment and care to patients.
The spotlighted NP schools below are quality examples of programs that feature financial assistance for your degree. Continue below to learn about ideal institutional financial aid features to keep an eye out for during your search.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing offers an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice in primary care. The program includes classes in health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical management, with clinical practice experiences integrated throughout. It is designed for working professionals and provides flexible scheduling and online classes.
Tuition and Fees: As a student in this program, you’ll pay $892 per credit if you’re a resident or $907 per credit if you’re a non-resident. This includes fees for instruction, general expenses, IT, distance learning, and program-specific costs. You’ll also need to cover a $31 bloodborne pathogen insurance fee. As a non-resident, expect to pay $8,922 per semester in tuition or $9,072.
Financial Aid: Your UC financial aid budget covers more than just tuition; it includes costs for living on or off-campus, books, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. Actual spending may vary, but your aid package accounts for these costs to help cover the full cost of attendance. It’s advisable to minimize loan usage when possible.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Maryville University provides online Post-Master’s NP Certification Programs for nurses seeking career progression. Specialization options include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health. The programs have flexible, 100% online courses, clinical placement assistance, and no GMAT/GRE requirements. These certifications are designed for working nurses, helping them update their clinical skills and prepare for national certification exams.
Tuition and Fees: Maryville University’s online nursing programs have varying costs, with the BSN-DNP ranging from $56,278 to $66,634 and the MSN from $35,383 to $40,561. Post-Master’s NP certificates cost $17,709 to $37,144. Additional fees include a $725 technology fee per semester, a background check ($75-$120), course materials, and graduation fees.
Financial Aid: You can explore different ways to get financial aid for your education. If you need help paying for school, you can apply for need-based grants. If you have strong achievements or talents, look for merit-based scholarships for NP students. Federal student loans are another option for funding. You can also earn money while studying through work-study programs.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Postgraduate Certificate Program is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to expand their expertise in primary care. The program is fully online, includes local clinical placements, and can be completed in approximately 1.5 years. It requires 60 quarter credit hours and covers topics such as advanced physiology, health assessment, and primary care across the lifespan. The program prepares graduates for ANCC and AANP certification exams and is accredited by the CCNE.
Tuition and Fees: The FNP Primary Care Postgraduate Certificate at Purdue Global costs $19,200 ($320 per credit for 60 credits). Expect additional expenses like a $725 technology fee per semester, a background check ($75-$120), course materials, and graduation fees. Remember to factor these costs into your budget when planning for your education.
Financial Aid: You might qualify for financial aid to help fund your FNP education. This could include federal grants, loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment options, and scholarships based on merit or need. Complete the FAFSA to explore your options and get personalized guidance on maximizing your aid.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Comparing the Cost of Online and Campus NP Programs
When weighing your options for online or campus NP programs, online formats can greatly mitigate the overall cost of your education, combining both flexibility and cost-efficiency. Attending a program with significant in-person learning components means you will have 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. If an NP program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working, especially in an online format, you’ll be in a good position to not only helps you advance your career, but also to gain additional financial support. It’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both learning formats in order to determine the right option for your education, learning style, and budget.
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.
Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More
- Look to scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers to substantially lower expenses.
- Investigate institutional and outside scholarships, in addition to need-based assistance programs.
- Numerous organizations provide scholarships for nursing students alone, so take advantage of every avenue available.
Maintain Part-Time Employment
- Working part-time while attending school pays for living and minimizes the use of loans.
- Find part-time work with tuition remission or flexible scheduling to accommodate work and school.
- Most healthcare organizations have part-time jobs that will give you experience as you work to become an NP.
Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement
- Find out from your employer whether they offer tuition reimbursement for MSN programs.
- Use employer tuition reimbursement benefits to fund your education.
Utilize Free Certification Exam Prep Resources
- Prepare for certification exams using free resources like online study guides, practice tests, and review courses (take a look at our essential study skills guide for healthcare students and test taking strategies guide).
- All major professional organizations offer free or reduced-price materials to their members.
Ranking of the Most Affordable Online NP Programs
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 and learn how they can help you advance your career without breaking the bank.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati:
- The program offers a fully online format for flexibility and convenience.
- The curriculum prepares students for national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners.
- The program provides opportunities for advanced clinical practice in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,099
- Average Institutional Aid$5,373
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Why We Selected Maryville University of Saint Louis:
- Maryville University offers flexible online learning with no campus visits required.
- The program provides multiple start dates throughout the year for convenience.
- Students can pursue specialized career tracks in various nurse practitioner fields.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$24,766
- Average Institutional Aid$16,199
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- % of Students Receiving an Award71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
- The program offers flexible online courses, allowing students to start at their convenience.
- Faculty members have decades of nursing experience, providing valuable mentorship and guidance.
- Hands-on clinical experiences are conducted locally, enhancing real-world application skills.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,080
- Average Institutional Aid$15,195
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Why We Selected Winona State University:
- The program offers specialized clinical placements with renowned healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic.
- The curriculum emphasizes advanced knowledge and skills in health promotion for diverse populations.
- Graduates are prepared for national certification exams, enhancing job prospects as primary healthcare providers.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,100
- Average Institutional Aid$2,746
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course53%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio University:
- The program offers a low student-to-teacher ratio, fostering close mentorship relationships.
- Experienced faculty, prepared at the Master's or Doctorate level, teach and mentor students.
- Graduates are well-prepared for AANP or ANCC certification exams, enhancing job prospects.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,840
- Average Institutional Aid$6,714
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Why We Selected University of Southern Indiana:
- The program offers a dedicated faculty mentor for each student, enhancing personalized support and guidance.
- The University of Southern Indiana allows up to 42 graduate credits to be transferred, accelerating program completion.
- The program provides opportunities for real-world project implementation in local healthcare settings, enhancing practical experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,909
- Average Institutional Aid$4,011
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course55%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Why We Selected University of Iowa:
- The University of Iowa's DNP program offers faculty expertise in advanced clinical specialties, providing students with in-depth knowledge in areas like public policy and advocacy.
- The program includes high clinical placement rates, as placements are made by the university, ensuring students are not responsible for finding clinical sites themselves.
- It provides specialized career tracks, such as Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,356
- Average Institutional Aid$10,037
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course61%
- % of Students Receiving an Award72%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California
Why We Selected San Francisco State University:
- The program offers a hybrid learning model, combining online and in-person classes for flexibility.
- Scholarships are available through San Francisco State University's School of Nursing for graduate students.
- Accelerated completion is possible with the 15-month Post Master's FNP certificate program.
Program Details
- AccreditationWASC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,742
- Average Institutional Aid$5,953
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course95%
- % of Students Receiving an Award56%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Why We Selected East Carolina University:
- ECU offers competitive tuition costs and nationally recognized programs.
- ECU provides over $215 million in external research funding, enhancing research opportunities.
- ECU's graduate programs are taught by over 1,100 full-time faculty engaged in research and scholarly activities.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,452
- Average Institutional Aid$3,766
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Why We Selected University of Arizona:
- The program offers a dual-degree DNP/MPH option, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
- Clinical immersions provide hands-on experience, developing specialty-specific clinical skills.
- Part-time and full-time enrollment options cater to diverse student needs and schedules.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,990
- Average Institutional Aid$12,459
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
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 2024
