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.
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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.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Union University
- The University of Utah's Nurse Practitioner program features a 100% national certification pass rate, demonstrating strong academic preparation and professional success for graduates.
- The program offers a hybrid learning format integrating both synchronous and asynchronous online coursework with essential on-campus activities, providing flexibility without sacrificing quality.
- Students complete 780 direct patient care hours through clinical placements, ensuring extensive hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings prior to graduation.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected CUNY Hunter College
- The program offers a unique Evelyn Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Fellowship, providing specialized clinical experience and mentorship opportunities.
- Advanced standing can reduce required coursework by up to 42 credits and allow relevant clinical hours from a prior master's to count toward the DNP clinical requirements.
- Graduates qualify for New York State nurse practitioner certification and meet national certification requirements in their specialty, facilitating swift professional credentialing.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 74% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Valparaiso University
- Valparaiso University’s Nurse Practitioner program offers tailored advising by appointed faculty advisors to guide students through clinical and academic progression, enhancing personalized mentorship and support.
- The program delivers a rigorous terminal practice doctorate with a strong focus on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems thinking, preparing graduates for advanced leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
- Students benefit from a structured DNP project spanning three semesters, providing extended hands-on clinical experience and the opportunity to implement real-world quality initiatives under faculty guidance.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 74% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Peter’s University
- Saint Peter's University offers a fully online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program that can be completed in as little as two years, providing an accelerated pathway to degree completion.
- The program is strongly grounded in three pillars— theoretical foundation, utilization of research, and specialty practice—preparing students for leadership roles and potential doctoral studies with a value-based education approach.
- Students benefit from high-quality clinical practice opportunities, including 600 practicum hours embedded in advanced practice courses, enhancing real-world readiness in primary care settings.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected D’Youville University
- The Family Nurse Practitioner advanced certificate program at D’Youville University offers an accelerated 12 to 24-month curriculum designed for working nurses who already hold a master’s degree, allowing flexible and timely progression to advanced practice.
- Students receive personalized instruction and career guidance from experienced educators committed to supporting their professional success throughout the program.
- The program includes diverse clinical experiences with multiple patient populations in a variety of settings, preparing graduates thoroughly for board certification and licensure in New York State.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University at Buffalo
- The University at Buffalo's Nurse Practitioner program offers hands-on learning through community and regional clinical placements, providing transformative immersive experiences that enhance practical skills.
- The program incorporates telehealth and underserved primary care opportunities into its curriculum, preparing students to effectively serve diverse and underserved populations.
- Graduates are eligible for multiple national certifications, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Addictions Registered Nurse – Advanced Practice, expanding career credential options.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Virginia Wesleyan College
- West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Nurse Practitioner program offers an accelerated RN to MSN pathway that integrates bridge coursework, allowing students to transition efficiently into advanced practice nursing with flexible online and hybrid learning.
- The program arranges practicum experiences in students’ home communities, enabling convenient access to clinical training without the need to relocate, thus supporting practical skill development in familiar settings.
- The program features a competitive cohort admission process ensuring personalized attention and a dedicated faculty-to-student ratio, enhancing mentoring and support throughout the rigorous curriculum.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Clarke University
- Clarke University’s Nurse Practitioner MSN-DNP Bridge program offers small cohort sizes limited to 20 students, ensuring personalized instruction and close mentorship.
- The program uses a hybrid learning format with only two on-campus class days per month, balancing flexible online coursework with face-to-face clinical discussions, ideal for working professionals.
- Students complete 1,000 clinical hours tailored to their concentration, providing comprehensive hands-on experience required for national certification and advanced practice readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Maryville University’s Nurse Practitioner programs offer multiple flexible start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies without delay or long waiting periods.
- The program requires no GRE, GMAT, or statistics prerequisite for admission, reducing common barriers to entry and streamlining the application process for prospective students.
- Students complete clinical practicums locally at approved facilities, enabling convenient hands-on training near their home or work environment without campus visits.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Alverno College
- Alverno’s Nurse Practitioner program offers small classes with dedicated faculty mentors providing personalized guidance and hands-on training, ensuring a supportive and empowering learning environment.
- The program features strong clinical partnerships providing direct hands-on patient care experience across diverse settings, enhancing practical skills and job readiness.
- Flexible options allow students to customize their learning experience to fit their lifestyle, accommodating individual needs for balancing education and personal commitments.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 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 and career counseling 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
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 2025
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