The doctorate is a great way for nurses to broaden their professional horizons. There are two types of doctorate nursing degrees: the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). The PhD is more research-oriented, focusing on the broad application of nursing in practice, such as developing system-wide solutions and working with setting policies. The DNP is designed for those in active practice, and is ideal for nurses who would like to become nurse practitioners (NPs).
Students have a wide range of choices for programs that offer an online doctorate in nursing, so figuring out which ones to apply to isn’t always an easy decision. We’ve made the process more manageable by creating a ranking list that considers several factors that are important to most students.
| Rank | University Name | Score | Net Price | Financial aid percent | Online Programs Aavailable | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | University Information | Credit for Experience | Placement Services | Counseling Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nova Southeastern University | Score99.82 | Net Price |
Financial aid %94% |
#Online programs5 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate42% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 2 | University of Mississippi | Score99.16 | Net Price |
Financial aid %61% |
#Online programs3 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate60% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Score98.98 | Net Price |
Financial aid %45% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate89% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 4 | Mercer University | Score98.57 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate63% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 5 | Chatham University | Score98.54 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate59% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 6 | Duquesne University | Score98.35 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs3 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate74% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 7 | University at Buffalo | Score98.13 | Net Price |
Financial aid %61% |
#Online programs3 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate71% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 8 | University of Arizona | Score97.62 | Net Price |
Financial aid %77% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate61% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 9 | Temple University | Score97.23 | Net Price |
Financial aid %76% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate66% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 10 | The University of Alabama | Score97.18 | Net Price |
Financial aid %53% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate67% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 11 | University of Northern Colorado | Score97.13 | Net Price |
Financial aid %79% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate45% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 12 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Score96.92 | Net Price |
Financial aid %97% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate70% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 13 | Stony Brook University | Score96.88 | Net Price |
Financial aid %67% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate70% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 14 | University of Idaho | Score96.69 | Net Price |
Financial aid %78% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate56% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 15 | Graceland University-Lamoni | Score96.64 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate50% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 16 | Simmons College | Score96.60 | Net Price |
Financial aid %96% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate67% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 17 | University of Iowa | Score96.47 | Net Price |
Financial aid %59% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate70% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 18 | University of St Francis | Score96.45 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate56% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 19 | University of Michigan-Flint | Score96.31 | Net Price |
Financial aid %50% |
#Online programs3 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate36% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 20 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus | Score96.15 | Net Price |
Financial aid %39% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate44% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 21 | Allen College | Score96.14 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate82% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 22 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Score96.13 | Net Price |
Financial aid %66% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate47% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 23 | Valparaiso University | Score96.09 | Net Price |
Financial aid %96% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate74% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 24 | Creighton University | Score95.87 | Net Price |
Financial aid %98% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate75% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 25 | Western Connecticut State University | Score95.82 | Net Price |
Financial aid %69% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate42% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 26 | Barry University | Score95.79 | Net Price |
Financial aid %96% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate41% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 27 | The College of Saint Scholastica | Score95.76 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate65% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 28 | Loyola University New Orleans | Score95.71 | Net Price |
Financial aid %98% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate59% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 29 | Gannon University | Score95.69 | Net Price |
Financial aid %93% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate65% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 30 | Northern Arizona University | Score95.65 | Net Price |
Financial aid %66% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate49% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 31 | Dominican College of Blauvelt | Score95.53 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate33% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 32 | Otterbein University | Score95.51 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate59% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 33 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Score95.47 | Net Price |
Financial aid %47% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate79% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 34 | Samford University | Score95.45 | Net Price |
Financial aid %97% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate71% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 35 | DeSales University | Score95.44 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate68% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 36 | University of Saint Joseph | Score95.41 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate58% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 37 | University of Kansas | Score95.34 | Net Price |
Financial aid %60% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate64% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 38 | University of Colorado Denver | Score95.32 | Net Price |
Financial aid %48% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate45% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 39 | Misericordia University | Score95.28 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate68% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 40 | Regis University | Score95.26 | Net Price |
Financial aid %95% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate59% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 41 | University of the Incarnate Word | Score95.23 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate48% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 42 | Wilkes University | Score95.22 | Net Price |
Financial aid %96% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate61% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 43 | University of South Florida-Main Campus | Score95.19 | Net Price |
Financial aid %73% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate57% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 44 | Ball State University | Score95.16 | Net Price |
Financial aid %47% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate57% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 45 | La Salle University | Score95.13 | Net Price |
Financial aid %94% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate68% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 46 | Hampton University | Score95.08 | Net Price |
Financial aid %47% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate59% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 47 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Score95.06 | Net Price |
Financial aid %60% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate70% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 48 | West Virginia University | Score95.05 | Net Price |
Financial aid %57% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate56% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 49 | Indiana State University | Score95.02 | Net Price |
Financial aid %75% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate43% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 50 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Score94.95 | Net Price |
Financial aid %48% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate36% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
In order to apply to a DNP program, students must hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Schools who accept those with only a bachelor’s degree tailor the course load and degree requirements to fit the student’s previous educational attainment; students who hold a master’s can expect to begin more advanced coursework sooner in the program. Either way, most students will need the following information when applying to an online DNP degree program:
All DNP programs require incoming students to provide proof of an RN license and APRN specialty certifications.
This complete educational and work history of the student gives the admissions committee a full picture of the student’s nursing background, especially prior clinical experience.
Although many doctoral programs in nursing do not require GRE scores, some do, so check the requirements well in advance.
These serve as an official record that the student has taken the necessary classes and received the prerequisite education. Most admissions offices will only accept transcripts directly from the host institutions, so applicants should check what the process entails.
Most schools have their own individualized essay prompts, but they all revolve around the student’s academic interests and why they want to get a DNP degree.
Usually two or three are required, with letters from former professors or work colleagues showing the student is qualified to succeed in the DNP program.
The first year of a DNP degree program consists primarily of foundational coursework, including classes that cover topics such as epidemiology, statistics and evidence-based practice. Depending on the program, students may also begin working on their clinical experience requirements and capstone projects.
This will be the final year for students entering a DNP program with a master’s degree. A rigorous course load expands to include elective courses that are relevant to the student’s chosen concentration. Students will also work on their capstone project. For those entering a DNP program with a bachelor’s degree, there will be more core coursework, with only a few electives.
These years only apply to students who began their DNP education with a bachelor’s degree. During the last two years, these students will complete their capstone projects, continue with clinical experience, and take the bulk of their electives.
In addition to coursework, students in most DNP programs must complete a capstone project, as well as fulfill clinical experience requirements, before graduation.
Most DNP programs require students to undertake a scholarly project that demonstrates their understanding of concepts and experiences learned from clinical experience and program coursework. Work on the capstone project usually takes place over two years.
DNP degree-granting institutions partner with local medical facilities to allow students to take information and theories learned in class and apply them in a clinical setting.
There are two primary routes to an online doctorate degree in nursing—the PhD and DNP—with each having unique characteristics. Students may review the focus and requirements of these distinct degrees to determine which is best-suited for entering a particular profession or nursing avenue.
PhD in NursingTheory is the underpinning of a PhD in nursing, and thus is ideal for those who would like to end up in an academic or research setting. For becoming a professor of nursing or conducting medical research, the PhD is probably the best choice.
Doctor of Nursing PracticeFor nurses who want the hands-on work of treating patients, the DNP is the appropriate route. With its focus on practical knowledge and skills, DNP graduates are qualified to work in clinical settings such as hospitals, rather than a classroom or lab.
For certain jobs, upon graduation of a DNP program students may need or want to obtain additional certifications showing they are proficient in a given specialty. For example, they may gain certification as an acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
A DNP degree enhances a nurse’s career opportunities, job security, and earning potential. One of the ways the DNP does this is by allowing the nurse to specialize in a certain area on the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner. These are some of the most common concentrations for those in a DNP program.
ConcentrationsAllergies can be a nuisance and sometimes a life-threatening danger. Nurses who choose this concentration learn about the immunological bases of allergies and how they affect people. Certification in this field is offered by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
With their work ranging from preventive care to diagnosing chronic diseases, pediatric and child health NPs treat children from infancy through adolescence. Work settings include a variety of locations, such as doctors’ offices and hospitals.
This concentration concerns the treatment of tendons, muscles and bones. Nurses who concentrate in this area will treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
As primary care providers to the elderly, much of the care provided by gerontology NPs concerns rehabilitation, hospice care and treating medical conditions predominant in the elderly, such as dementia.
Trauma-induced injuries and emergency care are the focus of this concentration. Nurses who specialize in this field will study emergency room protocols, triage, and emergency treatment procedures.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
As primary care providers to the elderly, much of the care provided by gerontology NPs concerns rehabilitation, hospice care and treating medical conditions predominant in the elderly, such as dementia.
Whether in hospitals, private practice or substance abuse centers, psychiatric and mental health NPs provide intensive treatment, including counseling and medication administration, to patients suffering from mental illnesses or problems.
In a cardiovascular specialty, students learn about issues that affect the heart and lungs, and ways to treat those conditions. Topics of study include physiology, cardiovascular disease, and caring for recipients of heart transplants.
Women’s health NPs provide medical services to women through most stages of their lives, from the late teens to post-menopause. They may also further specialize in midwifery to provide obstetric and gynecological care.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
Neurology deals with the identification and treatment of illnesses as they relate to the nervous system. Nurses learn how to treat a wide variety of patients, including those suffering from the effects of strokes and brain disorders. Nurses in this field have two certifications available to them: Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) and Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN).
Women’s health NPs provide medical services to women through most stages of their lives, from the late teens to post-menopause. They may also further specialize in midwifery to provide obstetric and gynecological care.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Getting a doctorate degree in nursing has great potential to vastly increase a nurse’s salary and earning potential. Many positions require an advanced nursing degree, and attaining either the DNP or PhD positions a nurse to expect better compensation. Following is salary information typical of various nursing specialties:
| Career | Lower 10% | Median Salary | Upper 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Professor | $39,830 | $66,100 | $107,080 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $68,830 | $95,350 | $131,050 |
| Nurse Midwife | $65,940 | $96,970 | $129,140 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $107,240 | $132,380 | $181,860 |
| Registered Nurse | $45,880 | $66,640 | $98,880 |
To find out more about the nursing profession, its various specialties, and career development, students may find the following resources helpful:
The AANP is one of the premier professional membership organizations for nurse practitioners. The website contains information about financial aid opportunities for nursing students.
The AACN establishes standards for nursing education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
The ANA is the exclusive professional membership organization for registered nurses.
This is a comprehensive source of information regarding the nursing profession in the United States. From financial aid to statistics to advice, this site has plenty of information for those interested in nursing.
Comprised of advanced practice nurses, the organization’s goal is to promote the DNP degree and the nursing profession in order to enhance the overall care of patients.
This program is designed to encourage registered nurses to work at medical locations with nursing shortages. In return, nurses receive partial payment of their student loans.
This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping nursing students at all levels achieve their professional goals.
Find Online Nursing PhD Programs with the accreditation and affordability you need with our complete database of schools.