Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

RNs with a master of science in nursing (MSN) and specialized training can assume roles as nurse practitioners.
by

Updated September 14, 2024

check mark Edited by
check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AffordableCollegesOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in high demand. In fact, it's the fastest-growing occupation, with a projected growth rate of 40% between 2023 and 2033. NPs also earn a median pay of $129,480 per year, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Want to become an NP without breaking the bank? Find out how to maximize your return on investment by finding affordable online nurse practitioner programs.

Popular Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

#1 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,244
Out-of-State | $2,244

Credits to Graduate: 21

USC’s online master of science in nursing features a full-time, accelerated track, or a part-time track that accommodates the needs of working RNs. The evidence-based program prepares aspiring family nurse practitioners for the national certification exams required for state licensure. The curriculum consists of 50-52 hours of coursework and 680 clinical hours.

Distance learners must attend two on-campus intensives in Los Angeles. Designed primarily to test classroom knowledge in skill assessment exercises, labs, and exams, these intensives also provide faculty and other students with networking opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$60,446
Out-of-state
$60,446
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
49,318
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $420
Out-of-State | $420

Credits to Graduate: 78-90

The online master of science in nursing at Purdue University-Global gives students the flexibility to manage educational and personal responsibilities. Designed for working registered nurses, the two-year degree prepares graduates for national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or the American Association of Critical Care. 

Distance learners may choose population focus areas in gerontology, family nurse primary care, and psychiatric mental health. Financial aid, credit for prior experiences, and corporate partner and military benefits help keep costs affordable.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Texas A & M International University

  • Laredo, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $3,686
Out-of-State | $9,572

NCLEX Pass Rate (2022): 82.76%

Credits to Graduate: 48 

Through its emphasis on culturally sensitive healthcare for diverse populations, TAMIU’s online master of science in nursing trains its graduates to improve health outcomes for the citizens of the

South Texas region. In the first year of the three-year program, distance learners take foundational courses in theory, methods, informatics, and policy. Then, they take two years of coursework in advanced theory and family nursing practice areas.

TAMIU offers graduate students several options for financial assistance to help reduce the cost of their degrees. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,818
Out-of-state
$13,610
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,350
Out-of-state
$10,694
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
8,455
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $539
Out-of-State | $539

Credits to Graduate: 48 

The master of science in nursing at the University of the Cumberlands offers students reasonable out-of-pocket costs by keeping tuition low and providing free textbooks, lab manuals, and other required course materials through its One Price Promise program.

The evidence-based curriculum covers epidemiology, pharmacology, healthcare technologies and informatics, and advanced practice. Students complete 24 didactic credits,18 credits combining didactic and clinical instruction, and six practicum credit hours.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,282
Out-of-state
$4,282
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
19,272
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

The University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500

NCLEX Pass Rate (2023): 89.47% 

Credits to Graduate: 45 

Recognized for its commitment to accessible education, the University of West Florida's online master of science in nursing with a family practice concentration offers a flexible curriculum that accommodates the needs of working nurses. 

The MSN, which takes between 27-30 months to complete, emphasizes the care of children, adults, women, and families across the lifespan. Distance learners take all courses in eight-week and 16-week terms, except for 600 clinical hours of direct patient care working in rural and urban primary care settings.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
13,288
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

The University of Texas at Arlington

  • Arlington, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $654
Out-of-State | $654

NCLEX Pass Rate (2023): 86.95%

Credits to Graduate: 46

Available on-campus and online, UTA’s master of science in nursing trains students for family nurse practitioner roles in various healthcare settings. The MSN degree, which requires 32-36 credits, covers pharmacology, health assessment, diagnostics, advanced research, and clinical management. Distance learners complete in-person clinical experiences in their second year, with the possibility of arranging placements in their local communities.

Committed to keeping tuition affordable, UTA provides pay-by-the-course options and locked-in tuition rates for students who complete their degree without interruption.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,206
Out-of-state
$26,778
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,015
Out-of-state
$22,167
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
45,949
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Northern Arizona University

  • Flagstaff, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $610
Out-of-State | $610

NCLEX Pass Rate (2023): 96.65% 

Credits to Graduate: 48

NAU’s advanced practice master of science program trains family nurse practitioners to provide primary care to underserved rural populations. The MSN prepares graduates for national certification and state licensure as family nurse practitioners with prescribing and dispensing privileges in Arizona. Delivered in a blended online format, the curriculum covers family nurse practitioner and rural health theory and policy courses, practicum experiences, thesis, and research projects.

NAU maintains a commitment to transparency about costs, offering affordable tuition rates and opportunities for graduate student financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,381
Out-of-state
$16,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,724
Out-of-state
$19,266
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
28,711
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $752
Out-of-State | $752

Credits to Graduate: 51

Designed for working registered nurses, the UC master of science-family practice nursing program features an entirely asynchronous online format with no required site visits. Distance learners may complete the program in as little as two years or opt for part-time study to accommodate their schedules. The MSN degree prepares graduates to sit for national certification exams and qualifies them for state licensure as family nurse practitioners in Ohio.

UC offers tuition scholarships to eligible online MSN family nurse practitioner students through the University Business Scholarship program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,099
Out-of-state
$25,433
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
40,329
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

George Washington University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,450
Out-of-State | $1,450

NCLEX Pass Rate (2023): 94.31% 

Credits to Graduate: 48

GW’s master of science-family nurse practitioner program uses a hybrid approach that features convenient online courses, in-person training in simulation centers, and industry-recognized faculty. All distance learners must participate in two on-campus requirements: in-person learning and skills intensive before starting their first clinical experience and an objective structured clinical examination component consisting of a series of simulation-based events to evaluate student skills.

The GW School of Nursing offers fixed-rate tuition, which helps MSN students manage their financial planning by minimizing unexpected tuition increases.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,894
Out-of-state
$57,894
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,850
Out-of-state
$32,850
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
26,457
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2024

Cedarville University

  • Cedarville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $707
Out-of-State | $707

Credits to Graduate: 45-48

Grounded in a Christian approach to advanced practice nursing, Cedarville University’s master of science of nursing-family practitioner program integrates a Biblical-based curriculum with evidence-based practice. The online MSN offers flexible full-time and part-time plans of study. Distance learners must attend four on-campus experiences, including a clinical orientation, before starting the family nurse practitioner specialty courses and during each semester of the clinical courses.

Cedarville has the least expensive graduate nurse practitioner programs in Ohio. Graduate nursing students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a $3,000 scholarship.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,174
Out-of-state
$33,174
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,864
Out-of-state
$9,864
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
4,643
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.

You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.

Price Check

Nurse practitioners qualify for many scholarships and grants, including resources listed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Why Get a Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Online nurse practitioner programs prepare graduates for rewarding NP careers with higher pay than registered nurses (RNs). According to BLS data, NPs earn a median annual salary of $129,480. This median salary is $43,410 above the median salary for RNs.

NPs also have more autonomy than RNs. For example, NPs can create care plans, diagnose patients, and, in many states, prescribe medications.

Current RNs may choose online nurse practitioner programs to continue working while earning their degree. Many online programs use an asynchronous format. RNs can watch lectures and complete assignments between shifts.

How to Choose an Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Online NP programs offer flexibility, and you can also compare options to find an affordable program. Here are some factors to consider when researching online nurse practitioner programs:

How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Degree Cost?

How much will you pay for an NP degree? Health professionals earning a master's degree can expect to pay between $9,310 and $14,250 in tuition and fees annually, according to 2020 data from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Plan to budget for fees, textbooks, and living expenses as well.

The total cost of an NP program varies widely. In general, public universities in your state charge the lowest tuition rates. However, you may also qualify for out-of-state tuition discounts at public universities in another state. Out-of-state tuition can be more than double the cost of in-state tuition. NPs can also use scholarships, grants, and loans to cover costs.

Median Annual Cost of a Master's Degree in the Health Professions by Program Format
Program Format Tuition and Fees Total Student Budget
Online $14,250 $35,530
On-Campus $9,310 $23,100
All Programs $11,160 $28,590
Source: NCES, 2020

Some employers may provide tuition reimbursement programs for their nurses who become NPs as long as they agree to work as an NP for an agreed-upon period of time. For example, employers, such as hospitals or medical centers, with advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) shortages may offer these programs to encourage RNs to become APRNs.

Additional Online Student Fees

Along with tuition, online students should budget for fees. Many schools waive campus fees for distance learners, but enrollees must still pay for technology, supplies, and books. Online students often pay a technology fee, which may cover tech support, online databases, and virtual classroom platforms.

Additional expenses may include internet access, textbooks, a new computer, and required software. To save money, learners may rent textbooks or buy digital versions. Labs and clinicals require tools, such as stethoscopes. NP students also typically pay malpractice fees to protect themselves during clinicals.

Courses in a Nurse Practitioner Program

Most programs incorporate courses in advanced health assessment, advanced nursing ethics, and pharmacology. Plan to take classes in your NP concentration and complete clinical requirements.

NP programs require a minimum of 30 credits and 500 hours of clinical experience. The exact length and curriculum varies depending on the program and your concentration.

When choosing an NP program, check for programmatic accreditation. Accredited nursing schools follow the best practices for educating advanced practice registered nurses. An accredited NP degree also meets NP licensure and board certification requirements.

  • Health Assessment

    Degree-seekers learn how to conduct physical exams by using patients' medical history and symptoms to draw conclusions. Coursework explores how environmental factors and lifestyle choices impact health. The class prepares students to provide patients with recommendations and referrals.
  • Pharmacology

    Pharmacology teaches students how to write prescriptions and builds on foundational knowledge of drug interactions. Degree-seekers learn about common medications and corresponding side effects. The class also covers medicinal chemistry and the clinical trial process.
  • Nursing Ethics

    Students in this class develop a framework for evaluating ethical dilemmas. Students read case studies and discuss best practices. Coursework explores protocols for mandated reports and emphasizes laws that protect patient rights.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Becoming an NP requires several steps. Make sure to do the following before applying to an NP program:

  1. Earn a BSN degree.
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN.
  3. Earn an RN license.
  4. Gain experience as an RN.

Then, you can apply to NP programs and complete 1-3 years of coursework and clinical requirements. Some programs offer master of science in nursing (MSN) bridge options for RNs without a BSN.

You can apply for licensure and certification as an NP after graduation.

Licensure and Certification for Nurse Practitioners

NPs typically need state-issued RN and NP licenses, board certification, and an MSN degree. They also need specialty board certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. These specialty certifications include family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner. Most NPs specialize in family care.

Most NPs renew their certification every five years. Pediatric NPs, however, must renew their certification every year through the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board.

NPs must hold a state license in each state they practice. If you move to a different state, you must obtain a new state license by endorsement to practice there. Some states may require NPs to have a collaborating agreement with a supervising physician to earn state licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

What type of NP makes the most money?

Psychiatric mental health NPs earn the most, with a median pay of $119,500, according to Feb. 2024 Payscale data. In contrast, family nurse practitioners reported a median pay of $103,000 in Feb. 2024 Payscale data.

No, an MSN is a standard nursing master's degree, but an NP is a more specialized nursing role. You can also earn an MSN with a focus on nursing education, nurse leadership and administration, or nursing informatics.

An online nurse practitioner program can pay off. These programs prepare nurses for advanced practice and specialty roles with a higher demand and earning potential.

NP programs typically take around three years to complete, including coursework and clinical requirements. Some programs offer an accelerated two-year track, while doctor of nursing practice or part-time MSN programs may require longer than three years.

Yes, you can work while completing an online nurse practitioner program. Many nursing schools design these programs for working RNs. You will take classes on a flexible schedule and may be able to complete clinical requirements in your current workplace.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed March 13, 2024.

Related articles that may interest you

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Do this for you

Explore your possibilities- find schools with programs you’re interested in and clear a path for your future.