Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Why We Chose This Superlative: Customizable MSN With Four NP Specialty Tracks, Accelerated, and Dual Degree Options

Purdue University Global-Indianapolis features a fully online MSN for working nurses. The CCNE-accredited program offers multiple nurse practitioner specializations, strong career outcomes, certification preparation, dual-degree opportunities, and military-friendly tuition reductions. You can also take advantage of an accelerated option to reduce time and cost. The program requires 12-20 courses, depending on your course load. 

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

Why Students Choose Purdue:

• Specialty Tracks: The school's four NP tracks are adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, family NP, and psychiatric-mental health NP. 
• Dual Degree Options: Combine the MSN with MBA, MPH, or MHCA for broader career opportunities.
• Career Outcomes: Purdue reports 92% of graduates were employed or in further education within 18 months.

Know Before You Enroll:

• The typical completion time is 2-3 years, but it may be longer depending on your study pace. Most students complete about 15 hours of coursework per week.
• Enrollment is restricted for Tennessee residents. Specific NP programs are unavailable to residents of Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
• This program prepares you for various exams, including ANCC and AGNP, depending on your track.

Why We Chose This Superlative: DEI-Focused NP Program Offering Expanded Financial Support for Hispanic Students

Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) MSN-FNP program combines the flexibility of online coursework with some required on-campus learning. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), TAMIU provides dedicated scholarships, need-based aid, and additional financial support to Hispanic graduate students. The 48-credit curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and independence, preparing you to work with diverse populations.

Cost per Credit
In-State | $367
Out-of-State | $1,030

Why Students Choose TAMIU:

• Financial Support: Save with low tuition rates bolstered by funding from the Texas A&M Hispanic Network Scholarship and other HSI-based aid.
• Cultural Relevance: Gain the skills to deliver culturally competent care with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion for Hispanic and underserved populations.
• Flexibility: Balance work and study through primarily online coursework with limited on-campus requirements.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Minimum admission requirements include a BSN degree and an unencumbered RN license in Texas.
• The fastest time to completion is about 36 months.
• This program prepares you for the national FNP exam with the ANCC. 

Why We Chose This Superlative: Lowest Tuition Rates Among Public Colleges for In-State and Out-of-State Students

University of West Florida (UWF) offers an online MSN-FNP at an affordable $500 per credit hour. The 45-credit, CCNE-accredited program requires full-time enrollment, with an intended completion timeline of 27-30 months. UWF's program includes 600 direct patient care hours in rural and urban settings to emphasize serving underserved and vulnerable populations.

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

Why Students Choose UWF:

• Affordability: At $500 per credit hour, UWF offers the lowest flat-rate tuition among public colleges on this list.
• Exam Success: Graduates have a 93% three-year average pass rate on the AANP (via AANPCB) certification exam.
• Full-Time Commitment: Complete the program in just over two years at a full-time pace. 

Know Before You Enroll:

• The program cannot be taken part-time, but does accept up to nine transfer credits. 
• Out-of-state students may qualify for tuition waivers covering up to 90% of the non-resident portion of tuition.
• This program prepares you for the FNP exam with either the ANCC or AANP.

Why We Chose This Superlative: 8 Different Start Dates Each Year Across the Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers an online MSN with multiple entry points, reducing potential financial and time barriers. Several start dates throughout the year in fall, spring, and summer make it easier to begin when it fits your schedule. The CCNE-accredited, 46-credit program can be completed in as few as 32 months. UTA uses pay-by-the-course tuition and allows you to lock in your rate with continuous enrollment.

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

Why Students Choose UTA:

• Multiple Start Dates: The school offers several start dates, with multiple across fall, spring, and summer terms.
• Cost Predictability: Pay-by-the-course tuition comes with the option of a guaranteed tuition lock.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Admission requirements include an active, unencumbered RN license and a BSN from an accredited ACEN or CCNE program. 
• The program isn't available in every state, so check your eligibility if you live outside Texas.
• You will qualify for FNP certification through the ANCC or AANP.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Max Funding Options and Tuition Discounts for All Military Members and Veterans

Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers an online MSN comprising 48-51 credits with two emphasis options: family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. NAU provides a success coach for every student, unlimited Yellow Ribbon funding for veterans, and full tuition coverage options for active duty service members. The CCNE-accredited program also integrates a career readiness initiative with lab training, mentorship, and research.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $1,370-$3,600
Out-of-State | $1,370-$3,600

Why Students Choose NAU:

• Military-Affiliated Support: Eligible military and veteran students can get full Yellow Ribbon funding beyond the GI Bill®, with no cap on the number of recipients. Active-duty service members may get full tuition coverage of up to $250 per credit or $4,500 per year.
• Student Support: Connect with a dedicated success coach to receive personalized guidance and accountability throughout the program. 
• Career Readiness: Build career readiness through hands-on labs, research, and industry partnerships. NAU reports that 73% of graduates are employed or in grad school within six months.

Know Before You Enroll:

• You must have a BSN or an ADN plus a bachelor's degree in another field, and at least a 3.0 GPA. 
• You must have an active RN license in Arizona or multistate eligibility.
• This program prepares you for multiple exams through the ANCC and AANPCB, depending on your track.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Highly Flexible, Customizable NP Program Tailored to Working RNs

University of Cincinnati's (UC) online MSN-FNP program is built for working RNs, offering asynchronous coursework and customizable pacing to fit a full-time job. The 51-credit program, accredited by the CCNE and requiring a bachelor's degree plus an unencumbered RN license, emphasizes disease prevention and leadership in patient care. UC also offers a post-master's psychiatric mental health NP option, which enrollees can complete in just four semesters. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $893
Out-of-State | $908

Why Students Choose UC:

• Study Pace: Customizable pacing allows you to work full time and progress through your studies at a comfortable pace.
• Financial Support: UC awarded more than $2.69 million in grants and awards to nearly 600 students during the 2023-2024 school year.
• Pass Rates: Among 2024 graduates, first-time test takers passed the AANP FNP exam at 93% and the ANCC exam at 80.8%.

Know Before You Enroll:

• This program is not available in every state; check UC's state authorization page to confirm eligibility. 
• Yellow Ribbon program funding is available, but limited to only 10 students.
• You'll qualify for both ANCC and AANP exams.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Unique Hybrid Learning With Online Courses and In-Person Simulations Led by Renowned Faculty

George Washington University's (GWU) CCNE-accredited MSN program offers four distinct NP tracks (FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP). It combines online coursework with in-person training and simulation labs. The 48-50 credit program at GWU includes 600 clinical hours and emphasizes service to underserved communities. You can benefit from small cohorts, close faculty mentorship, Yellow Ribbon funding, and strong outcomes.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,630
Out-of-State | $1,630

Why Students Choose GWU:

• Hybrid Learning: Balance flexible, online coursework with immersive on-campus learning, including training events and clinical simulations.
• Specialization Breadth: Four NP tracks provide more options than most online programs.
• Renowned Faculty: Receive instruction from nationally recognized nursing faculty who actively mentor and inspire NP students to improve healthcare outcomes.

Know Before You Enroll:

• The PMHNP track requires 50 credits, rather than the required 48 in other tracks at GWU.
• Eligible military-affiliated students receive full GI Bill coverage through Yellow Ribbon status.