Cheapest Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you want to become a nurse practitioner in the most affordable way possible, many schools around the country may fit into your budget. Some offer online programs that allow you to complete your degree from anywhere, while others require on-campus learning. Whether you’re interested in becoming an FNP, PNP, AGNP, or WHNP, here are the cheapest NP programs in the country.

Cheapest NP Program Quick Facts

Universities Offering Affordable NP Programs: 19
CCNE Accredited Affordable NP Programs: 27
ACEN Accredited Affordable NP Programs in the state: 2
Average Tuition Costs: between $11,000 and $44,000

Most FNP Programs

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) work with patients of all ages, from children to seniors. This specialty is one of the most popular, so there are many affordable options.

Most Affordable PNP Programs

Those wishing to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner have several affordable options available, with some schools offering both acute and primary care options.

Most Affordable AGNP Programs

Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) focus on working with adults across the lifespan, from young adults to senior citizens. Whether you’re interested in practicing in acute or primary care, several affordable options exist.

Most Affordable WHNP Programs

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) programs are a little more pricey than other specialties, but there are some affordable options for those who wish to pursue a career with this patient population.

Side-by-side Comparison

Refer to the table below to compare these schools and programs side by side.

School	Specialization	Format	Credits	Clinical Hour Requirements	Cost per credit, residents
Winston-Salem State University	FNP	Online	51	672	$215.11
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center	PNP Primary Care, PNP Acute Care, AGNP Acute Care	Online with on-campus requirements	48 to 51	Unspecified	$272.43
The University of Texas Medical Branch	FNP, AGNP Primary Care, AGNP Acute Care	Online with on-campus requirements	49	Unspecified	$336
University of Nevada – Reno	PNP Acute Care	Online with on-campus requirements	44 to 46	Unspecified	$344.25
Texas A&M International University	FNP	Online with on-campus requirements	48	405	$367
University of Southern Indiana	FNP, AGNP Acute Care	Online	42	630 to 675	$432.78
Midwestern State University	FNP	Online with on-campus requirements	48	512	About $455
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston	FNP	Hybrid	41	660	About $460
Brigham Young University	FNP	On campus	57	756	$495
The University of West Florida	FNP	Online	45	600	$500
University of the Cumberlands	FNP	Online	48	720	$539
Post University	FNP, AGNP Primary Care	Online	42 to 45	Unspecified	$588 to $603.75
University of South Alabama	PNP Primary Care, PNP Acute Care, WHNP	Online with on-campus requirements	45	600	$594
Youngstown State University	AGNP Acute Care	Online with on-campus requirements	45	540	$527
Kent State University	WHNP	Online	42	630	$571.90
University of Missouri – Columbia	PNP Primary Care	Online with on-campus requirements	45	600	$600
Frontier Nursing University	WHNP	Online with on-campus requirements	49	750	$685
University of Missouri – Kansas City	PNP Primary Care, PNP Acute Care, WHNP	Online	46 or 52	Unspecified	$779.50
University of Cincinnati	WHNP	Online with on-campus requirements	49	672	$892

Considerations When Choosing a Low-Cost NP Program

If you’re thinking about applying to one of these low-cost NP programs, here are some things to consider.

Accreditation and credentialing

To pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, it is essential to select an accredited program. Accreditation means that an external agency has reviewed the program and determined it meets specific standards. To be eligible to sit for board certification exams, you must graduate from an accredited program, and you must pass these exams to practice. 

For NP programs, there are two accrediting bodies: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The ACEN accredits a wide range of nursing programs, including practical nursing and associate or diploma programs, as well as BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees. While it’s usually associated with community colleges and tech schools, the ACEN can accredit programs at any level.

The CCNE is typically associated with programs in university settings. It accredits BSN, MSN, post-graduate, and DNP programs. 

Generally, accreditation means that the program meets high quality standards and is effective at preparing nurses for their roles as NPs. And, again, graduation from an accredited program is required for board certification and many licensing bodies.

As for credentialing, for NP programs, the two primary organizations are the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). These organizations offer certifications for various specialties, with some focusing on specific areas. For example, the National Certification Corporation (NCC) specializes in women’s health and neonatal care, while the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) focuses on pediatrics.

Some FNP or AGNP programs may prepare students to take either the ANCC or AANPCB exam, while others may prepare students to take one or the other. When considering a program, it can be helpful to get an idea of what exam it prepares you for.

Clinical placement logistics

Every NP program requires students to complete hands-on clinical hours. This part of the program is essential to becoming an NP, as it’s when students learn how to apply the concepts they are learning in the classroom, thereby gaining experience caring for and treating patients before beginning their career.

Clinical placement can vary significantly from one program to the next. Many NP programs use distance learning. Some of these programs may allow students to complete these hours in their local states or communities, while others may require them to complete hours in the state where the university is located. If a program requires you to complete clinical experiences in a particular state, this can have licensing implications, as you must be licensed as an RN in the state where you complete your clinical experience. 

The process of securing a clinical site and preceptor varies from one program to another, too. For example, some schools may find your preceptor and clinical site for you, while others require students to find their own placements, with or without assistance. Generally, the school will need to approve any clinical site or preceptor a student finds on their own, as they must meet specific requirements to ensure that every student receives the necessary experience to become effective practitioners.

Hidden costs

The costs listed above are the per-credit costs of these programs; however, other factors will also contribute to the overall cost of each program. Every school is different, but it’s likely that, in addition to tuition costs, you will have to pay various fees, including fees related explicitly to required on-campus learning sessions. There are other factors to consider regarding overall cost, including the cost of textbooks, uniforms for clinicals, and travel to and from campus, as well as food and lodging for any on-campus experiences. Some programs may also require students to carry health insurance, which can be costly.

State licensing/practice authority

Every state has different licensing requirements. If you are considering attending a program that is in a state other than the one where you plan to practice, it is vital to make sure that the program you choose meets the licensing requirements for your state. Many programs are very forthcoming about this and list states where they cannot accept students from, but others may make it a little more challenging to find this information.

Duration and flexibility

The duration of these programs varies from one program to another. Full-time programs typically require students to take approximately nine credits per semester (although this can vary by program) and can usually be completed in about three years. These programs are faster-paced and more intense, and may be more suitable for students who do not plan to work full-time while pursuing their NP degree. That said, many full-time online programs are structured to make them as flexible and accessible as possible, so the workload, structure, and whether it is possible to work while pursuing a degree full-time really does depend on the individual program.

Part-time programs typically consist of around six credits per semester and can take up to five years to complete. These programs have a lighter workload; generally, students take one less class per semester than they would in a full-time program. Part-time options offer a lot of flexibility for students who have other commitments, such as work and family obligations.

If you’re concerned about flexibility, considering on-campus requirements for each program is also helpful. These requirements can vary significantly from one program to the next. Some may not require students to come to campus at all, while others may require campus visits a few times a semester or once or twice throughout the program. If you live close to the school you’re attending, going to campus may not be that much of a consideration. However, if you have to make extensive travel plans to fulfill these requirements, they can add to time and cost considerations.

Financial aid and scholarship accessibility

If you’re looking for help paying for an NP program, there are several options to consider.

• Federal student loans. Students who are planning to attend an MSN program to pursue an NP degree may be eligible for Stafford Loans. These are available to any graduate, regardless of need. You will need to fill out a FAFSA form. Graduate PLUS loans. 
• Federal grants. Filling out the FAFSA form can also help you find grants that you may be eligible for. Grants are a form of financial assistance that you do not have to pay back and are generally need-based.
• Private loans. Private loans can also be an option, but they typically have higher interest rates than federal loans and may be more difficult to qualify for. Having a good credit score or a well-qualified cosigner can help.
• Scholarships. Scholarships can be available from various sources. Many schools offer scholarships to some students. You can also look for scholarships from nursing organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Black Nurses Association, Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship, or U.S. Public Health Service Nursing. Each scholarship organization will have its own application criteria. For example, scholarships awarded from the U.S. Public Health Service Nursing may require a service commitment to a specific geographical area after graduation.
• Teaching or research assistantships. Some schools may offer teaching or research assistantships, particularly large research-focused institutions. In many cases, these positions are more common in DNP programs, but some schools may have opportunities for master’s students.
• Employer tuition reimbursement. If you currently work for a healthcare system or company that employs nurses, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Every tuition reimbursement program is different. Some may require you to have already been an employee for a certain amount of time, while others may require a work commitment after completing your degree. Some employers may also only offer reimbursement for students who attend certain schools. Make sure you check with your employer for details.
• Loan forgiveness programs. Loan forgiveness programs are another option. NP students may qualify for loan forgiveness through the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, which may repay up to 85% of loans for nurses who commit to working in an eligible critical shortage facility or as an instructor in an eligible nursing school. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program may also be an option for those who work for a government or not-for-profit organization.

Other financial strategies

There may be other ways to save on the total cost of NP school. For example, if you already have an MSN degree, look for a program that accepts the most transfer credits. For example, if you hold an MSN in education and now wish to pursue an NP degree, many programs will accept transfer credits, which can help you save money. This strategy can also work if you’re an RN with a bachelor’s or master’s in another field.

You can also choose another MSN concentration with a program that is more affordable or flexible and then transfer into an NP program or complete a post-master’s track at a later time. For example, some master’s programs in nurse education or informatics may be shorter, more flexible, or more affordable than NP programs. You can complete a program like this, find a job in that speciality, then enroll in a post-master’s NP track, perhaps taking advantage of employer tuition reimbursement.

Many public universities offer lower tuition for in-state residents. To take advantage of this, you can either look for a school in your state that offers an NP program or consider moving and establishing residency in another state to save money. Every state has its own residency requirements. Generally, to be considered a resident, your primary home or domicile must be in that state for a certain length of time.

Moving may seem a little extreme, but it depends on the circumstances. For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, near the Ohio border, it may be worth relocating a few miles away to save money on tuition, especially if you are single and free to move without impacting the lives of others in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest NP program I can get?

The most affordable online program is the online FNP program at Winston-Salem University, which costs $215.11 per credit for North Carolina residents. 

The most affordable programs without a residency requirement are the PNP program at the University of Nevada, Reno, at $344.25 per credit, and the FNP program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, which is estimated at $460 per credit.

Another interesting option is the FNP program at the University of the Cumberlands. This online program offers a unique One Price Promise of $539 per credit, which includes tuition, fees, and books, making it easier to determine the overall cost.

Are online NP programs cheaper than campus ones?

In theory, online programs may be cheaper than on-campus programs because they eliminate certain costs and require fewer resources from the university. That said, it really depends on the university or college. You will find on-campus programs at some universities that are more affordable than online programs at others.

Can I still get a quality education in a low-cost NP program?

Yes, you can still get a quality education in a low-cost NP program. As mentioned above, one of the most important things to do is to make sure that the program is accredited. 

Accredited programs should meet all of the requirements for certification exams and state licensing, but it can still be beneficial to make sure that the program you’re considering meets the minimum number of clinical hours required for your specialization, which is generally 500 to 600 hours. That said, programs that offer more clinical hours can help you better prepare for independent practice because you have more time interacting with patients face-to-face before you sit for exams, apply for your license, and begin practicing.

Do low-cost NP programs prepare me for certification and licensure?

If the programs are accredited, yes. Accredited programs should meet all the qualifications for certification and licensure; however, it is best to verify this with each program you are considering.

Another thing you can do to determine the quality of a program, regardless of how much it costs, is to look at its exam pass rates. Schools with high exam pass rates will typically be very forthcoming with this information, with many even displaying their pass rates directly on their program websites. There is no target pass rate that schools must meet; generally, they only have to meet or exceed the national average. However, if graduates of a specific program achieve a 100% first-time pass rate on the exam, it can indicate the high quality of the program, regardless of its cost.

How long does a cheap NP program take to complete?

All NP programs generally take between three and five years to complete, depending on specialty and whether you attend full- or part-time.

Next Steps for Prospective NP Students

If you’re interested in pursuing an NP degree and looking for some direction for what to do next, here are some steps to consider. 

Vet programs you are interested in. 

Remember, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a program is whether it is accredited. If you are considering out-of-state programs, verify that the program meets the licensing requirements for the state where you intend to practice. You should also research where clinical experiences are held, as you need to ensure you have an RN license that allows you to practice in that state. 

Consider the program’s total cost, including tuition. Most of the overall cost is likely to be tuition, but many schools have additional fees that can substantially increase the price. It is possible that a program that costs a little more per credit may ultimately prove to be more affordable in the long run.

Another thing to consider is admission requirements. Each program is a little different. For example, some adult or pediatric acute care programs may require experience in a high-acuity unit, like an emergency room or an ICU. Another example is GRE scores. Most MSN programs do not require GRE scores, but some may. In certain cases, submitting scores with your application, even though they are not required, may help your application stand out.

Use tools and other resources to help you. 

Here are some resources you might find helpful: 

• CCNE program verification
• ACEN program verification
• AANP certification information
• ANCC certification information
• Contact information for state nursing boards

Compare, contrast, and apply strategically

Staying organized can help you determine which program is the best for you, whether you’re looking for the most affordable option or one that delivers the best value. Some programs do not make it easy to find information, so you may need to request specific details from some to get a better picture. You can also contact schools directly to inquire about scholarship opportunities or to learn if they offer teaching assistantships. Getting in touch with the schools directly can also be a way to identify red flags, such as an overly aggressive sales pitch, vague answers to specific questions, or a lack of support. 

When applying, it can be best to apply to one or two schools that are your top picks and then two or three other programs that also meet your goals. Make sure you know the application deadlines and apply early, as it can mean you receive a decision about whether you’ve been accepted sooner. 

Choosing a program to help you meet your career goals should not be done on a whim or left until the last minute. Take your time, gather as much information as possible, and apply strategically to help you achieve the outcome you’re looking for.