Indiana DNP Programs

Raychel Ria

Written by Raychel Ria

Agramon-Gacayan, BSN, RN, MPM

Updated & Fact Checked: 01.27.2025

A Doctorate in Nursing Practice provides nurses with advanced knowledge and skills, allowing them to take the helm of leadership, education, and advanced practice roles. Compared to a Master of Science in Nursing degree, a DNP also provides a wider range of career options. If you’re looking to achieve the work and financial opportunities that a DNP affords, the first step is to learn more about the DNP programs listed below.

DNP Programs in Indiana

Nurses based in Indiana, as well as other states, may get their terminal degree at any of the accredited institutions in the state.

Indiana BSN to DNP Programs

BSN-educated nurses who prefer hybrid DNP education may obtain their degree at any of these three universities:

Indiana University

  • Multiple locations
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid 

Credit Hours: 66

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $735 per credit for 66 credits — $48,510 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Indiana U’s full-time hybrid taught by experienced faculty members. Coursework is done online, while hands-on lab experiences are held at the Fairbanks Simulation Center. There are six tracks available, namely AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, and PMHNP. The course may be completed in 3 years.

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Marian University

  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 76-78

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $12,945 per semester

Program Overview:
Marian U’s DNP program is for nurses who are looking to attain advanced clinical or leadership roles. The hybrid program delves into core subjects such as advanced patient care, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership. The available FNP and CRNA tracks can be completed in 3 years.

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Purdue University

  • West Lafayette, Indiana
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 66 minimum

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Resident Tuition: $11,243 per year

Non-resident Tuition: $32,393 per year

Program Overview:
Purdue’s BSN-DNP program ensures comprehensive learning through the incorporation of Graduate Nursing Core thematic areas, APRN core courses, Specialty core courses, and other DNP essentials. Students need to finish at least post-BSN clinical hours to complete the course. Tracks offered include AGPCNP, PMHNP, FNP, and PNP (Primary Care).

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University of Saint Francis

  • Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 73

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $750 per credit for 73 credits — $54,750 plus other fees

Program Overview:
USF’s BSN to DNP program grants BSN-educated nurses the opportunity to become FNPs, PMHNPs, AGACNPs, or esteemed nurse leaders. The curriculum requires students to take advanced courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology before choosing from any of the aforementioned tracks. The program takes about 3 years to complete.

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Indiana MSN to DNP Programs

Here are two universities that offer a hybrid DNP education:

Indiana University

  • Multiple locations
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 37-41

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $735 per credit for 37–41 credits — $27,195 to $30,135 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Indiana U’s post-MSN DNP is designed for nurse leaders who want to improve healthcare delivery in their respective organizations. The two tracks offered are Advanced Clinical and Executive Leadership, both of which may be completed in 2–3 years by full-time and part-time students, respectively.

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Purdue University

  • West Lafayette, Indiana
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 40 minimum

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Resident Tuition: $11,243 per year

Non-resident Tuition: $32,393 per year

Program Overview:
Purdue’s post-master DNP is open to APRNs and non-APRNs alike. Students must have completed courses in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology before the start of the program. They can also transfer at least 40 credits from their Master’s degree towards the completion of the degree.

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University of Saint Francis

  • Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Hybrid

Modality: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 34

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $750 per credit for 34 credits — $25,500 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Available to Master’s degree holders, USF’s MSN to DNP program coursework includes Policy and Advocacy, Informatics, Epidemiology, and Health Ethics, to name a few. The required GPA for applicants is 3.2 out of a 4.0 scale. Specialization tracks include FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, and Leadership; full-time students may complete the program in 2–3 years.

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Online DNP Programs in Indiana

Online DNP education is a popular choice amongst nurses with busy personal and work schedules. Several Indiana universities offer such a program based on the nurse’s educational attainment.

Indiana Online BSN to DNP Programs

With courses mostly delivered online, these DNP programs in Indiana offer BSN-educated nurses the opportunity to obtain their degree through distance education.

Ball State University

  • Muncie, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 76-78

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Resident Tuition: $464 per credit for 76–78 credits — $35,264 to $36,192 plus other fees

Non-resident Tuition: $696 per credit for 76–78 credits — $52,896 to $54,288 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Designed for nurses who wish to elevate their careers and improve the state of healthcare, BSU’s online DNP is made to fit the students’ busy schedules. With its complete yet flexible part-time or full-time curriculum, nurses are sure to excel in clinical practice, leadership, and research, to name a few. Cognates offered include FNP, Nurse Executive, and Nurse Educator.

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Indiana State University

  • Terre Haute, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 78

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Resident Tuition: $462 per credit for 78 credits — $36,036 plus other fees

Non-resident Tuition: $909 per credit for 78 credits — $70,902 plus other fees

Program Overview:
ISU’s BSN-DNP program is open to nurses who desire greater autonomy and earnings. The FNP track offers an individualized learning experience, expert faculty, small classes, and a 1:8 faculty-student ratio for project courses. Courses are delivered asynchronously with no set times, enabling nurses to attain their degree despite their hectic schedule. The program may be completed in 28 months.

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Indiana Wesleyan University

  • Marion, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 31-70

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

FNP Tuition: $859 per credit for 31–70 credits — $26,629 to $60,130 plus other fees

PMHNP Tuition: $689 per credit for 31–70 credits — $21,359 to $48,230 plus other fees

Systems Leadership Tuition: $1010 per credit for 31 credits — $31,310 plus other fees

Program Overview:
IWU’s School of Integrative Health offers a variety of DNP options for BSN-educated nurses. These include Systems Leadership, FNP, and PMHNP. Completion time ranges from 24 months (Systems Leadership) to 48 months (FNP). Applicants are required to have a 3.25 GPA to be considered for admission.

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Saint Mary’s College

  • Notre Dame, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Mostly Online

Credit Hours: 84

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $995 per credit for 84 credits — $83,580 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Designed for working professionals, Saint Mary’s DNP program boasts a patient-centered curriculum that creates knowledgeable and highly skilled nurses. Available tracks include AGACNP and FNP; students also have the option to work on an add-on certificate in geriatric neuropsychiatry. The typical completion time is 4 years.

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University of Indianapolis

  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 62

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $806 per credit for 62 credits — $49,972 plus other fees

Program Overview:
UoI’s online BSN-DNP program is designed to help nurses who wish to become FNPs, AGPNPs, or NNPs. The university also has a clinical placement team that can help students identify appropriate placement sites. Nurses can choose to study part-time and full-time options, allowing them to complete the program in 4 and 3 years, respectively.

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University of Southern Indiana

  • Evansville, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 78

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $596.94 per credit for 78 credits — $46,561.32 plus other fees

Program Overview:
USI’s BSN-DNP program is open to nurses who wish to specialize in FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGCNS, or Organizational and Systems Leadership. The doctoral core comprises 48 credits, while the specialty courses consist of 30 units. With its part-time and full-time options, students may complete their DNP course in 4-5 years.

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Valparaiso University

  • Valparaiso, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 70

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $715 per credit for 70 credits — $50,050 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Valparaiso’s BSN-DNP program builds upon the knowledge and experience of its students. Courses are asynchronously offered, while students only need to visit the campus twice for a simulated patient experience and a procedure workshop. The flexible program design allows students to work part-time, yet still enabling them to complete their degree in as short as 3 years.

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Indiana Online MSN to DNP Programs

Here are five universities that offer distance-based MSN-DNP programs to qualified nurses:

Indiana State University

  • Terre Haute, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 37

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Resident Tuition: $462 per credit for 37 credits — $17,094 plus other fees

Non-resident Tuition: $909 per credit for 37 credits — $33,633 plus other fees

Program Overview:
The post-master DNP is designed for nurses who wish to specialize in clinical instruction, research, or leadership. Built upon the competencies of a Master’s prepared nurse, it focuses on evidence-based practice and research and requires the completion of an expertise/interest-aligned DNP project. Full-time students may complete the program in 2–3 years.

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Saint Mary’s College

  • Notre Dame, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Mostly Online

Credit Hours: N/A

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $995 per credit

Program Overview:
SMC’s DNP program is also open to MSN-educated APRNs who wish to specialize in either AGACNP or FNP. The course focuses on critical thinking, effective communication, and data analytics, which is then supplemented with a direct patient clinical care practicum and a DNP practice innovation project.

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University of Indianapolis

  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 31-36

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $806 per credit for 31–36 credits — $49,972 plus other fees

Program Overview:
UoI’s post-master DNP is for nurses who have a Master’s from any field. The curriculum is designed for students who wish to excel in designing, implementing, and evaluating health systems. On top of completing the required course load, students must also finish 500-1000 clinical practicum hours. The degree may be obtained in 6 consecutive semesters.

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University of Southern Indiana

  • Evansville, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 36 

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $596.94 per credit for 36 credits — $21,489.84 plus other fees

Program Overview:
The post-MSN DNP offers APRNs the opportunity to further improve their competencies with its curriculum that combines evidence-based practice with pedagogy, organizational science, and analytics, to name a few. Specialization tracks offered include Organizational & Systems Leadership, AGACNP, AGCNS, FNP, and PMHNP. The program may be completed in 2+ years.

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Valparaiso University

  • Valparaiso, Indiana
  • Online

Modality: Online

Credit Hours: 44

GRE/GMAT Requirement: No

Tuition: $715 per credit for 44 credits — $31,460 plus other fees

Program Overview:
Built around an asynchronous online curriculum, Valparaiso’s post-masters DNP is specially tailored for busy working nurses. With a small student-to-faculty ratio and an evidence-based project that may be completed at the nurse’s workplace, the program can easily accommodate those who wish to obtain their terminal degree. Full-time students may complete the course in 2 years.

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Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Indiana

Shortest BSN to DNP Programs

Indiana Wesleyan’s Systems Leadership DNP is the quickest to finish at 2 years. As for advanced practice DNPs, the shortest program is offered by Indiana State University. Its FNP track takes about 28 months to complete.

Shortest MSN to DNP Programs

The shortest MSN to DNP programs take about 2 years to complete. Here are several universities that offer the said course duration:

  • Indiana University (full-time)
  • Indiana State University (full-time)
  • University of Saint Francis (full-time)
  • Valparaiso University

Best DNP Programs in Indiana

According to the US News & World Report, the best DNP program in Indiana is offered by Purdue University. It is ranked 24th in the country, making it the top school in Indiana. 

Coming in next is Indiana University, which is ranked 85th in the US. The third-best DNP school in Indiana according to the list is the University of Indianapolis, which is ranked 138th in the country.

Cheapest DNP Programs in Indiana

The most affordable BSN-DNP program is offered by Indiana Wesleyan, where tuition fees start at $26,629 plus other fees.

Indiana State’s online MSN-DNP offers the most affordable tuition for residents at $17,094 plus other fees. As for non-residents, the University of Southern Indiana’s MSN-DNP program is the cheapest at $21,489.84 plus other costs.

Indiana Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs

The University of Saint Francis offers an RN/post-ADN to DNP program. Students need to start with a 2-semester sequence, which delivers the BSN coursework that they need to continue with their DNP. The specialization tracks offered are FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP, and Leadership.