The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardized exam that is required by most institutions for graduate admissions. It aims to measure one’s analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.
Preparing for the GRE takes a lot of time, energy, and money, which makes it a boon to nurses who work full-time. Fortunately, there are many NP programs that do not require GRE scores for admission. Here are 29 institutions that have foregone the said qualification:
Our Editorial Process
Every page on NP Programs is written by a credentialed nurse and reviewed for currency at least annually against source-of-truth directories (CCNE, ACEN, ANCC, AANPCB, NCC, PNCB, AACN). Tuition, credits, accreditation status, certification fees, and salary figures are verified directly from the originating institution or government source (BLS OES, BLS OOH). When information is unverified or contradicts the originating source, the program is flagged in our comparison tables rather than removed. Read our full editorial standards.
| No-GRE NP Programs Listed | 29 programs across FNP, PNP, AGNP/AGACNP, and WHNP |
| Tuition Range | ~$10,194/yr to $116,200 total (resident vs. premium online) |
| Typical Completion | 12 to 40 months depending on track and pacing |
| National NP Median Wage | $129,210 per year (BLS, May 2024) |
| Projected Job Growth | 46% from 2023 to 2033 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook) |
| Primary Accreditors | CCNE and ACEN |
2026 Updates
- USC online MSN-FNP program closed: The University of Southern California stopped accepting MSN applications in November 2024. The Spring 2025 cohort was the final cohort. We removed USC from this list.
- Vanderbilt rebranded its WHNP program: The track is now the Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner (WHGRNP) program, with updated curriculum reflecting current women’s and gender-related health practice.
- BLS salary update: National NP median wage rose to $129,210 per year (BLS OES, May 2024 data).
- Projected growth holds at 46%: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 46% growth in NP roles from 2023 to 2033, the second-fastest among all occupations.
- GRE-optional remains the norm: Most CCNE-accredited NP programs continue to waive GRE for applicants meeting GPA and RN-licensure thresholds. Verify each school’s admissions page for current requirements.
No GRE Required Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
A family nurse practitioner or FNP is an advanced-practice nurse who offers primary/preventative care to patients of all ages, from babies to elderly individuals. Given the rising aging population and demand for primary care providers, there is an anticipated 45% growth in the next ten years.
Nurses who wish to take advantage of this clamor may do so at any of the following institutions, sans the need for a GRE score:
Georgetown University
- Washington DC
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 44
Tuition: $42,444 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Georgetown’s FNP runs as a CCNE-accredited online MSN with two on-campus Objective Clinical Intensives and a minimum of 750 clinical hours. The 44-credit curriculum finishes in 24 months at full-time pace and has posted 100% AANP and ANCC first-time pass rates in 2024. Full-time and part-time options are available.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
Tuition: $820 per credit for 48 credits – $39,360 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Lewis runs its 48-credit MSN-FNP from Romeoville, Illinois with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 30 full-time faculty members. Coursework is delivered online and emphasizes diagnosis, health promotion, treatment, and disease prevention across the lifespan. Tuition is $820 per credit.
Maryville University
- Town and Country, Missouri
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Tuition: $35,383 to $66,634 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Maryville offers four no-waitlist FNP pathways: an MSN that finishes in 20 to 32 months, a Doctorate in 36 months, a BSN-to-DNP in 40 months, and a Post-Graduate Certificate. All tracks run 100% online with no campus visits, and clinical placements are arranged at the student’s preferred facility. Tuition runs $900 to $995 per credit. This school’s online DNP is also profiled in our guide to online DNP programs.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Tuition: $995 per credit for 46 credits – $45,770 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Regis runs a 46-credit MSN-FNP that finishes in 28 to 36 months. The program admits applicants from three entry points (Associates to MSN, Non-Nursing Degree to MSN, or BSN to MSN) and offers optional specializations in Gerontology, Psychopharmacology, or Complementary Therapy. Tuition is $995 per credit.
University of Mississippi
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Campus + Online + Hybrid
Modality: On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 50
Resident tuition: $545 per credit for 50 credits – $27,250 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,598.67 per credit for 50 credits – $79,933.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s MSN-FNP runs 50 credits with 630 guided experience hours, available on-campus, online, or hybrid. Individualized study plans accommodate working RNs. Resident tuition is $545 per credit (~$27,250 total); non-resident tuition is $1,598.67 per credit.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Resident tuition: $344.25 per credit for 46 credits – $15,835.50 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $344.25 per credit for 46 credits plus $9,071 – $24,906.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNLV’s MSN-FNP runs 46 credits, structured as 18 core credits plus 27 required courses, with online lectures, on-campus orientation, and supervised clinical rotations. Resident tuition is $344.25 per credit (~$15,836 total) — one of the lowest tuition rates on this list. Non-resident tuition runs ~$24,907.
University of Phoenix
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Campus + Online + In-person
Modality: On-campus and online with a five-day in-person residency
Credit Hours: 48
Tuition: $540 per credit for 48 credits – $25,920 plus other fees
Program Overview:
University of Phoenix’s MSN-FNP runs 48 credits across 11 core courses, paired with a five-day in-person residency that complements online coursework. The program prepares graduates to sit for either the AANP (FNP-C) or ANCC (FNP-BC) certification. Tuition is $540 per credit, ~$25,920 total. This school’s online DNP is also profiled in our guide to online DNP programs.
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Campus + Online + Hybrid
Modality: On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 50
Tuition: $10,194 plus other fees per year
Program Overview:
UT-Chattanooga runs an 83-credit FNP program over 2.5 years or 8 semesters full-time. The 1,050 required clinical hours are intensive, and the school explicitly discourages full-time employment during enrollment. UT-Chattanooga has held a 100% first-time pass rate. Tuition runs roughly $10,194 per year — the lowest among programs on this list.
Xavier University
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 47
Tuition: $704 per credit for 47 credits – $33,088 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Xavier’s online MSN-FNP runs 47 credits with 600 clinical hours and finishes in 2 to 3 years. Both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses are eligible to apply. Tuition is $704 per credit, ~$33,088 total.
No GRE Required Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs
PNPs are APRNs who provide care and education to all types of pediatric patients. Employed by hospitals, ambulatory centers, physician offices, and long-term care facilities, these NPs are in high demand as well.
Nurses who enjoy caring for infants, children, and adolescents should do consider enrolling in any of these no GRE-required PNP programs:
Baylor University
- Waco, Texas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 75
Tuition: $1,150 per credit for 75 credits – $86,250 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Baylor’s online DNP-PNP runs 75 credits and 3 to 4 years depending on track and course load. Both pediatric primary care and acute care concentrations are available. Tuition is $1,150 per credit, ~$86,250 total. This school’s online DNP is also profiled in our guide to online DNP programs.
Duke University
- Durham, North Carolina
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 56
Tuition: $2,075 per credit for 56 credits – $116,200 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Duke runs two online PNP tracks. Primary care places students in clinics, schools, and health departments. Acute care focuses on hospitals, emergency departments, and specialty clinics. Both finish in 2.5 years. The 56-credit program runs $2,075 per credit, $116,200 total.
Northeastern University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41
Tuition: $975 per credit for 41 credits – $39,975 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Northeastern’s online MS-PNP offers two entry points: a traditional track for BSN nurses (primary care or dual primary/acute care) and a direct-entry option for non-BSN graduates. Full-time students finish in two years; part-time in three. The 41-credit program runs $975 per credit.
Rush University
- Chicago, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38-68
Tuition: $1,344 per credit for 38 to 68 credits – $51,072 to $91,392 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rush runs online DNP tracks in pediatric acute care (part-time only, 2 to 3.75 years) and pediatric primary care (full or part-time, 2 to 3.5 years). Cohorts run 27 to 30 students. Credit load varies from 38 to 68 by entry point. Tuition is $1,344 per credit.
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 12 (minimum)
Tuition: $56,262 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UPenn’s on-campus PNP runs 12 to 16 months. Primary care emphasizes pediatric wellness services; acute care covers acute, chronic, critical care, and oncology. Recent first-time pass rates are 90% for acute care and 81% for primary care. Tuition is $56,262 per year.
No GRE Required Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners render care to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. There are two tracks available for AGNPs, one of which is primary care. Below are five institutions that offer such a program without a GRE admission requirement:
Adelphi University
- Garden City, New York
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Tuition: $885 per credit or 45 credits – $39,825 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Adelphi’s online MSN-AGPCNP is open to New York-licensed RNs and finishes in three years or less. The 45-credit program runs in small cohorts taught by NP faculty, with coursework grounded in diagnosis, assessment, and health promotion. Tuition is $885 per credit, ~$39,825 total.
Capella University
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Campus + Online
Modality: On-campus and Online
Credit Hours: 64
Tuition: $37,120 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Capella’s MSN-AGPCNP runs 64 credits structured as 9 core courses, 4 specialization courses, and a practicum immersion course. Delivery follows Capella’s Guided Path format, which emphasizes structured faculty mentorship and peer cohort interaction. Total tuition runs ~$37,120. This school’s online DNP is also profiled in our guide to online DNP programs.
Chamberlain University
- Addison, Illinois
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45-48
Tuition: $710 per credit for 45 to 48 credits – $31,950 to $34,080 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Chamberlain runs online AGNP programs in primary care and acute care, both finishable in 3 years (8 semesters). Practicum support helps students secure a preceptor within 100 miles of home. Recent pass rates: 86.36% for primary care, 100% for acute care. Tuition is $710 per credit, $31,950 to $34,080 total. This school’s online DNP is also profiled in our guide to online DNP programs.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48-51
Tuition: $1,450 per credit for 48-51 credits – $69,600 to $73,950 plus other fees
Program Overview:
MGH Institute of Health Professions offers AGNP tracks in primary care and acute care, with the acute track focused on critical care across hospital and specialty settings. The 48-51 credit program runs online and pulls clinical placements from the Boston-area healthcare network. Tuition is $1,450 per credit.
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48-51
Tuition: $22,599 – $29,160 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Wilkes offers three entry paths into AG-PCNP: an RN-to-MSN bridge, a traditional MSN, and a post-graduate certificate. The 48-51 credit online program is among the most affordable AGNP options on this list, with total tuition running $22,599 to $29,160. This school’s online DNP is also profiled in our guide to online DNP programs.
No GRE Required ACNP Programs
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners may also specialize in acute care, which focuses on the provision of immediate care to sick patients. NPs who wish to pursue this high-intensity track may do so at any of these no GRE-required ACNP programs:
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
Tuition: $668 per credit for 40 credits – $26,720 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ohio University’s online AG-ACNP MSN runs 40 credits with 450 practicum hours. The program has appeared on US News & World Report’s best online master’s lists. Tuition is $668 per credit, ~$26,720 total — a strong value among AG-ACNP programs nationally.
Pace University
- New York, New York
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 49
Tuition: $1,460 per credit for 49 credits – $71,540 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Pace’s hybrid AG-ACNP MSN trains New York-licensed nurses for adult acute care across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialty clinics. Clinical rotations run through Pace’s network of 200 partner institutions, and individualized study plans accommodate prior coursework. The 49-credit program runs $1,460 per credit.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- Standish, Maine
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
Tuition: $28,686 to $33,792 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Saint Joseph’s online MSN in AG-ACNP runs 48 credits with practicum rotations in hospitals, emergency departments, and clinics. A post-master’s certification track is available for credentialed MSN nurses adding the AG-ACNP focus. Total tuition runs $28,686 to $33,792.
University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 65
Tuition: $1,460 per credit for 49 credits – $71,540 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNM’s hybrid DNP in AG-ACNP runs 8 consecutive terms over three years. The curriculum includes 65 coursework credits, 300 system thinking credits, 50 simulation hours, and 750 clinical hours across inpatient and outpatient placements. The program’s recent acute care certification pass rate is 100%.
University of Virginia
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 43-44
Resident tuition: $21,302 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $34,788 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UVA’s on-campus AG-ACNP comes in three exit paths: certificate, MSN, and DNP. The 43-44 credit MSN curriculum splits into 23-24 core units, 10 diagnostic and management course units, and 10 practicum units. Resident tuition is $21,302; non-resident $34,788.
No GRE Required WHNP Programs
WHNPs provide specialized care to women across all lifespans. They provide pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, and well-women exams, to name a few.
RNs who wish to dabble in this advanced practice track may skip the GRE requirement by choosing any of these five programs:
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online + Campus
Modality: On-Campus and Online
Credit Hours: 49
Tuition: $918 per credit for 49 credits – $44,982 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Carlow’s on-campus and online MSN in Women’s Health (now branded as Women’s Health Gender Related Nurse Practitioner) runs 49 credits with 600 clinical hours, finishable in as little as 28 months. Full-time and part-time pacing are available, and study-abroad opportunities are open to interested students. Tuition is $918 per credit, ~$44,982 total.
Texas Woman’s University
- Denton, Texas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 46
Tuition: $26,986.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Texas Woman’s University’s online MSN-WHNP runs 18 core credits plus 28 specialty credits over two years at full-time pace, with 780 required clinical hours. Total tuition runs ~$26,987.
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Tuition: $594 per credit for 45 credits – $26,730 plus other fees
Program Overview:
University of South Alabama’s online MSN-WHNP centers on women’s health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. Alongside didactic coursework, students attend a clinical skills intensive that covers women’s health procedures hands-on. The 45-credit program runs $594 per credit, ~$26,730 total.
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus days
Credit Hours: 80
Resident tuition: $22,986 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $53,172 plus other fees
Program Overview:
University of Utah’s DNP-WHNP combines online coursework with on-campus simulations and clinical rotations through Salt Lake City-area institutions. The 80-credit program runs $22,986 for residents and $53,172 for non-residents.
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
Tuition: $1,997 per credit for 40 credits – $79,880 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Vanderbilt’s MSN-WHNP track (now branded as the Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program) prepares nurses to deliver primary healthcare to women across the lifespan. The curriculum is outlined with specialty courses that focus on the provision of women’s services, such as pregnancy management, family planning, and STI infection diagnosis and treatment, to name a few.
No-GRE NP Program Comparison
The 29 programs at a glance — modality, credit load, and tuition pulled from each school’s published data. Confirm current figures with the school before applying.
| School | Specialty | Modality | Credits | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | FNP | Online | 44 | $42,444 total |
| Lewis University | FNP | Online | 48 | $820/credit · ~$39,360 |
| Maryville University | FNP | Online | 46 | $900–$995/credit · $35K–$67K |
| Regis College | FNP | Online | 46 | $995/credit · ~$45,770 |
| U of Mississippi MC | FNP | Hybrid | 50 | $545/credit (resident) · $1,599 (non) |
| UNLV | FNP | Online | 46 | $344/credit · ~$15,836 (resident) |
| University of Phoenix | FNP | Hybrid | 48 | $540/credit · ~$25,920 |
| UT-Chattanooga | FNP | Hybrid | 50 | ~$10,194/year |
| Xavier University | FNP | Online | 47 | $704/credit · ~$33,088 |
| Baylor University | PNP | Online | 75 | $1,150/credit · ~$86,250 |
| Duke University | PNP | Online | 56 | $2,075/credit · ~$116,200 |
| Northeastern University | PNP | Online | 41 | $975/credit · ~$39,975 |
| Rush University | PNP | Online | 38-68 | $1,344/credit · $51K–$91K |
| U of Pennsylvania | PNP | On-campus | 12 (minimum) | ~$56,262/year |
| Adelphi University | AGPCNP | Online | 45 | $885/credit · ~$39,825 |
| Capella University | AGPCNP | Hybrid | 64 | ~$37,120 total |
| Chamberlain University | AGPCNP | Online | 45-48 | $710/credit · $32K–$34K |
| MGH Institute | AGPCNP | Online | 48-51 | $1,450/credit · $69K–$74K |
| Wilkes University | AGPCNP | Online | 48-51 | $22,599–$29,160 |
| Ohio University | AGACNP | Online | 40 | $668/credit · ~$26,720 |
| Pace University | AGACNP | Hybrid | 49 | $1,460/credit · ~$71,540 |
| Saint Joseph’s College of Maine | AGACNP | Online | 48 | $28,686–$33,792 |
| U of New Mexico | AGACNP | Hybrid | 65 | Hybrid; varies by residency |
| U of Virginia | AGACNP | On-Campus | 43-44 | $21,302 (resident) · $34,788 (non) |
| Carlow University | WHNP | Hybrid | 49 | $918/credit · ~$44,982 |
| Texas Woman’s University | WHNP | Online | 46 | ~$26,987 total |
| U of South Alabama | WHNP | Online | 45 | $594/credit · ~$26,730 |
| U of Utah | WHNP | Online + intensives | 80 | $22,986 (resident) · $53,172 (non) |
| Vanderbilt University | WHNP | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions About No-GRE NP Programs
Do all NP programs require the GRE?
No. The majority of CCNE- and ACEN-accredited NP programs in the United States no longer require GRE scores for admission. Many waive the requirement entirely; others list it as optional. Programs typically rely instead on cumulative GPA (often 3.0 minimum), an active RN license, references, and professional experience.
What is the difference between GRE not required and GRE optional?
GRE not required means the program never asks for scores; submitting them will not help or hurt. GRE optional or test-optional means scores are welcome and may strengthen a borderline application but are not a barrier to entry. A few programs require the GRE only for applicants below a GPA threshold.
Are no-GRE NP programs lower quality?
No. Many of the top-ranked NP programs in the country, including Duke, the University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt, and Northeastern, admit students without GRE scores. Accreditation by CCNE or ACEN is a far more reliable quality signal than GRE policy.
What do no-GRE NP programs look at instead?
Most weigh a combination of: cumulative GPA from a BSN program (commonly 3.0 or above), active US RN licensure, prerequisites in statistics and nursing research, two to three professional references (often one from a master’s-prepared nurse), a goal statement, and direct nursing experience. Some programs also conduct admissions interviews.
How much do NPs earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $129,210 per year for nurse practitioners (May 2024 data). Pay varies significantly by specialty, geographic region, and practice setting, with acute-care and metropolitan-area NPs earning above the median.
How long does an NP program take?
Most full-time MSN-NP tracks finish in 18 to 24 months. Part-time tracks typically take 30 to 40 months. BSN-to-DNP pathways run 36 to 48 months full-time. Post-master’s NP certificates can be completed in as little as 12 months for nurses who already hold an MSN.