The Nurse Practitioner role is an alternative to going to medical school and becoming a physician. While currently nurses can be certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner after obtaining an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree and passing the national certification exam, there are a number of reasons to pursue a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree.
The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing that typically leads to practice-focused careers, but also to leadership, executive or administrative roles. There are several practice-focused DNP roles available to a DNP degree holder. As well, the DNP has been suggested by the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) as the required degree for APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) as of 2020. In fact, some nursing schools have ended their MSN FNP programs in preparation for this recommended change.
Careers in Advanced Nursing Roles
As noted above, obtaining a DNP degree opens the path to a variety of advanced nursing role opportunities. This article looks at the 25 best, most affordable, accredited, online, doctorate-level degrees in nursing-practice-related studies that lead to careers as an advanced nurse practitioner. Some potential job titles or work environments for graduates of such advanced academic programs are shown below. The rankings start after the Methodology section.
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNP)
- Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Clinical Researcher
- Director of Nursing
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Healthcare Management
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nursing Administrator
- Nurse Leader
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner, other (neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric, etc.)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Social Services Programs
- University Professor
Affordable Degrees Ranking Methodology
Data for the colleges listed in this article comes from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center, both maintained by the U.S. Dept of Education.
- Step 1: Query NCES for public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs in “Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.”
- Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS Data Center, of colleges offering online doctorate programs.
- Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
- Step 4: For each institution, add any mandatory graduate fees to the graduate in-state tuition (which is an average of all programs at a given institution), to determine approximate yearly tuition+fees cost.
- Step 5: Sort by estimated in-state cost.
- Step 6: Manually verify that an institution actually has one or more online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in the above topics.
NOTE: Actual tuition for a doctorate in nurse practitioner studies at a given institution may vary greatly from their institutional graduate average. Verify all costs before applying to any college/ university.
Best, Most Affordable Online Doctorate Programs in Family Practice Nursing Studies
25. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
University of Central Florida (UCF, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It serves students on 14 campuses and regional campuses, and online.
CMU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 220 degrees at all levels. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice with three pathways:
- BSN to DNP with three tracks:
- Adult/ Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult/ Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Post-Master’s DNP with two tracks:
- Advanced Practice Nurse
- Nurse Executive
- RN/ Non-Nursing Bachelor’s to DNP
Delivered by the College of Nursing, this is a best-value, 42- to 76-credit, hybrid DNP degree program of 5 to 12 semesters (dependent on track) accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Students can choose between part- or full-time study options for most of the available pathways/ tracks. Credit requirements vary by track, most of which have online courses and in-person requirements such as local clinicals (420 to 1080 hours). The cheap DNP degree program prepares individuals for advanced roles in nursing, whether in practice, executive roles, administration, education, etc.
Sample courses include: Nursing Environment Management; Epidemiology Principles in Advanced Practice Nursing; Evidence Based Practice Development.
Alternatives: PhD in Nursing; grad certificates in Nursing (various).
- In-state: $ 8,872 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 27,715 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (10 Most Innovative Colleges; Best Graduate Nursing Programs); USA Today; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actress Cheryl Hines; Blair Witch Project horror filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez
- #students: 68,475
- #grads: 9654
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
24. Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, Colorado
Colorado Mesa University (CMU, est. 1925) is a public institution serving students online and on three campuses – one of which houses a community college.
CMU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) emphasis.
Delivered by the Department of Health Sciences, this is a low-priced, 78-credit, hybrid degree program, with online courses and local or regional clinicals (1,000+ hours; 80% in primary care settings). Nurses seeking evidence-based, advanced nursing practice roles as either a family nurse practitioner (FNP) or nurse leader may find this program of interest.
Sample courses include: Evidence-Based Practice; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing.
- In-state: $ 9,540 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 14,040 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Colleges West; Top Public Schools)
- Notable alumni: Fantasy author, entrepreneur and TV producer Steve Hillard, who wrote a novel about Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien
- #students: 9,492
- #grads: 127
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
23. Boise State University
Boise, Idaho
Boise State University (BSU, est. 1932) is a member of the Idaho State Board of Education. Originally founded by the Episcopal Church, it is currently public and serves students on this campus and at various learning centers through educational partnerships.
BSU offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership.
Delivered by the CCNE-accredited School of Nursing within the College of Health Sciences, this is a hybrid, cohort-model degree program with online courses, plus in-person/ on-campus requirements, including orientation and executive sessions, and clinicals (1,000+ hours). Topics covered include advocacy, information systems, leadership theory, population health, and more. The inexpensive online degree program welcomes applications from both qualified nurses holding a master’s degree (including APRNs, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, etc.), as well as holders of master’s in “public administration, business, education, health care administration, social work” and other fields.
Sample courses include: Advanced Principles of Population Health Nursing; Designing Models of Health Care Delivery; Health Care Policy and Advocacy. A “Scholarly Project” is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 9,194 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 25,276 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Most Innovative Schools; National Universities; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Author William Anderson (BAT-21, later a movie); actor Earl Boen (Seinfeld, The Wonder Years); director Michael Hoffman
- #students: 25,504
- #grads: 3,471
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
22. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE, est. 1957) is a public institution and a member of the Southern Illinois University System. Students participate online and at multiple campuses/ learning centers, with the main campus being one of the largest in the United States by acreage.
SIUE offers low-priced bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid degree program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with three specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP; Nurse Anesthesia (NA); Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP).
Delivered by the School of Nursing, this is a cheap 30- to 80-credit, hybrid/ blended degree program with mostly online classes, on-campus immersions, and in-person clinicals, and part- and full-time study options. In-person requirements and credits vary by specialization choice. Potential work environments include private practices, community healthcare centers, clinics, and more.
Sample courses include: Advanced Human Physiology; Advanced Human Pathophysiology. The curriculum includes practicums and a Doctoral Project.
Alternatives: DNP/ MBA dual degree option.
- In-state: $ 9,030 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 9,030 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT Into Diversity (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity); Princeton Review; President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Value Schools); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Comediennes Stephine Weir (MADtv) and Kathleen Madigan; civil rights figure Thelma Mothershed-Wair; Wilco lead singer Jeff Tweedy
- #students: 13,281
- #grads: 2,448
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
21. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU, est. 1884) is a public institution and a member of the University of Louisiana System. The student population leans to female (nearly 3/4 of students), and around 1/3 of all students are over 25 years of age.
NSU offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two concentrations: APRN to DNP Leadership (for APRNs); Organizational Systems Leadership (for non-APRNs).
Delivered by the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, this is a high-value 38- to 42-credit, hybrid, clinical doctoral degree program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). It requires an MSN for admission, and a minimum 1,000 clinical hours. Students gain advanced, specialized skills in evidence-based nursing practice, as well as leadership skills.
Sample courses include: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice; Organizational Theory and Systems Leadership; Epidemiology. A “Scholarly Project” is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 8,909 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 19,697 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Bachelor’s Programs; Business Programs; Regional Universities South; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Joe Delaney (NFL running back and Presidential Citizens Medal winner); Mary Evelyn Parker (first female state treasurer of Louisiana); Darryl Willis (BP spokesperson for Deepwater Horizon oil spill claims and now a VP with Google Cloud’s new oil, gas, and energy division)
- #students: 11,081
- #grads: 1,087
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20. Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, Louisiana
Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU, est. 1925) is a public institution and a member of the University of Louisiana System. It serves students at the main campus and several learning centers.
SLU offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: BSN-DNP (FNP); Post-MSN.
Delivered by the School of Nursing, this is a best-value 39- to 70-credit, blended degree program, with primarily online coursework, plus on-campus/ in-person experiences including clinicals. This economical degree program will appeal to individuals with experience as an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse), including clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse executive, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner.
Sample courses include: Scholarly Foundations for Advance Practice; Epidemiology; Health Informatics.
- In-state: $ 8,781 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 21,259 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Top Performers on Social Mobility); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Good Morning America (ABC) anchor Robin Roberts; jazz musician Bill Evans
- #students: 14,298
- #grads: 967
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
19. Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Wilmington University (WilmU, est. 1968) is a private, nonprofit institution. It is a commuter college serving students online and at multiple locations in the states of Delaware and New Jersey.
WilmU offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degree programs. It has one high-value online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with multiple pathways: Traditional (Advanced Practice or Leadership); accelerated MSN to DNP; combined DNP with post-masters NP certificate.
Delivered by the College of Health Professions, this is a cheap 33- to 45-credit, hybrid degree program offering a choice of 100% online or weekend hybrid (for classes), and in-person clinicals. Accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), the inexpensive degree program offers several customization options, including full- and part-time studies, as well as an NP certificate add-on available in three practice specialties: Family; Adult-Gerontology Primary Care; and Psychiatric Mental Health. Potential careers for graduates including Assistant Professor of Nursing; Chief Nursing Officer; Director of Nursing.
Sample courses include: Bioethics for Advanced Nursing Practice; Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Population Health. A DNP Project is part of the curriculum.
Alternatives: PhD to DNP pathway; combined DNP degree and post-masters NP certificate; dual degree option DNP with MBA Healthcare Administration.
- In-state: $ 8,636 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 8,636 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes magazine; U.S. News & World Report (2019: National Universities); Washington Monthly;
- Notable alumni: Former NRA president John Sigler; professional soccer player Anthony Allison
- #students: 14,786
- #grads: 5,744
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
18. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
University of Southern Mississippi (USM, est. 1910) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Originally a teacher training school, it serves students online and on two campuses.
USM offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Delivered by the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice, this is a high-value 34-credit, hybrid degree program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). It is expected to take five semesters, and consists of online courses, campus visits (one per didactic course per semester), with local clinical experiences. Potential career environments for graduates include health clinics (federally-qualified), primary care clinics, advanced nursing education.
Sample courses include: Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing; Methods for Evaluating Evidence Based Practice; Practice Inquiry I: Information Systems and Technology. A DNP Project is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 8,624 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 10,624 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Singer/ songwriter Jimmy Buffet (possibly best known for Margaritaville); Hall-of-Fame football player Brett Favre; celebrity chef Cat Cora
- #students: 14,509
- #grads: 2,589
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
17. University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
University of Arkansas (UARK, est. 1871) is a public institution and a member of the University of Arkansas System. Students participate on campus and online, with nearly half of students taking one or more courses online.
UARK offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid degree programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways: MSN to DNP; BSN to DNP, with two concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).
Delivered by the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing within the College of Education and Health Professions, this is a low-priced, hybrid, CCNE-accredited degree program, with online course work for both tracks, with some campus visits required, and local clinicals. The BSN track requires 1,035 clinical hours and takes four years, while the MSN track requires 500 clinical hours and takes two years FT, three years PT. (Credit requirements are a maximum of 78, BSN tracks.) The inexpensive degree program prepares nurses with the advanced practice skills for either a clinical focus or a leadership role.
Sample courses include: Health Care Policy; Healthcare Informatics; Healthcare Economics and Finance.
- In-state: $ 8,612 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 21,526 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report; Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Jerry Jones, owner of NFL’s Dallas Cowboys football team; William Fulbright, senator and namesake of the Fulbright Scholarships
- #students: 27,778
- #grads: 4,392
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
16. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Liberty University (LU, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, unaffiliated Evangelical Christian institution. It is one of the world’s largest private Christian universities, and was founded by noted televangelist Dr. Jerry Falwell.
LU offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid degree program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways: Post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP/ FNP; Post-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP. The BSN pathway has two tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH).
Delivered by the School of Nursing, this is a cheap, 41- to 78-credit, CCNE-accredited degree program requiring at least two years, with online courses and on-campus/ in-person requirements, including clinicals. The economical DNP degree program builds on several skill areas, including clinical prevention, policy, population health and more.
Sample courses include: Advanced Nursing Research; Theoretical Application for Advanced Practice Nursing; Informatics, Technology & Trends for Transforming Healthcare.
Alternatives: Graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- In-state: $ 8,333 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 8,333 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA; Engineering Programs – schools with no doctorate; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs)
- Notable alumni: Rashad Jennings, former NFL football player and Dancing with the Stars contestant
- #students: 79,152
- #grads: 33,217
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
15. University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
University of South Alabama (USA/ South, est. 1963) is a public institution serving students at three campuses and online.
USA offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 100 programs in total. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with three pathway options: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP for Advanced Nursing Practice Roles; MSN to DNP Bridge Program for Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNL) to Executive Nursing Administration (ENA).
Delivered by the College of Nursing (part of the academic-centric USA Health System), this is a top-value, 24- to 87-credit, hybrid DNP degree program, with online courses plus on-campus or in-person requirements, including practicum/ clinical hours. The program has specialty certification in 15 areas, and five sub-specialty areas. Combined, this is more degree customization options than most other competing DNP programs, offering a considerable choice of specialization. See site for specialization and curriculum details. A DNP project is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 8,156 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 16,112 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Track and Field athlete and civil rights activist Jessie Tompkins
- #students: 14,834
- #grads: 4,541
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
14. California State University-Fresno
Fresno, California
California State University-Fresno (Fresno State, est. 1911) is a public institution and a member of the California State University System. Originally founded as a teacher training school, Fresno State is both an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) – with over half of whole student body is LatinX (in two subcategories) – and an AANAPISI (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution).
Fresno State offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP.
Delivered by the School of Nursing within the College of Health and Human Services, this is a low-cost 36- to 109-credit, hybrid DNP degree program, with online courses, on-campus intensives, and 1,000 hours of local clinical practice, taking five semesters or longer. The affordable DNP degree program is a collaboration with San Jose State University, and is suited to nurses wanting to build advanced skills in leadership, practice, or teaching. (Fresno State is currently in the application process for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.)
Sample courses include: The Role of Diversity and Social Issues in Healthcare; Leadership and Professional Responsibility in Complex Healthcare; Technology, Informatics, and Data Management in the Transformation of Healthcare. A Doctoral project is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 8,021 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 17,525 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine (America’s Top Colleges); Money Magazine (Best Value); U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Top Performers on Social Mobility; National Universities; Top Public Schools); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Actor Robert Beltran (Star Trek: Voyager); film director Sam Peckinpah
- #students: 25,137
- #grads: 3,012
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
13. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Indiana State University (ISU, est. 1865) is a public institution serving students on campus and online. Currently, about a quarter of the student population are in minority categories.
ISU offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Delivered by the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, this is a low-priced, 39-credit, hybrid DNP degree program that is fully accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). No dissertation is required, although a scholarly project is part of the curriculum, as is 1,000 hours of clinical experience (although some waiver conditions may apply). Typical work environments for graduates include hospitals and medical centers, physicians’ offices, public health offices, research facilities, etc.
Sample courses include: Epidemiology; Organizational Informatics; Community Health Planning.
- In-state: $ 7,616 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 14,762 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; Princeton Review (Best in the Midwest); President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; U.S. News & World Report (Best Grad Schools – Nursing); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Willa Brown, the first African-American woman to become a commercial pilot in the country
- #students: 13,044
- #grads: 2,094
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
12. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
East Carolina University (ECU, est. 1907) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. Originally a teacher training school, ECU serves students on campus and online.
ECU offers top-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with five tracks: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Nurse Anesthesia (NA); Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN); Post-Master’s Nursing Leadership (NL).
Delivered by the College of Nursing, this is a minimum 36-credit, hybrid DNP degree program accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Some of the available tracks are for a BSN to DNP pathway, while others are for MSN holders, with credit requirements, clinical hours and program timelines varying based on selected track and choice of full- or part-time studies, as available. Graduates of this inexpensive DNP degree program have collectively pursued a range of advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles, including nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner in various specialties, such as family, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric, etc.
Sample courses include: Health Care Finance; Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice; Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development for Excellence3in Practice, Policy, and Ethics.
- In-state: $ 7,485 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 20,634 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT into Diversity; Princeton Review; Social Mobility Index; U.S. News & World Report (Center of Excellence in Nursing Education; Best Online Master of Science in Nursing Program; Best Online Master of Science in Nursing Program for Veterans); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Vince and Linda McMahon, husband and wife owners of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE); actresses Emily Procter (CSI: Miami) and Sandra Bullock
- #students: 28,718
- #grads: 5,647
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
11. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. It is considered a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars.
UNCW offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways: MSN-DNP (with two concentrations: Nurse Executive Leadership; Post-APRN); BSN-DNP (with two concentrations: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner).
Delivered by the School of Nursing within the College of Health and Human Services, this is a low-cost, 36- to 70-credit, hybrid DNP degree program with online courses and on-campus and in-person requirements (including multiple orientation days, and DNP Project presentation). The degree timeline is a minimum of five semesters. This program may be of interest to nurses interested in advanced roles in nursing education, leadership, informatics, healthcare technology and more.
Sample courses include: Population Health Promotion and Clinical Epidemiology; Genomics for Advanced Practice Nursing. A DNP project may be required.
- In-state: $ 7,367 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 21,196 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Fiske Guide to Colleges; Forbes Magazine; Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (Best Public College Values); Military Times; Princeton Review (Best Colleges Southeastern); U.S. News & World Report (Most Innovative Public Universities – South; Best Regional Universities – South; Best Graduate School Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Authors Martha Cheney and Lavonne Adams.
- #students: 16,747
- #grads: 2,295
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10. Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, Texas
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC, est. 1947) is a public institution and a member of the Texas A&M University System, although it was originally founded as a private Baptist institution.
TAMU-CC offers low-priced bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) with two tracks: Nurse Practitioner (NP); Executive Leadership (ExL).
Delivered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, this is a cheap, 40-credit, hybrid DNP degree program accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). The economical degree program provides the skills and experience necessary for advanced practice, administrative or leadership roles in nursing.
Sample courses include: Health Policy and Economics of Advanced Practice; Epidemiology and Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice; Genomics in Health Care. The curriculum includes a DNP project, as well as local practicum hours.
- In-state: $ 7,328 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 16,180 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine (Top 20 Colleges for Hispanics in Texas); U.S. News & World Report (National Universities); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Screenwriter/ producer Kim Henkel, co-writer of the horror film classic Texas Chain Saw Massacre with screenwriter/ director Tobe Hooper; actress Cassandra Jean Whitehead, wife of actor Stephen Amell, who played superhero Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen on the TV series Arrow
- #students: 11,929
- #grads: 2,153
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
9. Delta State University
Cleveland, Mississippi
Delta State University (DSU, est. 1924) is a public institution and a member of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Originally founded as a teacher’s college, it serves students on campus and online.
DSU offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one high-value
online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with four tracks: RN-DNP; BSN-DNP; Post-Masters (Non-FNP); Post-Master’s FNP-DNP.
Delivered by the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, this is a hybrid DNP degree program with online courses and on-campus/ in-person experiences, including clinicals (completed in Mississippi or Arkansas). A choice of part- or full-time study option is available for some tracks. Credit requirements range from 31cr for the FNP-DNP degree track, up to 107cr for the RN-DNP, with timelines of 1.5-4.5 years. Non-FNP clinical requirements are 1,020 hours. All students complete a 420-hour clinical/ scholarly project. Non-FNP students will be prepared by this program to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
Sample courses include: Advanced Theory and Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice; Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theory, Design and Methods; Epidemiology/ Population Health.
- In-state: $ 7,246 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 7,246 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Regional Universities South; Top Performers on Social Mobility; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs)
- Notable alumni: Ambassador Jeanette Hyde (President Clinton administration); MLB World Series Champion Eli Whiteside, catcher for the San Francisco Giants baseball team
- #students: 3,715
- #grads: 640
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
8. Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Georgia College and State University (GC, est. 1889) is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It was originally founded as a women’s teacher training school and became coed in 1967.
GC offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Delivered by the School of Nursing within the College of Health Sciences, this is a budget friendly, 37-credit, hybrid, post-Master’s degree program expected to take at least five semesters full-time, and accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). It has online courses with on-campus requirements (including 1-week on-site immersion per year), and in-person clinicals. The program’s primary goal is to prepare nurses to be “clinical leaders” in the delivery of health care.
Sample courses include: Epidemiology; Informatics; Health Care Finance and Economics DNP. A capstone project is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 7,206 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 20,508 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities South; Best Colleges for Veterans; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online MBA Programs; Best Online Graduate Business Programs – Excluding MBA)
- Notable alumni: Writer/ novelist Flannery O’Connor; urban fantasy novelist Sherrilyn Keynon; actress Tanvi Lonkar (Slumdog Millionaire)
- #students: 6,989
- #grads: 1,031
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
7. University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
University of Texas at Tyler (UTT, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the University of Texas System, serving students at four campuses and learning centers, plus online.
UTT offers low-priced bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees (over 80 in total), plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: Clinical Practice; Leadership.
Delivered by the School of Nursing within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, this is an inexpensive 45-credit, hybrid DNP degree program with online classes, campus residencies (orientations, summer week-long, workshops, intensives), and local clinicals (1,000 hours, including MSN clinical experiences gained). Experience and skills gained include: advanced, evidence-based healthcare practice; health data analysis and visualization; care quality improvement; financial-based decision-making, etc.
Sample courses include: Introduction to DNP Role and Culture; Advanced Epidemiology; Population Health within a Context of Culture.
- In-state: $ 7,126 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 15,028 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans)
- Notable alumni: Michael Lujan, founder/ owner of Mentoring Minds, which produces learning/ educator resources for critical thinking.
- #students: 10,206
- #grads: 2,873
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
6. Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana
Montana State University (MSU, est. 1893) is a public institution and a member of the Montana University System. It has had notable faculty in the past, including writer/ novelists Richard Brautigan and Robert Pirsig, and actors Peter Fonda and Bill Pullman.
MSU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one affordable online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), with two specialty options: Nurse Practitioner, Family/ Individual (NPF/I); Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/ Mental Health (NPP/MH).
Delivered by the College of Nursing, this is a top-value, 41- to 83-credit, hybrid DNP degree program. While courses are primarily online, supplemental content is delivered via teleconference and video conference, and there is some residency at the start of each Fall semester. Clinicals are completed locally, and part-time study options are available. Graduates will be prepared for the professional nurse practitioner certification exam.
Sample courses include: Health Care Informatics; Design of Healthcare Delivery Systems; Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership. A DNP Scholarly Project is also part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 6,559 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 19,629 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; U.S. News & World Report (National Universities; Top Public Schools; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Photographers Jennifer Graylock and Kevin Michael Connolly
- #students: 16,814
- #grads: 1,963
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
5. University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas (UCA, est. 1907) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school.
UCA offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two tracks: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP
Delivered by the School of Nursing, this is a cheap, 32- to 73-credit, hybrid DNP degree program, with online courses, possible campus meetings for courses with a clinical component, other on-campus intensives, plus any additional clinical hours required to meet the 1,000-hour minimum (post-BSN). Both tracks are part-time. The BSN track is for nurses seeking FNP certification, while the MSN track is suited to nurses seeking advanced career opportunities.
Sample courses include: Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice; Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice; Healthcare Quality and Organizational Systems for Advanced Nursing Practice. A DNP Project is part of the curriculum.
- In-state: $ 6,238 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 11,045 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities South; Best Online Graduate Education Programs; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
- Notable alumni: NBA Hall-of-Famer Scottie Pippen; actors Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers) and James Bridges
- #students: 11,177
- #grads: 1,752
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, Nevada
University of Nevada-Reno (UNR, est. 1874) is a public institution and a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Located in a popular destination, the region offers students who do visit many entertainment and extracurricular activity options.
UNR offers affordable bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one cheap online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways: Post-Master’s (with two tracks: Advanced Practice Nurse; Nurse Executive); BSN to DNP (with three tracks: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP))
Delivered by the Orvis School of Nursing, this is an inexpensive, 30- to 76-credit, hybrid program. The Post-Master’s tracks offer online courses, and the BSN tracks have primarily online courses. Both low-cost degree programs have on-campus requirements (orientation, etc.) and in-person clinicals. Both pathways have fulltime and parttime study options. Students choose the track most suited to their career goals.
Sample courses include: Analysis of Healthcare Organizations; Economics of Healthcare Delivery; Healthcare Information Systems and Technology. A DNP Project is part of the curriculum.
Alternatives: FNP certificate program.
- In-state: $ 5,575 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 20,047 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Bloomberg Businessweek (top MBA programs); Forbes Magazine (Best Colleges); U.S. News & World Report Top Public Schools; National Universities; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Pulitzer Prize winners Ron Einstoss (1966 Watts Riot coverage) and Kristen Go (1998 Columbine High School shootings coverage)
- #students: 21,463
- #grads: 3,533
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
3. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
New Mexico State University (NMSU, est. 1888) is a public institution and a member of the New Mexico State University System. It is recognized as an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution), and it serves students on six campuses/ learning centers, plus online. It comes in at #3 on our ranking of online doctorate progams in nursing practice
NMSU offers economical associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways: MSN to DNP; BSN to DNP (two tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Psych/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)).
Delivered by the School of Nursing, this is a low-priced, 32- to 70-credit, hybrid DNP degree program with online courses and in-person requirements (not necessarily limited to clinical hours). This terminal clinical nursing degree program prepares individuals for advanced roles, including working with healthcare experts such as physicians, pharmacists, etc.
Sample courses include: Nursing Informatics; Quality Improvement in Healthcare; Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Alternatives: Post-Master’s APRN certificate program.
- In-state: $ 5,427 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 16,738 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Forbes Magazine; INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine (HEED/ Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award); U.S. News & World Report (Top Public Schools; National Universities; Best Online Graduate Education Programs); Victory Media (Military Friendly School); Washington Monthly
- Notable alumni: Pixar Animation Studios co-founder Alvy Ray Smith; computer scientist/ virtual reality expert Jaron Lanier
- #students: 14,289
- #grads: 2,602
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
2. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Alva, Oklahoma
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU, est. 1897) is a public institution and a member of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. It serves students online and on three campuses, and places #2 on our ranking of online doctorate programs in nursing practice.
NWOSU offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one low cost online/ hybrid program in nurse practitioner studies: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
NWOSU claims to be the only public university with a BSN to DNP program. This is a cheap, hybrid DNP program designed to prepare individuals for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam, and has an emphasis on health care in rural areas. It has a requirement of 1,020 clinical hours and students can choose part- or full-time studies. The university also has an Advanced Placement DNP pathway for nurses with an MSN and who are certified FNPs.
Sample courses include: Advanced Pathophysiology; Policy, Ethics, Economics, and Advanced Nursing Practice; Primary Care of Families- Adult.
- In-state: $ 5,252 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 10,112 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: U.S. News & World Report (Regional Universities West; Top Performers on Social Mobility)
- Notable alumni: Billionaire/ philanthropist Mike Adenuga
- #students: 1,992
- #grads: 219
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
1. Morningside College
Sioux City, Iowa
Morningside College (MC, est. 1894) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Earning #1 on our ranking of online doctorate progams in nursing practice, it serves students online and on a campus that is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
MC offers low-priced bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs. It has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in nurse practitioner studies: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with two pathways (BSN to DNP; MSN to DNP), each of which has two tracks: Direct Patient Care (DPC, with two sub-tracks: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (FPCNP); Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)); Transformative Leadership.
This is an economical, 30- to 77-credit, hybrid DNP degree program with online courses and in-person experiences, including practicum hours (400 to 1,000, depending on pathway and track). The DPC track is suited to individuals interested in advanced practice, while the Leadership track is suited to healthcare roles in administration, executive leadership, health informatics, etc.
Sample courses include: Applied Epidemiology; Leadership in Health Care Policy and Advocacy; Leading Clinical Prevention and Population Health.
- In-state: $ 4,770 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Out-of-state: $ 4,770 (avg. grad tuition+fees)
- Awards from: Princeton Review; U.S. News & World Report (Best Colleges for Veterans; Regional Universities Midwest; Best Value Schools; Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs; Best Online Graduate Education Programs)
- Notable alumni: Twin advice columnists Pauline Phillips and Eppie Lederer – nee Friedman – (Dear Abby, Ask Ann Landers, respectively)
- #students: 2,698
- #grads: 1,416
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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