Top Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs 2025
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of training a nurse can pursue. Not only do nurses with DNP degrees elevate themselves, but they also elevate the entire nursing profession.
However, embarking on the DNP path is not something anybody should take lightly. Though it's the gold standard for nursing leadership, earning a DNP takes a significant investment of time and money. Understanding the cost, expectations, and challenges of DNP programs will best prepare you for this degree.
This article will examine DNP degrees and the top DNP programs nationwide. Read on to learn about how much DNP programs cost, how long they last, and what to expect from them.
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Best DNP Programs for 2025
Here are the top 10 Doctor of Nursing Practice programs of 2025 according to U.S. News and World Report:
| School | Graduate Nursing Degrees Offered | DNP Tuition |
| Johns Hopkins University |
Master’s, Ph.D., DNP |
$1,997 per credit hour |
| George Mason University | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $589 per credit hour |
| Duke University | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $1,997 per credit |
| University of Washington | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $32,478 per year |
| Rutgers University, Newark | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $1,040 per credit |
| Emory University (Woodruff) | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $1,721 per credit |
| Rush University | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $1,344 per credit hour |
| University of Maryland - Baltimore | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $873 per credit hour |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | Ph.D., DNP | $1,040 per credit hour |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Ph.D., DNP | $28,431 per year |
Top DNP Programs 2025
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) There are currently 433 accredited DNP programs, with 87 new programs still in the planning stages (42 post-baccalaureate and 45 post-master’s programs).
Though each program accredited by the CCNE provides excellent education, the lists below show U.S. News and World Report’s top five programs in the most popular DNP specialty areas.
Top DNP Leadership Programs
The DNP Executive Leadership Specialty track at Duke University is specifically designed for nurse leaders looking to advance their careers. The program consists of 11 courses and one multi-semester project. Students also have the option to earn an advanced certificate within the program.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (919) 684-3786
Vanderbilt’s DNP Executive Leadership program emphasizes executive leadership in the practice arena. Graduates will be ready to improve healthcare outcomes and will have a strengthened ability to guide complex care delivery.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (615) 322-3800
- Email: vusn-admissions@vanderbilt.edu
Rush University offers a DNP program on Transformative Leadership focusing on Population Health. It aims to provide the knowledge and skills needed to enhance clinical health outcomes for patient aggregates and clinical/vulnerable populations.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (312) 942-7110
- Email: con_admissions@rush.edu
The DNP Executive Track also offers dual degree programs in partnership with other schools at Johns Hopkins, including the DNP/MPH with the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the DNP/MBA with the Carey Business School. The executive program can be completed in six semesters with three on-site immersions.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (410) 955-4766
- Email: nursing@osu.edu
OSU offers two post-master's DNP tracks to interested students - DNP Clinical Expert and DNP Nurse Executive. While Clinical Expert focuses on mastering patient care, Nurse Executive fosters leadership and innovation. Graduates from this DNP program learn how to make transformative, positive changes in healthcare organizations. To be eligible for this program, you must hold a master’s degree in nursing or other fields, such as a Master of Business Administration or Master of Public Health.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $42,975.06 (total cost)
- Non-Resident: $43,975.06 (total cost)
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (614) 292-4041
- Email: nursing@osu.edu
Extracted from U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Top DNP Nurse Practitioner: Adult/Gerontology, Acute Care Programs
Vanderbilt’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care DNP program provides the training and education for nurse practitioners to handle complex patient situations. It focuses on advocating for population health initiatives and evidence-based health policy for adults, including older adults. The BSN to DNP plan of study requires a minimum of 65 credit hours completed in eight semesters of full-time study. A part-time plan of study is not currently available.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (615) 322-3800
- Email: vusn-admissions@vanderbilt.edu
The Johns Hopkins Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides a rich academic and clinical environment facilitating diagnosis and management of acute and chronic health problems in adult and elderly patients. The program builds abilities in physical and psychosocial assessment, clinical decision-making, health promotion, and disease prevention.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (410) 955-4766
- Email: jhuson@jhu.edu
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Rush University provides all the training and education needed for advanced practice nurses in adult critical and acute care settings to help acutely or critically ill adults across the lifespan, including patient/case management and advanced technical skills. This is a hybrid program with 75% of didactic courses delivered online and 25% of coursework offered in a weekly on-campus format.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (312) 942-6986
- Email: con_admissions@rush.edu
Emory's post-BSN NDP program allows students to select an Adult-Gerontology: Acute Care NP specialization. This program fosters clinical leadership skills and advanced nursing practice competencies in students, preparing them for roles as healthcare leaders. Emory DNP students benefit from one-on-one training with a nationally renowned faculty, dynamic clinical rotations, and plentiful networking opportunities.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (404) 727-7980
- Email: nursingquestions@emory.edu
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a variety of DNP programs but the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care program is ranked one of the best in the country. The program is 79 credits, with 59 credits of didactic coursework and 20 credit hours of clinical practicum. The program can be completed in nine or ten successive semesters of full-time study.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (205) 996-0387
- Email: hmhaaman@uab.edu
Extracted from U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Top DNP Nurse Practitioner: Family Programs
The BSN to DNP program at Vanderbilt is a combination program of Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner. The BSN to DNP requires at least 77 credit hours completed in eight semesters of full-time study. A part time plan of study is not currently available.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (615) 322-4400
- Email: vusn-admissions@vanderbilt.edu
Pursuing a DNP with a specialization in Family Medicine prepares students to deliver comprehensive primary health care to individuals across the lifespan. The curriculum focuses on population health and social determinants of health and includes significant coursework combined with clinical experiences.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (312) 942-7110
- Email: con_admissions@rush.edu
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Johns Hopkins enhances nursing skills in physical and psychosocial assessment, clinical decision-making, health promotion, and disease prevention. It teaches its graduates to diagnose and manage acute and chronic primary health problems across the lifespan.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (410) 955-4766
- Email: jhuson@jhu.edu
The BSN to DNP program is offered part-time through a distance learning program but does require in person practicums. The curriculum is accomplished through 79 credit hours of coursework, with 59 credit hours of didactic coursework and 20 credit hours of clinical practica, which is completed in nine or ten successive semesters, depending on the semester of entry.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $595 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,461 per credit hour
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (205) 996-7668
- Email: abristow@uab.edu
Emory's BSN to DNP program allows students to select a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialty. As they work their way through the program, they'll first take on the university's MSN curriculum, preparing them for national certification as an FNP. Then, they complete the DNP curriculum, fostering leadership skills through didactic instruction and clinical training.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (404) 727-7980
- Email: nursingquestions@emory.edu
Extracted from U.S. News & World Report, 2024
About the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
A Doctor of Nursing Practice is a doctoral degree that represents the highest level of training in the school of nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing created the DNP degree in 2004. Its conception responded to a need for nurses with the skills and training for executive leadership positions.
This graduate degree concentrates on evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and improved responses to an evolving healthcare environment. Nurses who earn DNPs are experts in their specialty area and frequently serve in leadership roles within the healthcare industry.
Is a DNP the Same as a Nurse Practitioner?
DNPs and nurse practitioners (NPs) are not the same thing. Doctor of Nursing Practice refers to a graduate degree, while nurse practitioner is a career title.
Nurse practitioners can hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a DNP degree from an accredited NP program. In many cases, they also must maintain post-graduate licensure in their NP specialty area. Some nurse practitioners may also add "DNP" to their title to represent their education level.
>> Related: DNP Meaning
Benefits of Getting Your DNP
As the need for healthcare expands, so will the demand for nurses with advanced degrees such as DNPs. These professionals will increasingly be looked to for their clinical expertise and leadership. As a result, they will be elevated to positions of greater responsibility and impact.
Leadership positions in the healthcare industry command higher levels of compensation and more career opportunities. They also provide opportunities as educators for the next generation of nurses.
The benefits of earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree include:
- Achieving the highest level of credentialing in the nursing field
- Career opportunities in executive-level leadership roles
- Recognition for achievements in the healthcare industry
- Increased salary and compensation
What Can You Do With a DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares nurses to serve in executive-level healthcare positions. DNP programs provide advanced nursing expertise that translates to better patient outcomes and a more effective healthcare system.
DNP graduates work in hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing and residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, and government roles.
Positions for DNPs
Typical positions held by DNP nurses include:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- CRNA
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Information Officer
- Patient Care Director
Specialties that Require or Benefit From a DNP
DNP programs cover a wide range of topics. However, the following specialties benefit particularly from his advanced education.
- Women’s Health -- including obstetrics, gynecological and reproductive health, and primary care.
- Pediatrics -- in both primary and specialty healthcare.
- Psychiatric Mental Health – in individual, group, and family psychotherapy applications.
- Gerontology – including palliative and end-of-life care.
- Nursing Education – educating patients and the general public.
Doctor of Nursing Practice vs Master of Science in Nursing
You must have at least an MSN degree to work as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). However, since the establishment of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, many MSN-trained nurses have debated whether pursuing the highest-level degree is worth it.
Both degrees lead to advanced specialization. However, each one offers unique advantages.
Advantages of a DNP Degree Program
- The potential to earn roughly $8,000 more per year in salary
- More opportunities for advancement
- Advanced training for leadership positions
- Experience in research, data analysis, healthcare policy, and interventions
- Access to information systems to improve patient care
- Increased focus on clinical judgment and evidence-based care
Advantages of an MSN Program
- Shorter time to degree completion
- Lower tuition costs
- Available APRN and NP pathways
- More program choices
>> Show Me Online MSN Programs
What Will You Learn in a DNP Program?
DNP programs feature hands-on training for specialized advanced nursing. They also emphasize evidence-based protocols that improve patient health outcomes and prepare graduates for leadership roles.
The curriculum provides specialization based on the student’s area of interest in addition to the following eight essential foundational competencies:
- Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
- Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking
- Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Information Systems/Technology
- Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care
- Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
- Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes
- Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health
- Advanced Nursing Practice
DNP Courses
Though every DNP program will offer its own unique curriculum, the following list is representative of the courses offered:
- Evidence-Based Practice I and II
- Scholarly Writing
- Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
- Health Policy
- Management of Organizations and Systems
- Informatics for Scholarly Practice
The remainder of the courses are specific to the nursing specialty. Those enrolled in a DNP Leadership program will focus on management and the business aspect of healthcare, while an DNP FNP program requires students to take classes focused on the care and diagnoses of patients from newborn to old age.
DNP Program Length
On average, DNP school lasts four years. However, you can condense that time into three years with sufficient prerequisites and regular summer classes. MSN nurses can complete a DNP with 1-2 years of full-time classes or 2-3 years of part-time classes.
You can expect DNP programs to include at least 1,000 clinical practice hours and a final portfolio or practice change initiative. The required total number of credits you'll achieve depends on the school and area of study.
Can You Earn a DNP Degree Online?
Many of the most prestigious DNP schools offer their programs online. This enables nursing students to balance education with their careers, families, and social lives. You can attend online DNP programs on a full or part-time schedule.
Like traditional in-person programs, online programs prepare students for board certification examinations in their specialty areas. Additionally, they often cost less and may be available on a rolling basis, allowing students to begin their programs as soon as they get in.
Most online DNP programs require in-person sessions over the course of the curriculum, such as clinical placements at nearby facilities.
How Much Do DNP Programs Cost?
The average cost of a Doctor of Nursing Practice program is approximately $45,000. However, some cost as little as $12,000, while others cost over $60,000.
DNP program costs vary based on the school’s reputation, location, and whether it’s in-person or online. Private school programs tend to be more expensive, while state school programs offer lower tuition to students who live in-state.
Every accredited DNP program provides tools to pass the board certification exams. Choose a program that best suits your goals and budget.
DNP Program Prerequisites and Requirements
Getting accepted into an accredited DNP program is an accomplishment in itself. The application process is rigorous, and the requirements vary based on school and type of program.
Most programs have the following minimum requirements:
- Registered nurse license
- 1-2 years of nursing experience
- Bachelor's degree (BSN) from an accredited nursing program
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum GPA in your baccalaureate or postgraduate program
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Personal interviews
- Submission of official transcripts, a resume or CV, and a personal statement
>> Related: Top BSN to DNP Programs
DNP Program Accreditation
Accreditation of a nursing education program is an indication of its quality and an assurance that the program’s graduates have mastered the appropriate skills and training.
When considering a program, the first thing aspiring DNP students should look for is accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The purpose of accreditation is to focus on the same standards and criteria across all nursing programs. This ensures that there is some level of sameness within the programs.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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