Top Family Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are currently the most in-demand nurse practitioner specialty. With a shift to preventative medicine versus sick medicine, the need for FNPs will only continue to grow.
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org
As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.
✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.
✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.
Fast Facts About Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) |
|
| Salary | $124,330 per year per Salary.com |
| Program Length |
2-3 Years (longer if part-time) 40-60 total credit hours + 500-750 in-person clinical hours
|
| Requirements | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Minimum GPA of 3.0 Relevant bedside experience |
>> Show Me Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Top 10 Family Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025
Choosing a Family Nurse Practitioner program is a very large decision. Nurse.org has compiled a list of some of the best online and in-person FNP programs for 2025.
Our ranking system uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard. We take into consideration factors such as graduation rate, student-faculty ratio, program focus, national certification exam rates, accreditation, and more to help you find the right nursing program for you.
1. Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University’s FNP program is one of the top programs in the country and prepares students to deliver comprehensive primary care to patients from infancy to adulthood. The program integrates and utilizes online and in-person learning to help students achieve success. With top hospitals in the Philadelphia region, students can have clinical placement at a variety of locations.
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: October 15th
- Summer: February 15th
- Fall: June 1st
- Online Options: Hybrid - online and in-person
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (215) 951-2800
- Email Address: enroll@jefferson.edu
- Website
2. Duke University
Duke’s clinicals and state-of-the-art simulation techniques prepare students for clinical practice in a variety of primary care settings such as family practice, internal medicine, community health centers, rural health centers, and academic health care centers.
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 FNP program in the country, Duke University offers students a top education with access to some of the best clinical rotations available. While enrolled in the FNP program, students have the opportunity to specialize in different nursing specialties, including cardiology, HIV, endocrinology, orthopedics, and palliative care.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: December 1st
- Spring: May 1st
- Online Options: Yes, distance-based with in-person clinical experience
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (919) 684-2671 or (877) 415-3853
- Email Address: SonAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
- Website
3. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester faculty is a group of pioneering researchers and clinicians that set the standard for nurse practitioners specializing in fields like pediatrics and psychiatric/mental health. The University of Rochester Medical Center — an innovative and leading healthcare network — provides the ideal setting for in-depth clinical experience.
Ranked as one of the top NP programs in the nation, over 86% of the faculty are currently practicing providers. Students are not only learning from some of the best, but the faculty is up to date on current research and best practices.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: April 15th
- Spring: September 15th
- Summer: January 15th
- Online Options: Hybrid - In-person and online
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (585) 275-2375
- Contact Email Address: SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu
- Website
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
4. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University’s FNP program prepares nurses as expert providers of primary health care to individuals across the lifespan in various health care settings. The primary focus of the program is to prepare the graduate to manage common acute and chronic health problems through health promotion, maintenance, supervision, and restoration.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $471 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $1,020 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: October 5th
- Online Options: Distance Education with On-Site Requirements
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (631) 444-3200
- Email Address: fnp.nursing@stonybrook.edu
- Website
5. Binghamton University
Binghamton University’s FNP program repeatedly graduates top-tier FNPs from the program. The Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers students an affordable degree and has recently changed its FNP program to a DNP degree. Students have access to the Innovative Simulation and Practice Center, accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, which offers students access to a wide range of additional training modalities.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $27,590
- Non-resident: $34,950
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: Rolling - March 15th recommended
- Spring: Rolling - October 15th recommended
- Online Options: Distance Education with On-Site Requirements
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (607) 777-4684
- Email Address: decker@binghamton.edu
- Website
>> Related: Top 12-Month Online FNP Programs
6. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report, UNC at Chapel Hill offers not only one of the top FNP programs in the country, but also one of the best nursing programs and DNP programs. This is a great option for undergraduate students interested in advancing their education.
Students interested in focusing on community-oriented primary care or global health have multiple opportunities to work in these areas and complete clinical hours through an individualized study plan.
- Application Deadline: August 15th
- Online Options:
- Phone Number: (919) 966-4260
- Email Address: nursing@unc.edu
- Website
7. Union University
Union University offers a 16-month graduate nursing education curriculum for professional nurses to gain academic preparation as a Nurse Practitioner. Available online and at three physical locations, this program prepares the graduate for advanced professional nursing practice with specific functional and clinical abilities.
The FNP program at Union University only admits once per year for a fall semester start date in August. Students can only enroll in this program full-time.
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: October 1st
- Second priority: December 1st
- Final: April 1st
- Location: Blended between online and the Jackson, Germantown, and Hendersonville campuses
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (731) 661-5156
- Email Address: nursingadmissions@uu.edu
- Website
8. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt offers an exceptional and affordable online FNP program. Students at this university have access to one of the top healthcare institutions, and most clinical hours are completed there.
Students can complete most course requirements online but must attend on-campus intensives each semester. The specific number of days depends on the course but ranges from three to five. Students will also complete clinical hours within a 150-mile radius of the campus.
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Online Options: Hybrid with in-person clinical requirements
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
- Email Address: vusn-admissions@vanderbilt.edu
- Website
9. University of Pennsylvania
Established in 1973, this top-ranked FNP program offers diverse clinical experiences and rigorous coursework to prepare students to work with patients from all backgrounds and circumstances. FNP students are also eligible to work towards several minors, including Global Health.
The coursework for the minor is completed during the clinical portion of the FNP program. The flexible FNP program offers full-time, part-time, and BSN/MSN study. The full-time program begins each August, is 16 months in length, and concludes the following December.
- Tuition:
- Full-time: $56,262 per year
- Part-time: $6,392 per course unit
- Application Deadline:
- Full-time Summer & Fall: November 1st
- Part-time Spring: October 16th
- Part-time Summer: March 15th
- Part-time Fall: March 15th
- Location: Combination of in-person and online learning
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (215) 898-4271
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
- Website
10. Ohio State University
Ranked as the #2 FNP program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, OSU’s FNP program offers two specific tracks, an on-campus track is available to both students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and also students in the Graduate Entry Program. The online track is only available to students who already have a BSN.
- Tuition:
- In-state: $52,904.70 / year
- Out-of-state: $53,904.70 / year
- Application Deadline:
- Round 1: October 31st
- Round 2: March 1st
- Location: Combination of in-person and online learning
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (614) 292-4041
- Email Address: nursing@osu.edu
- Website
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Sponsored
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.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
What to Expect in Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
FNP Curriculum & Coursework
FNP programs adhere to the Nurse Practitioner framework and core competencies established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for Nurse Practitioners (AACN). The nine competencies are:
- Ethics
- Health Delivery System
- Independent Practice
- Leadership
- Policy
- Practice Inquiry
- Quality
- Scientific Foundation
- Technology and Information Literacy
Specific courses in a Family NP program generally include,
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Child and Family Development
- Clinical Practicums
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Health Informatics
- Health Policy, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Practice
- Leadership and Critical Decision Making
- Management of Primary Care with Young Families
- Primary Care Across the Life Span
- Primary Care of Middle-Aged and Older Adults
- Research Methods and Design
>> Related: Top 10 Shortest Post-Master's FNP Programs
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Prerequisites
Though every Family Nurse Practitioner degree program is different, most have similar entry requirements, which generally include:
- At least one year of bedside nursing experience (ideally adult or gerontology nursing)
- Completion of undergraduate statistics with a grade of C or better
- GRE (if applicable)
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Satisfactory completion of an accredited baccalaureate program with at least 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
- Successful completion of a personal interview with the Nursing Admissions Committee
- TOEFL test if applicable
- Two or three professional references
- Unencumbered, active RN license in the state of practice (Some programs will require an RN license in the state of the program)
- Written statement of professional goals for graduate study and nursing career
>> Show Me Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
FNP Program Tuition
Family Nurse Practitioner programs vary greatly in cost. Factors include school, location, online versus in-person, and ultimate degree (MSN vs. DNP). Tuition per credit hour can vary between $500 to $2,000, depending on the program. Programs that have brick-and-mortar locations tend also to have a higher tuition.
Doctoral-level programs are more expensive than master's degree programs, in part because more credits are required overall. Tuition costs also include program fees, lab fees, course materials, and other associated expenses. Don’t forget the additional fees involved in clinicals such as transportation and gas.
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation
There are two main accreditation bodies in the United States
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
When choosing a Family Nurse Practitioner program, you’ll want to ensure yours is accredited by one of these two bodies. Accreditation is important because you cannot sit for your national FNP certification exam unless you graduate from an approved program.
How to Pick the Right Family Nurse Practitioner Program for You
Picking the right Family NP program can be overwhelming, especially with the increasing number of available programs throughout the country. Online and hybrid programs have given access to top-tier programs for those who are unable to relocate.
The most important factor when choosing a program is understanding if the state in which you reside allows students to enroll in distance education programs and therefore participate in clinical practicums within the state.
It is important to check with your state board of nursing to see if your state allows this. Licensure requirements vary from state to state and by a professional organization. If you have any questions regarding state eligibility, contact the University’s Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs.
You can use our guide of NP schools by state to find a nurse practitioner program near you!
Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing an FNP Program
- How will I pay for the degree? Loans? Scholarships? Tuition Reimbursement?
- Does your current job have an affiliation with a specific Family NP program?
- Online versus in-person?
- What is the graduation rate? Attrition rate?
- Can the program be completed part-time?
- Is working during the program possible?
- What is the national certification exam pass rate?
- Do you prefer obtaining your MSN or DNP?
- Consider the program’s accreditation and graduate certification rate.
- Consider the entry prerequisites for which you qualify.
- Do you want a program that will find your clinical placements?
- What is the job placement rate?
- Is there program flexibility?
- What is your goal after graduation? Hospital? Private practice?
| FNP Career Overview >> | What’s the Difference Between FNP-C vs FNP-BC Certifications? >> | Family Nurse Practitioner Salary >> |
*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org may earn a commission if you click through and use this service.
NP
