10 Cheapest Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2025
Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) are advanced practice nurses who treat critically ill or injured patients in acute care settings. Graduate nursing programs can be expensive and inflexible because of in-person attendance requirements. However, affordable online acute care nurse practitioner programs help working students on a budget advance their careers.
We’ve ranked the top 10 best and cheapest online acute care nurse practitioner programs to help you discover a program that suits your needs.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university'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.
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.
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
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Cheapest Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Cedar Crest College | $670 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Adelphi University | $940 per credit hour | 28 months | CCNE |
| Herzing University | $770 per credit hour | 24 months | CCNE |
| Arkansas State University | $380 per credit hour | 24 months | ACEN |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | $1,013.26 per credit hour | 2 - 3 years | CCNE |
| University of Southern Indiana | $446.94 - $496.94 per credit hour | 2.5 - 3 years | CCNE |
| Ohio University | $678 per credit hour | 6 semesters | CCNE |
| West Coast University | $700 - $810 per credit hour | 32 months | CCNE |
| Youngstown State University | $543 - $548 per credit hour | 18 months | CCNE |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center | $579 - $1,709 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
The coursework for this affordable online acute care nurse practitioner program is entirely online. Students must only attend an on-campus two-day intensive before beginning clinicals.
Program Highlights
- The affordable program in Pennsylvania
- 2-day campus immersion and clinical residency
- Dedicated clinical scheduler and faculty to coordinate clinical practicum sites
Requirements
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered Pennsylvania RN license
- Undergraduate Statistics, Research, and Health Assessment courses with C grade or better
- No clinical experience required
- Two professional recommendations
- Current resume/CV
- Interview with program director
- Statement of intent/Goal statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (610) 606-4666 (Ext. 4606)
- Email Address: wjrobb@cedarcrest.edu
Why We Picked This School
Consistently ranked one of the top regional colleges in the U.S., the program at Adelphi requires students to hold a New York license. As a result, graduates are eligible for New York State Adult Health Nurse Practitioner licensure and are eligible to sit for national board certification as an AGPCNP.
Program Highlights
- One-on-one faculty mentoring
- Best Colleges 2026 by U.S. News & World Report
- Named Best Regional Colleges Northeast 2024 by The Princeton Review
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- College-level statistics course
- Active, unencumbered New York state RN license
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- $60 application fee
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Completed online admission application
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 478-7985
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
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MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
$770 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
Herzing's clinical placement pledge makes it stand out among other affordable online ACNP programs. Finding a clinical site and preceptor is often one of the most stressful parts of an NP program. Herzing offers support through its step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process, alleviating stress for students.
Program Highlights
- Earn dual credit towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
- Clinical placement pledge ensures all students secure local clinical sites
- Six convenient start dates annually with no wait list
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed online admission application
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 920-0937
$380 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
Arkansas State University is considered the cheapest ACNP program online while delivering high-quality advanced nursing education. The program encompasses seven nursing courses, six seminars, and six practicums to prepare students for national certification. Students have the opportunity to attend on-campus skill labs and are highly encouraged, but not required.
Program Highlights
- Cheapest online ACNP program in the country
- Among U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas" in 2024
- Students can attend optional on-campus skills labs throughout the program
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed online admission application
- Minimum 3.25 cumulative undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Documentation of 1,500 RN practice hours before admission
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Background check
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Spring 1: December 8th
- Spring 2: February 2nd
- Fall: September 29th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 621-8096
- Email Address: astateonline@astate.edu
Why We Picked This School
Texas Tech offers an excellent and affordable online ACNP program. However, it has some of the strictest state admission requirements on this list. Currently, the university cannot offer admission to students from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, or Washington.
Program Highlights
- Selected as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing
- Provides access to nurse-managed clinics for students to gain additional training in global health and clinical experience
- Dedicated to training local practitioners to address the practitioner shortage in West Texas
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
- Undergraduate Statistics and Research course with C grade or better
- One year of intensive care, emergency department, or flight nurse experience within five years
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Fall: February 15th
- Spring: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (806) 743-1000
$446.94 - $496.94 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
Southern Indiana's ACNP program allows students to complete didactic coursework online and clinicals rotations in their local areas. The university reviews applications after prospective students submit all the required materials. Students are welcome to attend the program on a full or part-time basis, depending on course availability.
Program Highlights
- U.S. News & World Report ranks the university among the best online graduate nursing programs nationwide
- Offers several scholarships and grants to graduate nursing students
- Five start dates
Requirements
- Completed online admission application
- $40 application fee
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Recommended but not required: One year full-time or 2,000 hours of RN clinical experience within five years
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $446.94 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $496.94 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (812) 464-8600
Why We Picked This School
Students can complete this cheap online ACNP program in as few as six semesters, including 750 in-person clinical hours. Students must also attend on-campus intensives throughout the program.
Program Highlights
- 95% certification exam pass rate
- 15% scholarship for alumni and corporate partners
- #12 Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report 2023
Requirements
- Completed online admission application
- $50 application fee
- BSN from a regionally accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Two years of full-time registered nursing experience in the past five years
- Three letters of recommendation
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Statement of professional goals
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: July 6th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 560-0144
- Email Address: nursing@ohio.edu
Why We Picked This School
WCU offers a 20-month accelerated track and a 32-month working professional track. Students on the working professional pathway enjoy cheaper per-credit-hour rates than accelerated students. This track also allows students to continue working full-time while they attend the program.
Program Highlights
- Two on-site intensives for hands-on skills practice
- Access to a network of 65,000+ alumni around the world
- Six convenient annual start dates
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- One year of relevant direct patient care ICU registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- MSN Core: $700 per credit hour
- APRN Core: $810 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 508-2684
18 months
Why We Picked This School
YSU offers resident and non-resident students a cheap and accessible online ACNP program. Students enjoy pay-by-the-course tuition and personalized attention from expert faculty. YSU also offers students payment plans if they are unable to pay upfront each semester.
Program Highlights
- Multiple start dates throughout the year for increased flexibility
- Among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Regional Universities Midwest”
- Affordable Colleges Online’s 2023 #1 “Best Online College in Ohio”
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Completed online admission application
- One year of recent critical care registered nursing experience
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- Current BLS and ACLS certification
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $543 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $548 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: December 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 513-0093
Why We Picked This School
The University of Mississippi offers numerous benefits to its local and distance students. Partnered with the state’s only Level 1 trauma center and children’s hospital, students have access to some of the best practicum sites in Mississippi. For this reason, most of the students who attend the ACNP program are residents.
Program Highlights
- Affiliated with over 200 hospitals, community health centers, health departments, mental health facilities, private practices, community clinics, and schools
- Partnered with the state's only Level 1 trauma center and only children's hospital
- High pass rates on national certification examinations
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed online admission application
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- One year of relevant registered nursing experience
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $579 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,709 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: March 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (601) 984-6200
- Email Address: rkbrown@umc.edu
What to Expect in an Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
In an online ACNP program, you can expect to complete all or most didactic courses digitally. However, each program will require in-person clinicals at an approved site with a preceptor. A few programs also require you to attend on-campus intensives, which you should consider when selecting a school.
The program curriculum will include generic MSN courses like health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, ethics, and research. Once you finish the core classes, you'll attend specific ACNP coursework. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to sit for national certification.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
-
MS-DNP - Adult NP
-
MS-DNP - Family NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MS-DNP Path - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Family NP
-
Postgrad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university'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.
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.
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
FAQs
Additional Resources
- How to Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025
- Top 10 Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Programs
- How to Become an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
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