Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs for 2025

7 Min Read Published February 27, 2025
Top online FNP Programs 2024

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides family-centered care to patients of all ages. FNPs provide a broad range of care to patients as young as infants through adolescence and adulthood.  

Choosing a family nurse practitioner program is a huge decision that requires careful consideration. Fortunately, Nurse.org put a list together of some of the best online family nurse practitioner schools.

Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Grand Canyon University

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

Georgetown University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Chamberlain University

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

Wilkes University

Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Top 10 Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard

It is essential to mention that all online nurse practitioner programs require in-person clinical rotations. However, most, or all, classroom coursework takes place in a distance-based, online format.

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.

School Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** Program Length

Rush University

$85,808 - $98,264

2.5 to 3.5 years

Duke University

$106,134

2.5 years

George Washington University

$73,440

2.5 to 3.5 years

Ohio State University

$73,000 - $74,500

4 years

University of South Alabama

$26,730

3 years

Vanderbilt University

$83,874

2 to 3 years

Texas A&M University

$17,616

3 years

Duquesne University

$74,130

3 years

Georgetown University

$112,200

23 to 27 months

University of Southern California

$99,715

21 to 33 months

**Total program tuition is calculated by multiplying the programs cost per credit by the total number of credits needed for the course, as reported by the university website. Because of this, total program amounts are approximate and may not be exact. 

1. Rush University, Chicago, IL

Total Tuition Est.**
$85,808 - $98,265
Length of Program
2.5 to 3.5 years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

FNP graduates earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree at Rush University. Online nursing classes are recorded and easily accessible for student use during study times that are convenient for them. Students have the option to attend their program full-time or part-time. Clinical practice sites are in and around Chicago, so students must live locally.

  • Application Deadline: October 2nd
  • Contact Phone Number: (312) 942-7100
  • Email Information: con_admissions@rush.edu

2. Duke University, Durham, NC

Total Tuition Est.**
$106,134
Length of Program
2.5 years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Ranked the #1 FNP school in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report, Duke offers an online, distanced-based FNP program. Students earn a master's in nursing science (MSN) degree and take the FNP certification examination upon graduation. The university boasts faculty with extensive experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. In addition, the program has opportunities for clinical work in international sites. 

  • Application Deadline: December 1st
  • Contact Phone Number:
    • Phone Number: (919) 684-3786
      Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu

3.  George Washington University, Washington DC

Total Tuition Est.**
$73,440
Length of Program
2.5-3.5 Years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Students enrolled in George Washington University’s FNP program complete most courses through an online distance track. Clinical practicum rotations take place in the student's local community. Students must complete two in-campus components and are responsible for travel-related expenses. To earn an FNP from George Washington University, students must complete 48 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. 

  • Application Deadline:
    • Spring:
      • Priority: August 1st
      • Final: December 1st
    • Fall:
      • Priority: January 9th
      • Final: July 1st
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
    • Email Address: nursing@gwu.edu

Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Grand Canyon University

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

Georgetown University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Western Governors University

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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Wilkes University

Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

4.  The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Total Tuition Est.**

$73,000 - $74,501

Length of Program
4 Years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Ohio State has two MSN tracks for FNP students: one for in-person learning and one for distance learning. All students complete their clinical experiences within their local communities. FNP students in the distance FNP program must spend two days on campus for in-person learning and evaluating their clinical skills during their second clinical course. 

  • Application Deadline: October 31st
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (614) 292-8900
    • Email Address: nursing@osu.edu
Total Tuition Est.**

$26,730

Length of Program
3 Years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

The University of South Alabama was one of the first to adopt fully online MSN programs for registered nurses already working in their careers. All online FNP students pair with preceptors or mentors at their approved clinical facility. Students can also complete clinical requirements at a University of South Alabama Health-affiliated hospital or clinical facility. All students enrolled in the FNP program are required to attend one mandatory clinical skills intensive on-campus. 

  • Application Deadline:
    • Summer: February 1st
    • Fall: May 1st
    • Spring: September 1st
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (251) 445-9400
    • Email Address: congrad@southalabama.edu

6. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Total Tuition Est.**

$83,874

Length of Program
2-3 Years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

U.S. News & World Report ranked Vanderbilt's online FNP program as one of the top FNP programs in the country. The program offers students a state-of-the-art education and access to top facilities, including a simulation lab. Students are placed in clinical sites within a 150-mile radius of the school. 

  • Application Deadline: October 15th
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
    • Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu

7. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Total Tuition Est.**

$17,616

Length of Program
3 Years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Texas A&M is one of the best nurse practitioner schools in Texas, offering a top-tier hybrid online FNP program. Students only come to the Bryan School Station campus for a limited number of class activities. Besides an on-campus orientation and these few in-person requirements, the coursework is entirely online. Students may attend in a part or full-time capacity.

  • Application Deadline: December 1st
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
    • Email Address: nursingadmissions@tamu.edu

8. Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

Total Tuition Est.**

$74,130

Length of Program
3 Years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Although the FNP program at Duquesne University may not be as popular as others on this list, it is ranked as one of the best online FNP programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are three convenient start dates during the year, and no GRE is required. Students complete 42 credit hours of didactic work and 700 clinical hours. 

  • Application Deadline: December 1st
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (412) 392-9857
    • Email Address: admissions@duq.edu

9. Georgetown University*, Washington DC

Total Tuition Est.**

$112,200

Length of Program
23-27 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

Georgetown University* offers a distance-based, online MSN program for BSN-trained nurses who want to become FNPs. This program includes didactic content, online class sessions, and in-person intensive clinical training. The university website reports that the university’s average ANCC school certification rate was 100%. Students can complete the FNP program in 27 months, and there are two mandatory in-person clinical intensives. 

  • Application Deadline: 
    • Priority: June 21st
    • Final: July 12th
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (877) 910-4692
    • Email Address:  onlinenursingadmissions@georgetown.edu
Total Tuition Est.**

$99,715

Length of Program
21-33 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

The online MSN FNP program at the University of Southern California has full-time and part-time tracks to help students complete their advanced degrees to balance work, school, and life in a way that works best for them. The full-time track takes about 21 months, and the part-time track takes 33 months. While students complete the coursework online and clinicals at a site of their choosing, there are two mandatory in-person intensives. 

  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (844) 487-2676
    • Email Information: admissions@nursing.usc.edu

 

Popular Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

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.

Grand Canyon University

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

Georgetown University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Chamberlain University

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

Wilkes University

Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Comparing Online FNP Program Tuition

We know how hard it can be to track down tuition information, let alone compare costs between programs since everyone lists tuition costs a little bit differently. To make it easy to compare tuition between FNP programs, we've calculated the total program cost for you by multiplying the programs cost per credit, as listed on each school's website, by the total number of credits needed for the course. Because of this, total program amounts are approximate and may not be exact. 

Is an Online FNP Program Right for Me?

There are many factors to consider when choosing an online FNP program. First and foremost, you must decide if online classes are a suitable learning option for you. Most programs offer asynchronous and synchronous learning options. Regardless of your ability to complete an online FNP program, you must complete in-person clinicals and intensives at the university.

Several online FNP programs require a BSN degree. If you have an ADN, you might consider an online RN to FNP program instead.

FAQs

  • What is FNP in nursing? 
    • A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides family-centered care to patients of all ages. FNPs provide a broad range of care to patients as young as infants through adolescence and adulthood. 
  • What states can FNPs practice independently in?
    • According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nurse practitioners of all specialties can practice independently in 28 states and Washington, DC. As more states consider legislation to expand NP authority, more states will likely be on this list. 
  • Are FNPs in demand?
    • All nurse practitioner specialties, including FNPs, are very much in demand. According to the BLS, the job outlook for all nurse practitioner specialties from 2022-2032 will grow 38%, which is much faster than average careers.
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner >> Family Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide >> Top Family Nurse Practitioner Programs >> What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?>>

 

*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org will earn a commission if you click through and use this service.

NP
Sarah Jividen
RN, BSN
Sarah Jividen
Nurse.org Contributor

Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions, LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), National University - Los Angeles Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Journalism, California State University - Chico

Read More From Sarah
Go to the top of page