Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2025

Online nurse practitioner programs are available for almost every specialty and allow you to continue working, earning money, and upholding your family responsibilities while earning your degree. While didactic classes are taken online, your clinical hours can often be completed at your workplace or at a designated facility in your area.

To help you choose the right online nurse practitioner program for you, we've ranked the top programs for 2025. 

Fast Facts About Nurse Practitioners
Salary	Nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $126,260 per the BLS.
Program length	2-5 years
Requirements	BSN or Bachelor's in another field RN license Prerequisite courses

Comparing Online Nurse Practitioner 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 NP 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. 

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Top Online 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. 

School	Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate**	Program Length
1. Drexel University	$63,504	56 credit hours
2. University of Alabama - Birmingham	$31,590	45 - 72 credit hours
3. George Washington University	$69,600	48-54 credit hours
4. Seton Hall	$72,960	48-49 credit hours
5. Duke University	$106,134	42-49 credit hours
6. The University of Mississippi	In-State: $28,100 Out-of-State: $82,978	45-58 credit hours
7. Vanderbilt University	$84,324	38-66 credit hours
8. Stony Brook University	In-State: $21,195 Out-of-State: $49,365	45 credit hours
9. Florida Atlantic University	In-State: $19,334 Out-of-State: $53,394.12	52 credit hours
10. Georgetown University*	$112,200	40-49 credit hours

**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, using FNP programs as the standard. Because of this, total program amounts are approximate and may not be exact. 

1. Drexel University

Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions offers top-ranked faculty, innovative learning technologies, and action-based learning in support of the development of clinical skills.  

• Total Tuition Est.:* $63,504
• Program Length: 56 credits
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: August 1st
• Contact Phone Number: (215) 895-2400
• Email Information: enroll@drexel.com
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Requirements: BSN from an accredited program; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above from BSN; two years of current bedside nursing experience; current, unrestricted RN license.
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology, Emergency, Family, Pediatrics, Psychiatric Mental Health, Women’s/Gender-Related Health

2. University of Alabama - Birmingham

The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing offers a blended format combining online courses and in-person clinical experiences.  

Admission requires a BSN and licensure in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Depending upon the concentration chosen, programs are available as either part-time or full-time. UAB assists in securing clinical placements and preceptors for all NP students among its over 5,000 clinical affiliates. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* $31,590
• Program Length: 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: February 12th
  • Summer: October 9th
• Contact Phone Number: (205) 934-5428
• Email Information: online@ua.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Requirements: RN licensure, BSN with at least a 3.0 overall GPA
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology, Family, Neonatal, Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Women’s Health Care

3. George Washington University

George Washington University’s online NP program offers one of the top-ranked online NP programs with multiple tracks available for students to choose from. 

Each program has a brief on-campus component and is available as either a part-time or full-time program. Students are responsible for finding their clinical placements and preceptors, but the school will provide information on local sites that have current affiliations. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* $69,600
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:
  • Fall: July 1st
  • Spring: December 1st
• Contact Phone Number: (202)994-7901
• Email Information: nursing@gwu.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0, 1-2 years of professional nursing experience, BSN from an accredited nursing program, active nursing license.
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Psychiatric/Mental Health

4. Seton Hall

Seton Hall University offers nationally ranked online programs designed to prepare Nurse Practitioner candidates to practice in a variety of specialty areas. Seton Hall is currently ranked as the #1 in New Jersey for Top Online Master's in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report. Professors are currently employed NPs, allowing students to learn from current practitioners. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* $72,960
• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: August 15th
  • Spring: December 15th
• Contact Phone Number: (973) 542-6200
• Email Information: Gabriele.zengewald@shu.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Requirements: BSN from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (3.2 or above for Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), registered nurse licensure, professional liability insurance, letters of reference, and completion of prerequisites.
• Specialty Tracks Available: Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric/Mental Health

>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

5. Duke University

Duke University’s School of Nursing offers a variety of distance-based or online programs that require on-campus attendance at least once each semester for two- to five-day intensive programming and 11 credit hours of clinical core courses. 

Students will also be required to complete a final clinical residency under the mentorship of an experienced clinician in their respective area of expertise. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* $106,134
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
• Email Information: SonAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Requirements: Registered Nurse licensure, BSN from an accredited program with a preferred 3.0 GPA or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing with a bachelor’s degree in any field, resume, personal statement, recommendations, transcripts, prerequisites
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Neonatal, Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, Women’s Health

6. The University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi’s School of Nursing is a nationally ranked program that offers flexible Nurse Practitioner programs in both online and hybrid formats.  

The programs boast high pass rates on national certification exams, as well as low tuition costs. The Acute/Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track is the only one of its kind in the state of Mississippi. Recently UM updated its admission requirements and GREs are no longer required for NP students. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* In-State: $28,100, Out-of-State: $82,978.00
• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: March 15th
• Contact Phone Number: (601) 815-0124
• Email Information: admissioncounselor@umc.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative nursing GPA of 3.0, undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course, one year of experience as an RN, unrestricted RN license.
• Specialty Tracks Available: Acute/Primary Care Pediatric, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, Neonatal, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health

7. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing offers a variety of learning formats that use online and distance technologies to deliver high-quality education in a range of Advanced Nursing Practice Specialties. 

Students without nursing backgrounds are required to enroll full-time and attend classes on campus during their first year, while Registered Nurses with BSN or MSN degrees learn via a modified distance format that includes didactic lectures available online, block visits to campus over extended weekends, and clinical experiences arranged in their local region.  

• Total Tuition Est.:* $84,324
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: October 15th priority deadline, then rolling
• Contact Phone Number: (888) 333-9192
• Email Information: vusn-admissions@vanderbilt.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Requirements: Statement of purpose, GPA of 3.0 or better, Complete academic history, Three letters of academic or professional reference, Completion of prerequisite courses, and RNs must have graduated from an accredited school and have an unencumbered RN license.
• Specialty Tracks Available:  Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Emergency, Family, Neonatal, Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health (Lifespan), Women’s Health/Gender-Related, Women’s Health Gender-Related/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care

8. Stony Brook University

The Stony Brook School of Nursing is a top-ranked school recognized for excellence and innovation in education, leadership, research, advocacy, and practice. 

All of its Nurse Practitioner programs provide graduates with either a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and are offered through distance education with on-site requirements. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* In-state: $21,195, Out-of-state: $49,365
• Program Length: 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:  Varies by program
• Contact Phone Number: (631) 444-3200
• Email Information: gradadmission@stonybrook.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, minimum of one year’s recent relevant experience preferred, unofficial transcripts, three online letters of recommendation, prerequisites, and current Registered Nurse license.
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, Neonatal, Pediatric Primary Care, Pediatric Acute Care, Psychiatric Mental Health

9. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is among the 10 most affordable online MSN programs nationwide. The university offers three online nurse practitioner degrees. 

Students in FAUs online MSN program attend their didactic courses online. However, they must also complete in-person clinical requirements. One outstanding benefit of attending FAU is that they secure clinical sites and preceptors for students. However, these sites are in Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin,  and Palm Beach counties in Florida, which means students must reside in the state by the time they start clinicals.

• Total Tuition Est.:* In-State: $19,334, Out-of-state: $53,394.12
• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: February 15th
• Contact Phone Number: (561) 297-2535
• Email Information: kchadwel@health.fau.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Requirements: Bachelor’s in Nursing from an accredited program, GPA of 3.0, copy of CV/resume, one letter of recommendation, Registered Nursing license, Philosophy of nursing essay. 
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult/Gerontological, Family

10. Georgetown University*

Georgetown University’s nationally recognized online MS in Nursing programs* prepares registered nurses to provide high-quality nursing care in four separate specialty areas.

The Nurse Practitioner program combines asynchronous didactic content, synchronous class sessions, and in-person Objective Clinical Intensives. 

Monthly information sessions are held with current faculty and admissions counselors, allowing time for questions and answers which you may find helpful when determining if this program is a good fit for your nursing career. 

• Total Tuition Est.:* $112,200
• Program Length: 23-27 months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: July 13
• Contact Phone Number: (877) 910-4692
• Email Information: onlinenursingadmissions@georgetown.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 
• Requirements: BSN degree, current registered nurse license, minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and science GPA, prerequisite courses
• Specialty Tracks Available: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health, and Women’s Health 

Is an Online Nurse Practitioner Program Worth It?

Online NP programs may be an excellent fit for you as well as your work and family obligations. However, it does have some limitations that are important to consider when determining if an online NP program is right for you. 

Choosing to expand your knowledge and enhance your skill set not only allows you to provide higher-level care but also makes a significant difference in your earnings potential, provides you with a greater degree of independence and responsibility, and enhances your standing in your community.

FAQs

• What type of NP makes the most money?

  • The highest-paying NP specialty is a Pain Medicine Nurse Practitioner. Pain Medicine NPs earn around $152,697 per year, according to Indeed. However, individual income will vary depending on the type of facility you work in, your geographic location, and how much experience you have.

• What is the most affordable FNP program? 

  • Of all the Nurse Practitioner specialties, Family Nurse Practitioner is one of the most popular and most widely available. Though prices can change depending on location, quality of faculty, and other factors, in most cases, you will be able to find the most affordable program by seeking an in-state public school program that offers discounted tuition rates for residents.

• Is being an NP better than being a PA? 

  • Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are both healthcare professionals who have the education and high-level clinical training to provide primary patient care. Nurse Practitioners tend to focus on a specific patient population, while Physician Assistants focus on a specific area of medicine. Nurse Practitioners are able to work independently in many states, while Physician Assistants are required to work under the direction of a doctor. Both professions are financially and professionally rewarding: choosing the one that is better for you is an individual decision.

• Is MSN the same as NP? 

  • Though Nurse Practitioners always have a minimum degree of a Master of Science in Nursing, you can have an MSN degree without becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

• Which NP program is best? 

  • Choosing the Nurse Practitioner program that is best for you is a personal decision. When weighing your options, elements you should consider include the program’s reputation, its flexibility, the cost of tuition, the proximity to your home or workplace, and the availability of a program geared towards the specialty of your choice.

• Is NP or PA school harder? 

  • Both NP and PA programs are rigorous and demanding.

• How do I become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree?

  • Direct-entry programs are specifically available to candidates who have bachelor’s or graduate-level degrees and who enter the programs with the idea of learning nursing basics and becoming Registered Nurses in the course of their education. These students generally graduate and then pursue postgraduate clinical training in order to earn their certification and state licensure.

 

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