Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

Becoming a nurse practitioner can lead to a rewarding career. Here, we outline the top online programs for nurse practitioners.

Updated July 13, 2023

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Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

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Are you ready to find your fit?

The growing nursing shortage makes now an ideal time to pursue a nursing career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners to increase 45% from 2020-2030. The BLS projects an 8% growth for all occupations during the same time.

Busy students can earn their nurse practitioner degree online. This guide explores the benefits of becoming a nurse practitioner. The following sections also cover the requirements for online nurse practitioner programs.

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Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs


What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?

Students who choose an accelerated program can become a nurse practitioners in as few as six years. RN-to-MSN programs provide a quick route to a master's degree.

Can you go from RN to NP?

RN-to-MSN programs help registered nurses qualify for nurse practitioner roles. These programs typically require 30-36 months to finish. Many schools deliver coursework online.

Can you become an NP without being an RN?

Some employers prefer nurse practitioners to have RN experience. However, people without a bachelor of science in nursing can become nurse practitioners.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Explore Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Our partner schools offer programs that help you advance your education while accommodating your schedule. Visit their sites to learn more about degrees, course offerings, start dates, transfer of credits, and more.

Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

#1 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The school offers 55 total online master's programs.

The institution delivers an online master of science in nursing that is ideal for busy degree-seekers interested in advancing their nursing skills. Graduates of the nursing program can apply for positions in the field or advance their current career. Students in the school's master's programs can access faculty mentorship, career counseling, and experiential learning programs.

Online enrollees at the school pay affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Learners may also qualify for scholarships and fellowships. Degree-seekers with transferable graduate credits often complete their degree more quickly and save money on tuition.

University of Southern California at a Glance:

Average Tuition Per Credit: 1,948

Students Receiving Aid: 69%

Students Receiving Loans: 26%

Total Master's Programs: 199

Total Online Master's Programs: 199

Accepts Transfer Credits: Yes

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,256
Out-of-state
$57,256
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$46,272
Out-of-state
$46,272
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
48,321
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
17% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

The University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Pensacola, The University of West Florida offers undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition to in-person options, the school offers multiple online graduate programs. Students at the institution can pursue an online family nurse practitioner MSN.

In addition to rigorous coursework, the master's program features access to faculty and career advising. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online nursing program's flexible scheduling options. Master's degree-seekers typically graduate with their nursing degree in 1-2 years.

Students at the accredited institution can qualify for federal grants and loans. According to the school, 64% of its enrollees use loans to pay for their education. In addition, financial aid assists 90% of the institution's learners with the cost of their education.

The University of West Florida Numbers:

Total Programs: 93

Number of Online Programs: 26

Online Master's Programs: 31

Number of Online Students: 8,296

Average Per-Credit Cost: $390

Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated

Transfer Credits Accepted: Yes

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
31%
Students Enrolled
12,557
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

The University of Texas at Arlington

  • Arlington, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Texas at Arlington is a leader in distance learning. Graduate students in the accredited nursing administration program build advanced knowledge through a rigorous curriculum and expert faculty. Like on-campus students, online students work with advisors, IT support professionals, and other support staff. The online MSN program relies on video lectures, assignments, and class discussions.

Learners can reduce the cost of earning a degree by applying for grants and scholarships. Master's students use financial aid such as loans and scholarships to help cover tuition expenses. While completing their master's program, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to impress employers.

The University of Texas at Arlington at a Glance:

Number of Online Students: 26,081

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 13

Grad School Tuition: $8,474 in-state; $21,206 out-of-state

Average Per-Student Aid : $8,603

Average Price After Financial Aid: $14,445

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,624
Out-of-state
$25,713
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,474
Out-of-state
$21,206
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
48,635
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

Purdue University Global

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Degree-seekers can enroll in Purdue University Global's undergraduate and graduate programs online or on campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. The master of science in nursing is one of the best online nursing degrees.

Enrollees complete rigorous coursework and can access faculty and career advising. The online nursing program features flexible enrollment options, which are ideal for busy learners. Graduate degree-seekers typically require 1-2 years to earn their nursing master's degree if enrolled full time.

Students at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid programs. Of the student population, 48% take out loans. In addition, 76% of learners receive financial aid.

Purdue University Global Facts:

Total Programs: 105

Number of Online Programs: 105

Online Master's Programs: 29

Number of Online Students: 37,913

Average Per-Credit Fee: $402

Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated

Transfer Credits Counted: Yes

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,920
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,791
Out-of-state
$9,768
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
38,138
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers can pursue University of the Cumberlands's programs online or in person. Working professionals often pursue one of the school's 10 online bachelor's programs and any of its 25 online master's programs.

The institution's family nurse practitioner MSN program prepares online degree-seekers to succeed in nursing careers. After earning the master's degree in nursing, graduates can apply for positions in the field or advance their current career. Master's students can access support services such as academic advising, career-planning resources, and faculty mentorship.

Enrollees at the school access affordable tuition rates and institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. The institution holds accreditation, which means students can submit the FAFSA to receive federal grants and loans. Additional financial aid options include private scholarships and fellowships.

University of the Cumberlands Numbers:

Students Receiving Aid: 99%

Students Receiving Loans: 43%

Total Master's Programs: 26

Total Online Master's Programs: 26

Transfer Credits Allowed: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,670
Out-of-state
$5,670
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
16,966
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

Texas A&M University

  • College Station, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in College Station, Texas A&M University offers in-person and online graduate programs. Learners located anywhere in the country can enroll in online master's programs from the public institution. The school's online offerings include a flexible MSN in family nurse practitioner for students planning to pursue family nurse practitioner careers.

During the first year of the online program, master's students explore foundational principles through core family nurse practitioner classes. The curriculum also features advanced nursing coursework and elective options. Master's students can prepare for careers in the field through faculty mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.

After earning the MSN, graduates often qualify for raises and promotions. Faculty advisors and career counselors help master's students and alumni identify career opportunities.

Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal aid, including grants and loans. Learners can research funding options including grants, fellowships, and employer-sponsored tuition plans. Of the school's graduate students, 76% obtain financial aid to pay for their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,941
Out-of-state
$34,190
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,677
Out-of-state
$18,700
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
68,726
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
14% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

Northern Arizona University

  • Flagstaff, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A great option for distance learners, Northern Arizona University offers a nursing e-learning program. The school reports that 7,915 students take online classes. The college offers an online master's degree in nursing. Employers value the rigorous education in the accredited program. The degree’s advanced training prepares students for the workplace.

Degree-seekers benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio of 19-to-1, giving students one-on-one attention from faculty. Students can learn more about online support services at the program's website. The program charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. This helps graduate students complete a master's degree with less debt. Students can expect a graduation rate of 57% at the school.

Northern Arizona University Numbers:

Total Online Enrollment: 14,098

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 25

Graduate Tuition: $10,305/year in-state, $19,522/year out-of-state

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $12,831

Average Net Price: $14,236

Northern Arizona University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,018
Out-of-state
$16,613
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,305
Out-of-state
$19,522
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
30,733
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

Georgetown University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its campus in the District of Columbia, Georgetown University offers in-person and online graduate programs. The private institution's master's programs include fully online options for distance learners. The school's graduate-level offerings include a flexible psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner MSN for students interested in becoming nurse practitioners.

Master's students begin the online program by completing core coursework in psychiatric mental health. In addition to taking nursing classes, degree-seekers can choose electives based on their career goals. Faculty mentorship and experiential learning opportunities help graduate students prepare for careers in the field.

Graduates with an MSN often qualify for raises and promotions. Graduate students and alumni can receive professional assistance and resources from the institution's career counselors.

The school charges an average per-credit tuition rate of 1,885 for online graduate programs. The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers can receive federal grants and loans. Learners can use grants, scholarships, and fellowships to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. At the school, 55% of graduate students fund their education through financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,440
Out-of-state
$55,440
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$51,336
Out-of-state
$51,336
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
14%
Students Enrolled
19,593
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

University of Cincinnati

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

University of Cincinnati offers a variety of top-ranked graduate programs, including an online nursing program. The public institution enrolls 19,270 students in online programs. Online programs' scheduling flexibility is ideal for learners balancing academics with personal and professional obligations.

The master's in family nurse practitioner curriculum emphasizes career skills and field-specific knowledge. Students can customize the master's curriculum based on their interests and professional goals. Learners in the online program develop specialized industry skills and knowledge. After earning the master's degree in nursing, graduates often qualify for promotions or raises. Current and former students work closely with career services to transition from the program into the workforce.

Learners in the school's master's programs can access career advising and financial aid counseling. Graduate students at the accredited institution can take out federal loans to cover costs. Additional funding options for graduate-level learners include private scholarships and institutional fellowships. Degree-seekers in the school's online programs pay an average of $732 per credit.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,476
Out-of-state
$24,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,790
Out-of-state
$24,532
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
39,263
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023

Anderson University

  • Anderson, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Situated in Indiana, Anderson University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in virtual and in-person formats.

Distance degree-seekers can pursue an online MSN in family nurse practitioner from the institution to prepare for nursing administration careers. The family nurse practitioner program prepares learners to pursue new positions in the field or advance their current career. To help students succeed academically and professionally, the school provides a variety of support services, including academic advising and career counseling.

The school charges online enrollees affordable tuition rates. Students with financial need can fund their education through federal grants and loans. Learners pursuing a master's degree can research additional financial aid options, including private scholarships and fellowships.

Anderson University at a Glance:

Students Receiving Aid: 100%

Students Receiving Loans: 71%

Total Master's Programs: 8

Total Online Master's Programs: 8

Permits Transfer Credits: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,700
Out-of-state
$30,700
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,808
Out-of-state
$9,808
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
1,567
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Why Get a Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Online nurse practitioner programs prepare graduates for rewarding positions with high pay. According to BLS data, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $75,330. Nurse practitioners earn a median of $117,670 per year.

Nurse practitioners also have more autonomy than registered nurses. For example, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in many states.

Current RNs may choose online nurse practitioner programs to continue working while earning their degree. Many online programs use an asynchronous format. Registered nurses can watch lectures and complete assignments between shifts.

How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Degree Cost?

The cost of an online nurse practitioner degree depends on several factors, including school type. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees at public institutions was $12,410 for the 2019-20 academic year. For the same year, private schools charged an average of $26,597 in tuition and fees.

Online programs often cost less than in-person programs. However, the cost of earning a nurse practitioner degree online varies significantly by institution. According to the Education Data Initiative, in-state students pay an average of $38,496 for an online bachelor's degree.

In addition, some employers may provide tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. For example, employers, such as hospitals or medical centers, with advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) shortages may offer these programs to encourage RNs to become ARNPs.

Additional Online Student Fees

Along with tuition, online students should budget for fees. Many schools do not waive campus fees for distance learners. Online students also often pay a technology fee, which may cover tech support, online databases, and virtual classroom platforms.

Additional expenses may include internet access, textbooks, a new computer, and required software. To save money, learners may rent textbooks or buy digital versions. Some nursing labs require tools, such as stethoscopes. Nurse practitioner students must also typically pay malpractice fees to protect themselves during clinicals.

How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make?

A nurse practitioner's earning potential depends on many factors, including experience level. According to Payscale data from Jan. 2022, nurse practitioners with more than 20 years of experience earn an average of $111,010 per year. Professionals with less than one year of experience earn an average annual salary of $92,490.

Salary potential also varies by location. According to BLS data, nurse practitioners in California earn an average annual salary of $145,970. Those in Massachusetts earn an average of $126,050 per year.

Position and employer type also influence salary. For example, nurse practitioners who work night shifts at hospitals may earn higher salaries than nurse practitioners at family clinics.

Courses in a Nurse Practitioner Program

Learners should verify the accreditation status of each prospective school and online nurse practitioner program. The U.S. Department of Education provides an online database of accredited schools and programs. Nurse practitioner programs can hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

A typical RN-to-MSN program requires about 40 credits. Most students graduate in about two years. Some online nurse practitioner programs offer concentrations in areas such as pediatrics, family nursing, and cardiac nursing.

The courses below are common to many online nurse practitioner programs. Course availability varies by school. Learners should contact their prospective institution for curriculum details.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Each learner's educational background and lifestyle impacts their path to becoming a nurse practitioner. For example, current registered nurses often choose RN-to-MSN programs, which take about two years to complete. Degree-seekers often maintain full-time or part-time employment. Licensed nurses without a bachelor's degree can enroll in LPN-to-RN programs.

People can become nurse practitioners without a bachelor of science in nursing. Aspiring nurse practitioners must complete clinical hours and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Licensure for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners typically need a state license and an MSN degree. They also need certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Most nurse practitioners specialize in a certain patient population and earn a certification in that specialty. For example, aspiring pediatric nurse practitioners can take the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board certification exam. Nurse practitioners renew their certification every five years.

Aspiring nurse practitioners must pass the NCLEX-RN exam from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The exam costs $200 and takes up to five hours to complete. The test covers topics including client rights, pharmacology, and care management.

Nurse practitioners must hold a state license in each state they practice. So, if a nurse practitioner moves to a different state, they must obtain a new state license to practice there. Some states may require nurse practitioners to have a supervising physician to earn state licensure.

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