The Most Affordable Online FNP Programs of 2025
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesAspiring family nurse practitioners (FNPs) seeking a flexible education can benefit from enrolling in online FNP programs, which accommodate busy schedules while supporting career advancement.
Learn about the most affordable online FNP programs, including their curriculum, program length, and graduation rates. We also outline the application process, course formats, financial aid opportunities, and salary projections. Explore the top programs to find the best fit for your career goals.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Affordable Online FNP Programs
Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-C, BSN, RN, has been a nurse for more than a decade and a family nurse practitioner for more than three years. Joelle’s passion for nursing led her to her current role as a senior writer for NurseJournal. Below, as part of each listing, Joelle offers her insights into each program, sharing what makes each one unique.
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "This program stands out because of its flexible schedule and the opportunity to choose a start date. This makes it easy for you to maintain a healthy work-life balance."
Texas A&M International University’s FNP program is available in a hybrid format that caters to working nurses. We like that most coursework is completed online. Students attend two on-campus visits per course for hands-on learning and faculty guidance. Some courses may also require on-site intensives on a weekend day.
The 48-credit curriculum includes core courses in diagnostic reasoning and clinical procedures, healthcare policy and social justice, an integrated family practicum, and theories influencing practice, research, and advanced roles. Students can complete the program in 36 months.
Highlights:
- The most affordable program on the list for in-state students
- 100% national certification exam pass rate for FNP first-time examinees
- Holds Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation
Considerations:
- Enrollment requires a valid Texas RN license
- Students must show evidence of one year's inpatient work experience as an RN
- Some on-campus attendance required
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,634
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,712
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled8,505
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "While this is a full-time program, the online format allows for studying from anywhere. The program prepares you to sit for the national board exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners."
We selected the University of West Florida's FNP program for its online coursework (excluding practicum courses), which allows nurses to continue working while in school. The curriculum includes 600 hours of direct patient care to hone assessment and diagnosis skills and manage patients' acute and long-term health needs.
FNP courses and practicums cover adult, child and family, woman and family care, along with transitioning to professional practice. Coursework also includes foundations of nursing science, health systems leadership and policy strategies, and population health promotion and management. Students can finish the 45-credit program in 27-30 months.
Highlights:
- Clinical placements in student's local areas
- 93% three-year average pass rate on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners FNP certification exam
- Holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation
Considerations:
- Full-time only; no part-time options
- Only accepts transfer credits from schools with university-approved accreditation
- The FNP program cannot approve clinical experiences in California, Louisiana, or New York
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled13,521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "This program may require students to travel 200 miles or more to complete clinical requirements — a reality that may be challenging for some students. Still, UTEP offers state authorization for out-of-state students to participate in the school's online courses and programs."
UTEP offers an online FNP program with a primary care focus. The 49-credit program provides flexibility for working professionals. We noted the curriculum's emphasis on comprehensive primary care to promote wellness and diagnose and manage acute illness.
Learners may need to come to campus approximately three times per semester, and participate in simulated lab experiences in the last three semesters. In addition, the program may require travel of 200 miles or more to complete 775 hours of clinical training. Students graduate prepared to take the national FNP certification exam.
Highlights:
- The program authorizes online learners from all other states
- Admission cycles in both fall and spring
- GRE scores and letters of recommendation not required
Considerations:
- Applicants must have current direct patient care experience
- The FNP program requires two years of medical-surgical experience, excluding ER experience
- Admission prefers recent pediatric clinical experience
- In-State$7,704
- Out-of-state$23,112
- In-State$5,865
- Out-of-state$15,320
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled23,880
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Morehead State University
- Morehead, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "This program vets preceptors and considers them an extension of the faculty. Preceptors play an important role in FNP programs because they are also responsible for mentoring and role modeling."
The online FNP program at Morehead State University focuses on primary care. It combines virtual lecture courses with in-person clinical practicum placements in students' local areas. The 49-credit curriculum prepares graduates for their national FNP certification exams. We like the option for nurses who already hold a master's degree to enroll in the post-MSN program to gain eligibility for their certification exams.
Courses include childbearing and women's health for advanced practice, complex alterations in primary care, health promotion and disease prevention, and population health and epidemiology.
Highlights:
- Part-time and full-time study options
- Holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation
- GRE score not required for admission
Considerations:
- Selective programmatic admissions process in addition to university admission
- Admission requires one year of clinical experience as an RN
- On-campus attendance required for advanced procedures lab
- In-State$9,240
- Out-of-state$13,966
- In-State$9,096
- Out-of-state$13,680
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled8,810
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Missouri
- Warrensburg, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "One of the cool things about this program is that it offers a graduate program simulation certification. The certification teaches students the skills to apply principles and components of simulation education. FNP students will have access to their state-of-the-art simulation lab."
UCM offers an MSN degree with an FNP concentration. Designed for working nurses, the hybrid program combines online learning with in-person attendance at the school's Lee's Summit campus. We noted the two-year curriculum's emphasis on culturally competent and holistic patient care.
FNP students gain experience through the campus' simulation and skill lab and on-site practicums in several specialty areas, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and women's health. Courses span topics in advanced pathophysiology, healthcare policy and advocacy, organizational leadership in complex health systems, and pharmacology for advanced practice nurses.
Highlights:
- Faculty members are practicing nurse practitioners with experience teaching nursing theory and practical nursing
- 100% national certification exam pass rate
Considerations:
- FNP students need Missouri or nurse compact RN licenses
- Clinical practicums must be completed in Missouri or Kansas City and require a Kansas, Missouri, or compact state license
- Part-time study strongly encouraged
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$16,080
- In-State$8,136
- Out-of-state$16,272
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled12,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio University-Main Campus
- Athens, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "Small classes are always a plus when it comes to personalizing your graduate program. Further, Ohio University promises low teacher-to-student ratios, virtual office hours, and 24/7 access to coursework."
Ohio University's online FNP program takes six semesters to complete and prepares students for their national certification exams. We appreciate that most graduates pass on their first attempt. The curriculum focuses on advanced practice primary care, advanced assessment and diagnostic skills, and treatment plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
The 40-credit program caters to working nurses attending school part-time. The curriculum includes FNP practicum experiences and courses in advanced diagnostics for clinical reasoning, foundations of leadership and organizations, foundations of quality and safety in population health, and professional presence and writing for the advanced nurse.
Highlights:
- Holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation
- No GRE or GMAT required for admission
- Faculty are master's- or doctoral-trained practicing nurses
Considerations:
- On-campus intensives and clinical skills workshops may be required
- Two years of full-time RN experience required
- Applicants must hold RN licenses from one of the program-approved states
- In-State$12,106
- Out-of-state$23,898
- In-State$9,444
- Out-of-state$17,436
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled24,640
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Marshall University
- Huntington, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "Inspired by the growing need for care providers, particularly in underserved areas, Marshall places students in rural and other high-need communities to gain hands-on experience."
Marshall University's MSN-FNP degree offers hybrid learning with on-campus, online, laboratory, and clinical instruction. We appreciate the program's focus on rural and underserved populations as part of the state's primary health care initiative.
The 41-credit curriculum prepares graduates for their national certification exams. Courses cover issues in healthcare, theoretical foundations in nursing, leadership, and research. The FNP emphasis includes coursework in advanced practice, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment. Learners also complete an advanced family nursing internship, preferably in an underserved or rural healthcare setting.
Highlights:
- Holds Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation
- No GRE scores required for admission
Considerations:
- Highest out-of-state tuition on the list
- Competitive admissions
- Preference for applicants with two years of full-time nursing experience
- In-State$8,604
- Out-of-state$19,658
- In-State$7,520
- Out-of-state$20,072
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled10,835
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "This program stands out because it offers multiple start dates, a supervised clinical practicum, and an integrated capstone course."
The online MSN-FNP program at Youngstown State University can take less than two years to complete. We chose this program for its emphasis on training practitioners to deliver holistic and comprehensive primary healthcare to culturally diverse populations.
Enrollees gain skills in pathophysiology, diagnostics and technologies, and pharmacology and complete 600 clinical practicum hours and an integrated capstone project. Students can complete the clinical practicums in their local area and may include their current place of employment. Approved FNP clinical specialties span adult, gerontology, pediatric, and women's health primary care.
Highlights:
- Holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation
- Fully online coursework
- No GRE scores required for admission
Considerations:
- Applicants need a BSN and one year of recent RN practice
- Distance learners must complete the program in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Michigan
- In-State$9,426
- Out-of-state$9,786
- In-State$6,494
- Out-of-state$6,674
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled11,071
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern Indiana
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "What I love about this program is that it offers a separate resource for online students to support them with all online learning needs, which at times can be tricky, especially if you’re out of state."
USI offers a FNP track within its master of science in nursing program. We appreciate the 100% online curriculum that accommodates working nurses. The curriculum focuses on caring for patients and families, from newborns to the elderly, in ambulatory care settings.
Students complete 42 credits of core, clinical core, and FNP specialty courses. Coursework covers advanced practice roles, evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, and population-based care and health policy. An FNP practicum provides an intensive clinical experience during the summer. Distance learners can complete their clinical hours in their home communities with a program-approved preceptor.
Highlights:
- Holds Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation
- Admission opens three times per year
- Opportunities to personalize coursework around specific goals
Considerations:
- BSN required for admission
- One year of full-time clinical practice as an RN recommended
- In-State$8,976
- Out-of-state$21,824
- In-State$5,029
- Out-of-state$9,850
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled7,361
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Frostburg State University
- Frostburg, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Joelle Jean: "While students are responsible for locating and securing clinical sites, the program has a dedicated clinical placement coordinator and faculty to help students to find clinical experiences for their specific specialty."
FSU's MSN-FNP program offers flexible full-time and part-time hybrid learning options. Full-time enrollees can finish in six semesters and part-timers in 10 semesters, including summers. The program looks for (but does not require) applicants who are experienced RNs and live and work in rural, medically underserved communities.
FSU offers online coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats. Students come on campus for a required new student orientation, immersions that vary by course, and four FNP specialty course labs. Students work with a clinical placement coordinator to arrange 765-hour clinical practicums that can be completed in their local areas.
Highlights:
- 97% first-time pass rate on national certification exams
- 90-95% online coursework
- Holds Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation
Considerations:
- Fall admission only
- Summer attendance required
- Competitive admissions
- In-State$6,974
- Out-of-state$21,854
- In-State$8,208
- Out-of-state$10,584
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled4,067
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look for in an Online FNP Program
Consider several key factors when choosing an online FNP program. These elements affect your eligibility, satisfaction, and career outcomes after graduation. The following data points contributed to the overall rankings and should be evaluated based on your unique needs.
Admission Requirements
Most programs have similar requirements, such as a degree from an accredited nursing program. Check the program’s admission requirements to ensure you are qualified to apply.
Specializations
Achieving an FNP certification requires graduating from a program with an FNP specialization—not all graduate nursing programs offer this specialization.
Program Curriculum
The program’s curriculum should prepare you for your national certification examination and cultivate advanced clinical skills. FNPs must be proficient educators, advocates, counselors, and clinicians. An FNP curriculum covers evaluating research, promoting critical thinking skills, and helping students assume leadership positions.
Clinical Experience
Information about how clinicals are structured may influence your program choice. Does the school help with placement? Are you limited to certain practices for clinical experiences? How is the time spent in clinical rotations broken up? Each of these factors may impact your decision.
Accreditation
Accreditation demonstrates a school’s dedication to quality academics and competent graduates. Graduating from an accredited program qualifies students for the FNP certification exam and state licensure.
Program Length
The number of credits you need depends on the program. An accredited MSN FNP program typically requires approximately 30-50 credits and a minimum of 500 clinical hours.
School Graduation Rate
Identifying a school with a high graduation rate ensures a quality FNP program. Determined by students completing their degrees in a timely manner, this metric highlights a school’s success and performance.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Attending an online nursing program allows you to continue working while earning your degree, but you must complete clinical hours in person at approved sites. Online programs offer significant flexibility but require a high degree of dedication and self-discipline.
Why Is FNP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is vital for the online FNP program you consider. Every program on our site is accredited.
Accreditation is a third-party peer review to ensure the program meets educational standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit online FNP programs.
Reasons to attend an accredited nursing program include:
- Accreditation ensures quality education that meets industry standards.
- You must graduate from an accredited program to take the FNP certification exam.
- Credits from accredited programs are easily transferable.
- Accredited programs are eligible for federal aid.
- You must graduate from an accredited program to qualify for licensure through examination or endorsement.
- Accredited programs receive more educational funding.
- Employers require you to have a degree from an accredited program.
How Do Online FNP Programs Work?
Comparing in-person and online options is important in choosing the best FNP program. The online path offers the advantage of choosing a learning structure that balances your education with your career, personal life, and financial status.
A typical online class requires students to watch lectures on a video conferencing platform, during which they can participate in a live chat. They use similar software for group projects and meetings with the professor.
Some programs allow students to work at their own pace, while others require students to complete tests and assignments by specific deadlines. Online students are held to the same standards as their in-person counterparts.
Schools may offer a hybrid option. Hybrid programs blend online coursework with supervised simulated lab settings and clinical placements that put classroom theory into practice. However, accredited FNP programs require at least 500 in-person clinical hours for state licensure and board certification.
Some online programs help students find clinical placements locally, or they may require you to complete clinicals at their partner healthcare setting.
Your starting education level, program credits, and choice of full- or part-time status affect curriculum pace. You can generally complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)-to-master of science in nursing (MSN) program in 15-24 months of full-time coursework or 24-48 months on a part-time basis. Full-time associate degree in nursing (ADN)-to-MSN students can complete the program in 30-36 months, while part-time students can graduate within 36-48 months.
Applying to an Online FNP Program
The application process includes several steps, including ensuring you meet admission and GPA requirements and gathering the necessary documentation. Learn more about all the steps and requirements for applying to an FNP program.
Paying for Your Online FNP Program
Several factors determine the overall cost of an online FNP program. These include the length of the program, cost per credit, in-state or out-of-state tuition and fees, and whether you can work while taking classes. Additionally, expenses for textbooks, technology requirements, and clinical placements may impact your total costs.
Reach out to the program’s financial aid office and your personal bank to learn about your options. Consider government aid, such as the FAFSA. Ask the nursing school administration about financial aid for nurses from organizations like the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation.
Many nursing students entering graduate school may still be making loan payments for undergraduate degrees if their loans are not yet eligible for federal loan forgiveness. You can also defer loans until you complete your FNP program. Some financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. Talk to your nurse manager or HR department for details. It is important to understand the reimbursement terms before accepting the aid. You may need to work at the hospital for several years after graduation.
FNP Salary and Career Outlook
FNPs can assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatment for patients depending on their state of residence. Becoming an FNP offers greater earning potential and increased autonomy. The AANP reports improved patient outcomes with FNP care compared to care from a physician.
According to Payscale, the average annual income for an FNP is $105,890 as of January 2025, with California being the highest-paying state. Level of experience, practice setting, and postgraduate certifications impact income.
NPs can pursue many job prospects across an array of settings, including:
- Home health and hospice centers
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Long-term care facilities
- Acute and urgent care centers
- Public health departments and community clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Occupational sites
FNP salaries by setting as of March 2025 include:
- $97,770 in nursing homes.
- $134,430 in hospice facilities.
- $142,500 for private practices.
- $130,300 in correctional facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online FNP Programs
Online FNP programs are as legitimate as in-person programs. Accreditation ensures they meet industry standards by producing safe and competent FNP graduates. The main difference is their class formats accommodate a wide variety of student lifestyles.
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