The Most Affordable Online FNP Programs of 2025
- Affordable Online FNP Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- How Online FNP Programs Work
- How to Apply
- Paying for Your Program
- Careers
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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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