The Most Affordable Online FNP Programs of 2026
- 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 an aspiring family nurse practitioner (FNP)? If so, an online FNP program can provide needed flexibility while supporting your education and career advancement.
Learn more about the most affordable online FNP programs, including curricula, program length, and graduation rates. We also outline the application process, financial aid opportunities, and salary projections.
Explore the top programs to find the best fit for your career goals.
Affordable Online FNP Programs
Morehead State University – Best for Nurses Interested in Primary Care
- Morehead, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Offers an FNP Concentration in Primary Care
MSU’s family nurse practitioner program offers a dedicated concentration in primary care. Course offerings include childbearing and women’s health, pediatrics, and common and complex alterations in primary care.
To graduate, you must complete 49 credits within six years of enrollment, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and submit a portfolio in your last semester. The program requires 600 practicum clinical hours and two days of advanced procedures lab on campus. The program handbook does not offer details regarding clinical placement support, suggesting that students may be responsible for identifying their own sites and preceptors.
Other Highlights:
- Year-round admissions with two start dates in the spring and fall semesters
- Prepares graduates to apply for family nurse practitioner certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Good to Know:
- Nursing and theory courses are only eligible for transfer credit if they have been completed within the last five years. Pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment courses may be up to 10 years old.
- Tuition and fees cost $602 per credit, totaling $29,498 for the 49-credit program.
- Minimum of 2080 hours of registered nursing experience required for admission.
52%
$10,260
65%
$10,260
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,791
- Institution Type
- Public
Texas Woman's University – Most Clinical Placement Support Provided
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Clinical Sites and Preceptors Arranged for Students
We chose TWU's family nurse practitioner program because of its commitment to connecting students with preceptors and clinical sites in their area. While the placement team secures your clinical site, you’re responsible for passing the required drug screening and background check, and getting your recommended health screening and vaccinations.
The 45-credit program requires 780 clinical hours and meets the licensing requirements for family nurse practitioners in 28 states. You’ll learn advanced health assessment, pharmacology, health policy and healthcare delivery, and evidence-based practice for advanced nursing practice.
Other Highlights:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Full- and part-time options available
- Tuition costs $418 per credit for in-state students, making it the lowest on this list.
Good to Know:
- Out-of-state tuition costs $823 per credit, totaling $37,035 for the program.
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing with at least a 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate or graduate statistics course, and an active, unencumbered RN license.
- Must complete the Casper Assessment and pay a $50 fee upon application to the program.
73%
$ 5,814
70%
$13,194
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,265
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Southern Indiana – Most Flexible Learning Experience
- Evansville, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Multiple Start Dates, Asynchronous Courses, and Local Clinical Sites
We chose USI’s family nurse practitioner program for its flexible learning options, which include three start dates per year, full-time and part-time options, asynchronous online courses, and local clinical placements. Students identify their preceptors and clinical sites with the help of the university clinical liaison. Students from 34 states can enroll in the program, which prepares them for licensure and certification.
You can complete the 42-credit CCNE-accredited program in 2.5-3 years. It includes 18 credits of core courses that all MSN students take, nine credits of clinical courses, and 15 credits in primary care for the family.
Program Highlights:
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted, which is the most transfer credits accepted for any school on this list
- Excellent 2024 FNP exam pass rates: 100% (ANCC) and 98% (AANP)
- All online students pay the same tuition and fees of $597 per credit, totaling $25,074.
Good to Know:
- One year of full-time nursing experience is recommended but not required.
- Admission requires a BSN, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a prerequisite in statistics, and an active RN license.
- $40 application fee
56%
$10,447
75%
$20,404
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,233
- Institution Type
- Public
University of West Florida – Best for Out-of-State Learners
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Serves Learners in Most States With No Out-of-State Tuition Differential
We chose UWF’s family nurse practitioner program because it is authorized to provide clinical training in 47 states and enroll students in 49 states. The program also stands out as the lowest-cost option for out-of-state learners on this list, offering a flat tuition rate of $500 per credit for all students, regardless of their residency status.
You will complete coursework focused on pharmacology, health systems leadership, and translating research into clinical practice. With 600 hours of direct patient care required before graduation, you will be qualified to pursue national FNP certification in most states.
Other Highlights:
- 3-year average pass rate of 93% on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners FNP Certification Exam
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Military-friendly policies may lower out-of-pocket costs for active duty servicemembers
Good to Know:
- Students in California are not eligible to enroll, and students cannot complete clinical rotations in Louisiana, New York, or California.
- Requires full-time enrollment of six or more credits per semester
- Requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an active, unencumbered RN license, and an undergraduate statistics course with a C or better
83%
$ 7,088
88%
$22,166
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,371
- Institution Type
- Public
Youngstown State University – Best for Midwestern and Great Lakes Learners
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Serves Learners in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
We chose YSU’s family nurse practitioner program because it serves students in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, offering three start dates and an assigned graduate clinical coordinator to support students throughout the program.
The 46-credit program includes 600 hours of clinical practicum in primary care settings and an integrated capstone course. Students complete coursework in pathophysiology, diagnostics and technologies, and pharmacology.
Other Highlights:
- Program completion is possible in as few as 20 months.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Minimal tuition differential for out-of-state students ($543 per credit in state; $548 per credit out of state)
Good to Know:
- Students are responsible for locating their own clinical sites and preceptors.
- Requires one year of RN experience and a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- YSU is currently unable to serve MSN students outside of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
62%
$6,547
77%
$6,727
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,040
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in November 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 an 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 in about 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
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 $108,317 as of September 2025, with FNPs in New York earning 21.3% more than the national average. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Online FNP Programs
Yes. Accredited online FNP programs are as legitimate as in-person programs. Accreditation ensures they meet industry standards by producing competent FNP graduates. The main difference is class format.
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