A major consideration for most nurses thinking about advancing their education is cost. Will the hefty tuition price tag be worth it? Will the salary increase that comes with being a nurse practitioner offset the cost of schooling? For most nurses the answer to this question is “yes”, you will come out ahead by becoming a nurse practitioner. But, even if you stand to increase your salary, make the most of your education decision by choosing the NP program that offers the most bang for your buck.
A few schools stand out above the rest when it comes to offering a nurse practitioner education at an affordable cost. While this list isn’t comprehensive, consider these programs if you are looking to advance your education.
1. University of Nevada Las Vegas
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
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Delivery: Mostly online
Cost Per Credit: $264/credit residents, $554/credit non-residents
Estimated Tuition Total: $12,144 for residents, $25,484 for non-residents
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: Online, On Campus
Cost Per Credit: $251/credit online courses, $205/credit residents, $523/credit non-residents
Estimated Tuition Total: $12,801 for online students, $10,455 for residents, $26,697 for non-residents
3. Southeast Missouri State University
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: Hybrid
Cost Per Credit: $292/credit residents, $516/credit non-residents
Estimated Tuition Total: $12,556 for residents, $22,188 non-residents
4. University of Central Missouri
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: Online, must complete clinical hours in Missouri
Cost Per Credit: $276/credit residents, $553/ credit non-resident
Estimated Tuition Total: $12,155 for residents, $24,310 for non-residents
5. University of Central Arkansas
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: Online with occasional campus visits
Cost Per Credit: $406/credit residents, $642/credit non-residents
Estimated Tuition Total: $15,843 for residents AGNP, $17,875 for residents FNP, $25,046 for non-residents AGNP, $28,256 for non-residents FNP
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: Online
Cost Per Credit: $497/credit
Estimated Tuition Total: $23,359
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: On Campus
Cost Per Credit: $555/credit
Estimated Tuition Total: $24,975
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: Online
Cost Per Credit: $531/credit
Estimated Tuition Total: $25,488
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: On Campus
Cost Per Credit: $558
Estimated Tuition Total: $21,762 for AGNP, $25,668 for FNP
10. Indiana Wesleyan University
NP Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner
Delivery: On Campus
Cost Per Credit: $557
Estimated Tuition Total: $27,293
Where will you go for your nurse practitioner degree?
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3 thoughts on “10 Nurse Practitioner Programs for Students on a Budget”
Northern Arizona University (FNP) should be on that list.
Monthly tuition for a resident student is just under $5k per semester, and the program director is very good at finding tuition relief for every student in the program.
Unfortunately the program is otherwise very disorganized.
I’m working on my FNP at Florida Gulf Coast University. Tuition is just over $21k for the whole MSN program. Unfortunately I’m part of FGCU’s last MSN class, the DNP will be more credits but still only $373/ credit.
University of Southern Mississippi has well organized MSN FNP program with high retention and pass rates. Tuition is $375 per credit hour $835 for residents. Total of 44 hours required. $3372 per semester for 4 semesters with estimated total tuition: $13,488. Delivered mostly online with approximately 8 visits to campus over the entire program.
Lots of video and audio lectures, not just powerpoints and documents. Lots of personal one on one contact.
Folks often continue to work while attending the program and are successful. Many non-traditional students with families attend the program.