Top 5 Most Expensive Online FNP Programs

Yesterday, we talked affordability on ThriveAP, releasing a list of the country’s online family nurse practitioner programs with the lowest tuition costs. Today, we’re rounding out our dollars and cents research by taking a look at the other end of the spectrum – the top five most costly online FNP programs. While these schools certainly come with a steep price tag, some have more to offer than their more affordable counterparts and are certainly worth a glance from aspiring NPs. 

If you’re in the market for an online FNP program (and aren’t afraid of a few student loans), check out the top five most expensive online family nurse practitioner programs. 

1. University of Southern California

Estimated Tuition: $84,917

Topping the charts as the most expensive FNP program offered online in the country, the University of Southern California’s unique program integrates both nursing and social work disciplines, giving a fresh and exciting approach to healthcare. Founded in response to The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the program’s foundation is based on understanding the biomedical and social factors that influence a patient’s well being. Though all of the classes for the program are held online with clinical placements in or near students’ communities, students are required to attend two on-campus intensives where they will participate in skill assessments. Applicants must be RNs and are encouraged to contact the admissions department for information on geographical restrictions.

2. The Ohio State University

Estimated Tuition: $80,514

Hailed as the country’s most comprehensive university health sciences center, Ohio State offers its FNP students access to cutting-edge research, a diverse selection of elective courses, and interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals. The full program is offered online to students in the Traditional MS option through a state-of-the-art computer based format with no campus requirements. Students are also able to complete their clinicals in their own communities, although the program excludes hopefuls residing in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Alabama, Florida, Hawaii and Rhode Island from applying. Those residing in Ohio are offered a considerably lower tuition, estimated at $60,738.

3. Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Estimated Tuition: $63,120

With a strong first-time pass rate amongst its graduates, Nursing@Simmons is unlike the vast majority of other online FNP programs, offering both live, virtual classes as well as self-paced coursework. Students are only required to attend one, three day clinical immersion experience at the Boston campus where they will participate in an advanced physical assessment, a suturing workshop, and meet with the clinical placement team to help prepare themselves for rotations; though they are able to complete their clinicals in their own communities. The program is not currently available to those residing in New York and Tennessee. Applicants must have a current U.S. RN license.

4. The George Washington University

Estimated Tuition: $55,440

Ranked as 13th out of more than 145 online MSN programs by US News & World Report, The George Washington University promises to deliver a high quality education with a commitment to meet the demand for flexible educational opportunities. Its web-based curriculum allows students to complete course work and their clinical practices across the country, though the state of Louisiana is excluded. Students are required to attend four on-campus events including new student orientation, a campus learning and skills intensive, fall objective structured clinical examinations, and a final skills assessment, or alternatively a program test out. Applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s degree or a BSN with 3.0 GPA. RN’s with a Bachelor’s degree in a nursing related field are required to take a bridge course.

5. Western University of Health Sciences

Estimated Tuition: $55,380

Boasting as being ideal for students living in rural areas, small communities or on active military duty, Western University’s online FNP program is designed for nurses who seek to continue working in their current profession and keep family commitments while pursuing career advancement in the same community. Using a combination of self-directed learning activities, collaborative projects and intensive weekend seminars, part-time students are able to complete the program in as little as three years. Though Western University advocates flexibility and allows students to participate in clinicals local to their residence, students are required to attend weekend intensives at the Pomona, CA campus twice per semester.  Students must be licensed as a RN in the state in which they will be doing precepted clinical hours. 

How important is cost to you in your nurse practitioner school decision?

 

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