7 Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner MSN Programs [Updated 2025]

The University of Texas at El Paso offers a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program with a Primary Care Focus, designed for advanced nursing professionals. This hybrid program combines online coursework with practical experiences, requiring 49 credit hours and 775 clinical clock hours. It emphasizes health promotion, wellness, and chronic illness management, preparing graduates for national certification. The program is affordable, with resident tuition at $552 per credit and non-resident at $782. It's flexible for working professionals, featuring two admission cycles annually and innovative simulation lab experiences. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• 49 credit hour online program
• 775 total clinical clock hours
• Two admission cycles annually
• Resident tuition $552 per credit
• Non-resident tuition $782 per credit
• Seven-week didactic course format
• Innovative simulation lab experiences
• Fall 2025 application deadline July 11
• Spring 2025 application deadline Nov 8
• Flexible for working professionals

The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at The University of Texas at El Paso is a hybrid offering that prepares nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents. Spanning 49 online credit hours over seven semesters, it includes 675 clinical clock hours. The program focuses on health promotion, developmental assessments, and managing pediatric health conditions, leading to eligibility for certification by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. It's designed for working professionals, with two admission cycles yearly and innovative simulation labs. Resident tuition is affordable, and no entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• 49 credit hours online
• 675 clinical clock hours
• Innovative simulation lab
• Two admission cycles yearly
• Flexible for working professionals
• Curriculum meets national standards
• Pediatric nursing certification eligible

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at The University of Texas at El Paso is tailored for nurses aiming to care for critically ill adults. This hybrid program spans 7 semesters, offering 49 credit hours and 720 clinical hours online, with a focus on acute and critical care. It prepares graduates for national certification and requires 2-3 years of critical care experience. The program features innovative simulation experiences and is affordable for residents at $552 per credit hour. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's level program.

• Online hybrid program
• 49 credit hour curriculum
• 720 total clinical hours
• Two annual admission cycles
• Innovative simulation experiences
• Resident tuition $552/credit hour
• Requires 2-3 years critical care experience
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• National certification eligibility
• Seven-week course format

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at The University of Texas at El Paso focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions across all life stages. This hybrid program offers 49 credit hours online and 675 clinical hours, combining flexibility with in-depth training. It prepares graduates for national certification and advanced practice roles in mental healthcare. The program is affordable for residents at $552 per credit hour and includes innovative simulation experiences. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• Hybrid program format
• 49 credit hours online
• 675 clinical clock hours
• Across lifespan concentration
• Innovative simulation experiences
• Resident tuition $552/credit hour
• Two annual admission cycles
• Medication prescription training
• Psychotherapy intervention focus

The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at The University of Texas at El Paso is designed for nurses specializing in complex pediatric care. This two-year hybrid program offers 49 credit hours and 765 clinical clock hours, focusing on intensive care settings. It prepares graduates for the national certification exam and is affordable for residents at $552 per semester credit hour. The program is flexible for working professionals, featuring online coursework and innovative simulation experiences. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's level program.

• 49 credit hours online
• Two admission cycles yearly
• 765 clinical clock hours
• Hybrid program format
• Innovative simulation experiences
• Focuses on complex pediatric care
• Flexible for working professionals
• Prepares for national certification exam

Arkansas State University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program is tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in family primary care. This ACEN-accredited program, requiring a BSN for admission, offers a flexible 24-month online curriculum with a total tuition of $15,355. It prepares graduates for national certification, emphasizing advanced clinical skills and leadership in diverse healthcare settings. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for working professionals. The program's affordability and online format make it an excellent choice for nurses seeking to enhance their practice without sacrificing their current roles.

• 100% online coursework
• 41.5 total credit hours
• Total tuition $15,355
• 24-month program length
• ACEN-accredited program
• BSN required for admission
• Minimum 3.25 GPA
• Next start date 3/10/25
• 750 total clinical hours
• Prepares for national certification

The online Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Arkansas State University is designed for nurses seeking to advance their skills in acute care settings. This ACEN-accredited program, with a tuition of $15,355, can be completed in 24 months and requires a BSN, RN license, and 1,500 practice hours for admission. It prepares students for ANCC/AACN certification exams, focusing on the care of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The program's online format and no entrance exam requirement offer flexibility for working nurses, while its affordability ensures broad accessibility.

• 100% online coursework
• ACEN-accredited program
• 41.5 total credit hours
• 24-month completion option
• $15,355 total tuition
• Prepares for ANCC/AACN exams
• Multiple start dates annually
• 3.25 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Six practicum courses
• Practice in acute care settings

Arkansas State University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program addresses the growing need for mental health professionals. This 26-month, ACEN-accredited program, with a tuition of $23,750, prepares nurses for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing certification exam. It requires a BSN for admission and offers the flexibility to complete clinicals near home. The program's focus on treating diverse populations across age groups, combined with its online format and no entrance exam requirement, makes it a viable option for nurses looking to specialize in psychiatric mental health care affordably.

• 100% online coursework
• 26 months program length
• 47.5 total credit hours
• Total tuition $23,750
• ACEN-accredited program
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Clinicals near home

Eastern Kentucky University's Master of Science in Nursing - Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner program is tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in rural healthcare. This online program stands out with its focus on rural health, offering a curriculum that prepares students to tackle the unique challenges of primary care in underserved areas. With an affordable tuition rate of $703 per credit hour and the added benefit of free textbooks, it's a cost-effective option for advancing your nursing career. The program boasts a 100% first-attempt national certification exam pass rate and requires no campus visits, making it ideal for working professionals. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of RN experience.

• Online 47-credit MSN program
• Online tuition $703/credit hour
• Free textbooks for students
• No campus visits required
• Spring, summer, fall start dates
• 750 direct patient care hours
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 1+ year RN experience required
• Accredited nursing program
• 100% first attempt certification pass

The online Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Eastern Kentucky University is designed for nurses seeking to address the growing need for mental health professionals. This program emphasizes flexibility and affordability, with online tuition at $703 per credit hour and free textbooks provided. It features a 98.6% first-attempt certification exam pass rate, preparing graduates for success in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum requires 49 credits, with no campus visits, and is accessible to those with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and at least one year of RN experience. Multiple start dates throughout the year offer convenience for students.

• Online 49-credit MSN program
• $703 per credit hour
• Free textbooks for students
• 98.6% certification exam pass rate
• No campus visits required
• Multiple start dates annually
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Requires active RN license
• Minimum one year RN experience
• Top 50 online graduate nursing program

Eastern Kentucky University offers a specialized online Master of Science in Nursing with a Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, focusing on the critical mental health needs of rural populations. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences, preparing nurses to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care in underserved areas. With a requirement of 49 credit hours and no need for campus visits, it's designed for working professionals. Admission criteria include a BSN, an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and one year of nursing experience. The program's focus on rural mental health makes it a unique and valuable option for nurses looking to make a difference.

• Online graduate nursing program
• Rural psychiatric mental health focus
• 49 total credit hours
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Eight-course concentration sequence
• Oral comprehensive exam required

Texas Woman's University's Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program is tailored for nurses aiming to enhance their clinical expertise in family care. Available fully online or hybrid, it focuses on health promotion and primary care across all life stages, preparing graduates for diverse patient populations. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, and a basic statistics course. It's nationally accredited, offering provisional admission and flexible deadlines. This online program stands out for its affordability, rigorous standards, and the ability to balance professional and academic commitments.

• Online and hybrid program options
• Two delivery method formats
• Spans patient lifespan care
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Fall deadline: February 15
• Spring deadline: September 15
• Current RN license needed
• Requires basic statistics course
• Nationally-accredited nursing program
• Provisional admission possible

The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Master's at Texas Woman's University is a hybrid program designed for nurses specializing in pediatric healthcare. It emphasizes acute and chronic condition management for children and adolescents, integrating physiological, behavioral, and family health theories. Applicants need a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license, with pediatric experience preferred. Limited to Texas residents, it combines remote learning with in-state clinical placements. The program's affordability is notable, offering advanced pediatric training with flexible learning options.

• Hybrid learning format
• Texas residents only
• Pediatric primary care focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year pediatric experience preferred
• Remote and clinical learning
• Advanced pediatric health management

Texas Woman's University offers a hybrid Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, focusing on comprehensive healthcare for adults and the elderly. It requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license. The curriculum covers evidence-based patient care, preparing graduates for complex healthcare needs. With options for full-time summer or part-time fall/spring admission, it's designed for working professionals. The program's affordability and hybrid format make it accessible for Texas residents seeking specialized geriatric care training.

• Hybrid learning format
• Texas residents only
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Unencumbered RN license
• Summer full-time admission
• Fall/Spring part-time option
• Requires basic statistics course
• Clinical practice in Texas

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Texas Woman's University is a 100% online master's addressing the U.S. mental health professional shortage. It prepares RNs for ANCC certification, focusing on medication management and psychotherapeutic interventions. Requirements include a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and preferably one year of behavioral health experience. The 45-credit curriculum includes 780 clinical hours. Limited to Texas residents, its online format and focus on a high-demand specialty offer both affordability and career advancement opportunities.

• 100% online program
• 45 total credit hours
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• 12 months psychiatric nursing experience required
• ANCC certification exam eligibility
• Currently limited to Texas residents
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Evening synchronized classes
• Mental health professional shortage focus

Texas Woman's University's hybrid Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for comprehensive women's healthcare across the lifespan. The two-year, primarily online curriculum includes 780 clinical hours and on-campus intensives. It requires a 3.0 GPA and a Texas nursing license. Accredited by CCNE, the program combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, making it affordable and flexible for Texas residents aiming to specialize in women's health.

• Hybrid online/on-campus program
• 780 clinical practice hours
• Accredited by CCNE
• Two-year full-time format
• Requires Texas nursing license
• Competitive admission process
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Two-day campus skills intensive
• Evidence-based practice project
• Limited to Texas residents

Northern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in acute care settings. This CCNE-accredited program, offered entirely online, requires 47 credit hours over 24 months, with a total tuition of $32,956. It includes clinical residencies to prepare students for certification exams. The program focuses on diagnosing and treating patients from adolescence through geriatric stages. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and 1,000 clinical hours. Its military-friendly status and affordable tuition make it an attractive option for advancing nursing careers.

• 100% Online MSN Program
• CCNE Accredited Nursing Degree
• Total Tuition: $32,956
• 24-Month Program Length
• 47 Total Credit Hours
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration
• Clinical Residency Included
• Prepares for Certification Exam

The online Master of Science in Nursing at Northern Kentucky University, focusing on Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, is designed for nurses seeking to specialize in mental health care. This 47-credit hour program can be completed in as few as 22 months, with a total tuition of $32,956. It covers advanced psychopharmacology and mental health assessment, preparing graduates for the ANCC certification exam, with a notable 88.94% pass rate over three years. The program requires an RN license and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Its online format and affordability are key benefits for working professionals.

• 100% Online Program
• Total Tuition: $32,956
• 47 Credit Hours
• 22-Month Completion
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 88.94% ANCC Exam Pass Rate
• Covers Lifespan Mental Health Care
• Advanced Psychopharmacology Focus
• 5 Clinical Courses
• 750 Total Clinical Hours

Florida Atlantic University offers a hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program designed for nursing professionals aiming to advance their careers. This program focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary for health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions across all life stages. Requiring 52 credit hours and 780 clinical hours, it prepares graduates for professional certification. The part-time format, spanning about 2.5 years, is ideal for working professionals. With no GRE/MAT required and clinical sites in South Florida, the program is accessible and practical. In-state tuition is affordable at $371.81 per credit, making it a cost-effective option for advancing in the nursing field.

• 52 credit hours required
• 780 clinical hours
• Part-time study format
• In-state tuition: $371.81/credit
• Out-of-state tuition: $1026.81/credit
• Admitted Fall semester only
• Three campus locations
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• No GRE/MAT required
• Hybrid learning format

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner program in a hybrid format, blending online and traditional learning. This program is designed for BSN-prepared professionals aiming to advance their nursing practice with a focus on comprehensive healthcare across patient lifespans. It emphasizes wellness, health promotion, and patient-centered care, equipping students with skills in clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership. The program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to many. Its hybrid nature offers flexibility, and being part of a public university, it may present an affordable option for students seeking quality education without the high cost.

• Advanced practice nursing track
• Lifespan patient care focus
• Traditional and online delivery
• Emphasizes holistic healthcare
• Leadership skill development
• Patient-centered care approach
• Interdisciplinary collaboration training