The Master of Science in Nursing at AHU, a Seventh-day Adventist school, offers three program tracks: family nurse practitioner, education, and administration and leadership. All tracks can be completed on full- or part-time schedules, with each requiring practicum work and a capstone project. The program offers varied entry points for nurses depending on their experience, allowing
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
By the OnlineU team | Updated 2/2/2022
Medical teams and patients alike value nurse practitioners for their mastery of skills and compassion. Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a Master's of Science in Nursing — which you can obtain online — to prepare for these advanced practice roles or to be able to continue with doctoral studies. As the population in the U.S. continues to grow and age, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 45% job growth through 2030 for these healthcare professionals who earn a median annual salary of $117,670.
The following is a list of the best online master’s nurse practitioner degree programs. We've also included information on common nursing courses, certifications and licensing, careers, and whether this degree is worth the investment of time and money.
Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs with the Highest Return on Investment
The national average ROI for nurse practitioner degree programs is $968,000 over 10 years. All of the top online nurse practitioner schools have ROIs above that average, with ROIs ranging from $1,006,200 at Herzing University to $1,691,400 at AdventHealth University. Tuitions start as low as $6,600 per year for these top online nurse practitioner programs. Alumni of the top nurse practitioner programs earn median salaries of over $100,000.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth University | $13,000 | $182,280 | $148,677 | $1,691,400 | |
| Touro University Nevada | $20,250 | $155,297 | $44,364 | $1,543,500 | |
| University of Southern California | $61,845 | $161,637 | $140,524 | $1,489,000 | |
| University of South Carolina - Columbia | $9,067 | $131,707 | $46,050 | $1,298,600 | |
| Samuel Merritt University | $37,689 | $130,283 | $133,233 | $1,175,300 | |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | $9,900 | $117,274 | $30,750 | $1,169,000 | |
| United States University | $11,400 | $116,083 | $53,149 | $1,128,900 | |
| Midwestern State University | $7,662 | $114,595 | $48,803 | $1,119,000 | |
| Northeastern University | $34,062 | $115,020 | $60,776 | $1,108,400 | |
| University of North Dakota | $15,072 | $108,852 | $30,767 | $1,082,300 | |
| Pace University | $25,536 | $109,909 | $41,000 | $1,080,500 | |
| University of Connecticut | $24,050 | $107,376 | $38,753 | $1,057,200 | |
| Gonzaga University | $16,480 | $109,219 | $55,377 | $1,055,400 | |
| Marymount University | $24,150 | $104,510 | $33,773 | $1,033,900 | |
| La Salle University | $19,435 | $107,089 | $59,980 | $1,027,800 | |
| Monmouth University | $19,005 | $105,083 | $47,392 | $1,022,800 | |
| West Coast University | $12,268 | $103,078 | $31,483 | $1,022,000 | |
| Old Dominion University | $13,685 | $103,913 | $41,000 | $1,018,700 | |
| The University of Texas Medical Branch | $12,268 | $102,791 | $34,167 | $1,015,700 | |
| Albany State University | $6,600 | $103,913 | $45,242 | $1,013,400 | |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City | $14,365 | $101,406 | $27,464 | $1,009,800 | |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | $16,422 | $102,754 | $38,835 | $1,009,500 | |
| Drexel University | $29,640 | $104,168 | $51,250 | $1,008,600 | |
| Herzing University | $23,505 | $102,409 | $38,602 | $1,006,200 |
Best Master's Degrees in Nurse Practitioner (NP) Rankings Details
#1
AdventHealth University
Orlando (FL)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,691,400
- Median Salary: $182,280
- Annual Tuition: $13,000
- Median Debt: $148,677
#2
Touro University Nevada
Henderson (NV)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,543,500
- Median Salary: $155,297
- Annual Tuition: $20,250
- Median Debt: $44,364
TUN's primarily online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program consists of 53 credits that can be completed in seven trimesters. Students must complete three on-campus clinical intensives, 585 hours in a supervised clinical practicum, and a one-credit capstone project. Notably, Minority Nurse Magazine has recognized TUN's School of Nursing as a Nursing Diversity
#3
University of Southern California
Los Angeles (CA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,489,000
- Median Salary: $161,637
- Annual Tuition: $61,845
- Median Debt: $140,524
USC's Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner degree is designed to be completed in five semesters by RNs who want a nurse practitioner certification. This program includes 49 credits and 784 hours of clinical experience.
The online coursework covers healthcare technology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more, but students are still required to attend two on-campus
#4
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Columbia (SC)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,298,600
- Median Salary: $131,707
- Annual Tuition: $9,067
- Median Debt: $46,050
USCC's online Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for RNs who want to improve their career prospects and potentially take the national certification exam for their area of specialization. Students can choose from three nurse practitioner programs: adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
#5
Samuel Merritt University
Oakland (CA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,175,300
- Median Salary: $130,283
- Annual Tuition: $37,689
- Median Debt: $133,233
SMU's online Master of Science in Nursing & Family Nurse Practitioner degree offers full- and part-time schedules. This program, which includes a 210-hour clinical practicum and internship, prepares students for hands-on practice and provides instruction on nursing theory, advanced practice nursing, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and more.
Students at SMU use the
#6
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck (NJ)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,169,000
- Median Salary: $117,274
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Debt: $30,750
The online Master of Science in Nursing program at FDU requires that students complete 37 credits and 640 clinical hours on either a full- or part-time schedule. Students learn about diverse medical conditions and other nursing research while practicing diagnostic skills. The program culminates in a master's project.
Students use an online learning platform to work through asynchronous
#7
United States University
National City (CA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,128,900
- Median Salary: $116,083
- Annual Tuition: $11,400
- Median Debt: $53,149
USU’s online Master of Science Nurse Practitioner degree is a 24-month program for RNs requiring 48 credits and at least 540 clinical hours. Graduates can take a national certification exam and apply for a Nurse Practitioner license from the California Board of Registered Nurses.
This program follows a hybrid online instructional model, including online and in-person synchronous
#9
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls (TX)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,119,000
- Median Salary: $114,595
- Annual Tuition: $7,662
- Median Debt: $48,803
MSU offers an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner degree, which is comprised of 48 credits, including an evidence-based project or thesis. Students with a BS in Nursing can enroll if they desire to continue their education with an emphasis on families’ health-related needs. This program qualifies graduates to take a national certification examination.
#10
Northeastern University
Burlington (MA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,108,400
- Median Salary: $115,020
- Annual Tuition: $34,062
- Median Debt: $60,776
NEU’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is for active RNs with at least two years of experience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The program focuses on providing care to high-risk newborns in levels 2 and 3 of the NICU while improving students’ diagnostic reasoning and delivery room management skills. The curriculum explores advanced pharmacology,
#11
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks (ND)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,082,300
- Median Salary: $108,852
- Annual Tuition: $15,072
- Median Debt: $30,767
UND offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with three concentrations: adult-gerontology primary care nursing, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. Each track is for RNs who want to become leaders in patient-focused health care. The program is designed to be completed in eight semesters and features 22 core credits — including an independent
#12
Pace University
New York (NY)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,080,500
- Median Salary: $109,909
- Annual Tuition: $25,536
- Median Debt: $41,000
Pace’s Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares students to practice advanced psychiatric mental health nursing with an emphasis on treating patients with substance use disorders. Courses cover the assessment and treatment of psychiatric diseases and disorders across the lifespan, especially health disparities and caring for vulnerable
#13
University of Connecticut
Storrs (CT)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,057,200
- Median Salary: $107,376
- Annual Tuition: $24,050
- Median Debt: $38,753
The UC’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is a 44-credit program for current nurse practitioners looking to advance their careers. The program is designed to be completed in five semesters and includes courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, health assessment, and health policy. Graduates can take the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
#14
Gonzaga University
Spokane (WA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,055,400
- Median Salary: $109,219
- Annual Tuition: $16,480
- Median Debt: $55,377
GU offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree with concentrations in nursing leadership in health care, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The latter two tracks are available as second M.S.N. degrees for RNs who want a specialty. The nursing leadership program is 30 credits and requires 180 clinical hours, while the other two each
#15
Marymount University
Arlington (VA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,033,900
- Median Salary: $104,510
- Annual Tuition: $24,150
- Median Debt: $33,773
MU’s 45-credit online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program is only offered part-time. Students learn about population health, care delivery, practice management, leadership, health promotion, and family care. The MU nursing program is recognized for its high exam pass rates, expert faculty, and student support services.
Online coursework blends asynchronous
#16
La Salle University
Philadelphia (PA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,027,800
- Median Salary: $107,089
- Annual Tuition: $19,435
- Median Debt: $59,980
LSU’s accelerated online Master's of Science in Nursing degrees include the following programs: family nurse practitioner — requiring 45 credits and 692 clinical hours — and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, a 41-credit program requiring 512 hours. These programs offer pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same cost for both in-state and out-of-state students.
#17
Monmouth University
West Long Branch (NJ)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,022,800
- Median Salary: $105,083
- Annual Tuition: $19,005
- Median Debt: $47,392
MU offers a Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing for adult-gerontological nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and family nurse practitioners. Prospective students must have a BS in Nursing and one year of experience as an RN. The programs require 33-45 credits and the completion of clinical placements in New Jersey or through the Monmouth Medical Center and Hacken
#18
West Coast University
Multiple Locations
- 10-Year ROI: $1,022,000
- Median Salary: $103,078
- Annual Tuition: $12,268
- Median Debt: $31,483
WCU offers several online degree options, including the RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner, and MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, which take 40, 36, and 32 months, respectively. Graduates of any track can take a national board exam.
WCU students can access courses through the Blackboard learning
#19
Old Dominion University
Norfolk (VA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,018,700
- Median Salary: $103,913
- Annual Tuition: $13,685
- Median Debt: $41,000
ODU offers three online programs for practicing, licensed nurses pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing: family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (which have a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam). Concentrations are available in telehealth, holistic medicine, national healthcare solutions, health promotion,
#20
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston (TX)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,015,700
- Median Salary: $102,791
- Annual Tuition: $12,268
- Median Debt: $34,167
UTMB offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program for experienced RNs with four possible concentrations: adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and neonatal nurse practitioner. Each program is divided into 14 courses over seven semesters, focusing on supporting health and delivering
#21
Albany State University
Albany (GA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,013,400
- Median Salary: $103,913
- Annual Tuition: $6,600
- Median Debt: $45,242
ASU’s online Master of Science in Nursing program is offered in part- and full-time formats, requiring 44 credits total. Students learn about pathophysiology, pharmacology, research in nursing practice, and more. In their final year, students are required to complete a practicum through either a preceptorship, thesis, or another scholarly project.
Students use the GaVIEW system to
#22
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Kansas City (MO)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,009,800
- Median Salary: $101,406
- Annual Tuition: $14,365
- Median Debt: $27,464
UMKC offers an online Master of Science in Nursing degree with seven concentrations to RNs with at least one year of experience: adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, women's health nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, and pediatric nurse practitioner (primary or acute care). These 52-credit online
#23
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso (TX)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,009,500
- Median Salary: $102,754
- Annual Tuition: $16,422
- Median Debt: $38,835
UTEP offers experienced RNs an online Master of Science in Nursing with several concentration opportunities: nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and pediatric nurse practitioner (acute or primary care). These programs require 46-49 credits and 675-775 clinical hours.
The online portion of the program is
#24
Drexel University
Philadelphia (PA)
- 10-Year ROI: $1,008,600
- Median Salary: $104,168
- Annual Tuition: $29,640
- Median Debt: $51,250
DU’s online Master of Science in Nursing offers several specialty options: women's health/gender-related nursing, adult-gerontology, family nursing, pediatric acute care, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric/mental health nursing. This part-time program requires 56 credits. Typically, students take two classes per semester and begin clinical hours at the end of their second year.
#25
Herzing University
Multiple Locations
- 10-Year ROI: $1,006,200
- Median Salary: $102,409
- Annual Tuition: $23,505
- Median Debt: $38,602
The online Master of Science in Nursing at Herzing offers RNs an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree and an accelerated RN to MSN-FNP program, each requiring 48 semester hours, 675 clinical hours, and 500 patient encounters. The program is designed to be completed in five semesters, and it emphasizes health policy and management, organizational systems and behaviors, and
Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing for nurse practitioners is for registered nurses and focuses on advanced nursing theory and principles in the design and delivery of primary care. MSN students choose a specialization, such as family health, gerontology, women's health, or neonatal care. The curriculum is intended to prepare students for the national certification exam and also establishes a foundation for pursuing doctoral studies as a DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice. Program completion generally requires 42-48 credits and approximately 600 practicum hours to gain clinical experience. Full-time students may complete the program in two years, while part-time students may need four.
While on-campus NP programs emphasize collaborative group work and class discussion, as an online student, you'll work autonomously. There is also an expectation that you maintain your nursing job while enrolled to practice and implement new skills and eventually complete your practicum.
Admission Requirements
An NP degree program applicant must be a registered nurse with an active license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If your bachelor's degree is in another field, you'll have to enroll in an RN to MSN bridge program. Most programs also require approximately one year of nursing work experience and proof of employment, in addition to letters of recommendation from employers.
Other admission requirements are similar across programs:
- A minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Prerequisites that may include microbiology, physiology, anatomy, psychology, chemistry, and statistics.
- GRE test scores.
- College transcripts.
- A current resume.
- An application fee of approximately $50.
The admissions office may require an interview that an advisor will schedule once they review all the applications.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs
You can choose from one of several NP programs based on your prior education, RN status, and career goals. Requirements vary as well as program completion time. Some programs may take two years full-time to complete, while accelerated programs may take RNs as little as a year and a half.
| Degree Type | Typical Prerequisites | Average Years to Complete | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN to MSN | Associate Degree in Nursing | 2 Years | This program may be ideal for licensed RNs who have their Associate Degree in Nursing and want to earn their master's without taking extra time to complete a BSN program in between. |
| RN to MSN | Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field | 2-3 Years | This program bridges a bachelor's program to a master's program for RNs who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Students interested in becoming nurse practitioners can complete master's core courses in lieu of BSN electives. |
| BSN to MSN | Bachelor's of Science in Nursing | 2 Years | This program is for RNs who want to complete their MSN to become nurse practitioners. |
| NP Certificate | Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRNs) with a master's degree | 12-16 Months | A nurse practitioner certificate is a post-graduate certificate in a specialty area, such as pediatrics, neonatal, or gerontology. |
| DNP | MSN | 2 Years | A Doctor of Nursing Practice is the highest clinical degree for nursing and will give students all the same tools and knowledge as an MSN, but with more in-depth analysis and practice. DNP programs usually require a residency period, where students work under the guidance of a licensed NP. |
Accelerated NP Programs
There are two distinct types of accelerated nurse practitioner programs: those for current RNs and those for non-nurses. You'll need at least a master’s degree in advanced nursing skills to become a certified NP.
Accelerated NP programs for current BSNs
Time to Completion: Approximately a year and a half
These programs often utilize online courses for the instructional portion of the degree but include an element of clinical classes to be completed in the student's local area. Like NP programs for non-nurses, these accelerated degrees are available in a variety of advanced practice areas.
Accelerated NP programs for non-nurses
Time to Completion: Around 3 years
Open to individuals with an accredited bachelor’s degree. The first step is to complete bachelor’s degree-level bridge coursework, which can take one year. After completing this successfully, the next step is to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to earn a general nursing license. After passing this test, students may begin their two years of master’s-level nurse practitioner coursework.
What to Consider When Choosing an Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Career goals, specialization, and relevant experience will dictate which online NP programs may suit you best. Once you identify schools you're interested in, you can narrow your choices by considering several factors.
| Cost | You'll most likely incur some student debt, so you'll want to choose an affordable program that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Public colleges often cost less than private, and many online programs cost less than those on campus. Accelerated programs can save both money and time. |
|---|---|
| Location | If you need to complete campus intensives or other on-campus work, you may want to only consider local programs. |
| Curriculum | Make sure to look through the course catalog to ensure courses meet your expectations, and that the school offers your specialty. |
| Clinical experience opportunities | Online programs may require you to complete a minimum number of hours of real-world experience, where you'll treat patients under the supervision of licensed professionals at a recognized healthcare facility. |
| American Association of Nurse Practitioners exam pass rates | If you're interested in a program such as an online family nurse practitioner (FNP) program, ask school advisors for their NP certification exam pass rates to ensure the number of graduates passing is satisfactory. |
The Importance of an Accredited Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Most professional nursing certification exams are only open to those who have completed accredited degree programs. Programmatic accrediting bodies ensure programs in their field offer high-quality curriculum that meets employer needs. Graduates should be proficient in the skills currently in-demand in order to pass certification exams and remain competitive in the job market.
You should choose an online nursing degree program specifically accredited by an agency such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc., the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the Commission for Education in Nursing. You can visit Ed.gov to check accreditation status.
Common Courses in an NP Program
An online master's degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner concentration includes a combination of foundational, clinical, and specialty courses. Foundational courses cover nursing theory, diversity, ethics, health policy, research, and advanced practice nursing roles. Clinical studies equip you with skills in advanced nursing interventions, anatomy and physiology, assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. You may also choose specialty courses suited to your career interests and, finally, you'll complete a practicum to gain clinical experience.
Below are some classes that remain similar across all nurse practitioner programs to ensure the same learning outcomes.
It's important to note that programs may require some amount of on-campus intensive learning, though it's not extensive. For example, online FNP programs may require you to attend a five-day intensive at the beginning of a course and then to complete an assessment exam in person at the end.
Nurse Practitioner Specializations and Careers
NP specializations through online programs can lead to gratifying careers. NPs work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, trauma centers, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The demand for these roles is high with a median salary of $117,670, which is well above the national average for all jobs of $41,950.
Certification and Licensing Requirements for Nurse Practitioners
Certification is required for NPs to work with patients and to obtain a license. While eligibility requirements may vary, you'll generally need an active RN license and a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours in your specialty to take a certification exam to demonstrate your competency. Once certified and licensed, NPs work in various settings, including clinics, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and physicians' offices.
There are five different NP certification boards in the U.S., each offering certifications for various specialties listed below:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Pediatric Acute Care
- Neonatal
- Women’s Health-Gender Related
- Family
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
Once you've passed your certification exam, you'll be eligible for licensing through your state's nursing board. Requirements differ depending on the state, but in general, you'll need the following to obtain your license:
- Photo identification.
- Proof of completion for education requirements.
- Proof of NP certification.
- A background check and fingerprints.
- An application fee.
Is an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Worth It?
You can determine whether an online nurse practitioner degree is worth it based on your interests, desired lifestyle, professional goals, and financial situation. Your preferred learning style will also influence your decision whether to complete an online or on-campus program. As with any big life decision, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Potential Benefits
Earning an online degree is convenient for rural nurses who may work far from universities, shift nurses whose schedules rotate, and anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.
The work can be rewarding. Healthcare workers are often passionate about the work they do to improve the well-being of others and consider nursing their vocation — something they feel called to do.
There are many opportunities for job growth as a nurse practitioner, not only with annual salaries potentially exceeding $100,000 but also with the possibility to work anywhere — from a healthcare clinic or intensive care unit to a delivery room or private practice.
An online nurse practitioner degree may be more affordable than on-campus programs because schools often waive campus fees, charge tuition a flat rate, and offer free and affordable digital materials and resources.
Potential Drawbacks
Practicum opportunities may be limited for you as an online student if you don't live close to campus and don't live near healthcare facilities. It may be difficult for you to find opportunities locally, especially if you live in a rural area.
The work can be stressful, especially for NPs who work in emergency rooms, trauma centers, and neonatal clinics, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
Work hours and shifts may be irregular and stressful for you and your family. You may be an on-call NP, work rotating shifts, or you may be scheduled for evenings, weekends, or holidays. Your hours are often longer than the average workday, which can negatively impact your free time.
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