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Compare Nurse Practitioner Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Nurse Practitioner Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Nurse practitioners are some of the most in-demand healthcare professionals, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 38% increase in employment for the field through 2032. Also known as advanced practice registered nurses, these individuals provide primary and specialty healthcare to various patient populations in a range of settings.

Because of the specialized knowledge the field requires, a master’s degree is the minimum education requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner. For cost-conscious students who want to find the cheapest online nurse practitioner programs, Intelligent.com compiled this list of high-quality and affordable degree programs to help aspiring nurse practitioners get the education they need to advance their careers.

This article also includes expert advice on how to pay for a nurse practitioner degree and choose the right degree program for your budget and education goals.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best Online Nurse Practitioner degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 50 Accredited Nurse Practitioner Programs

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#1
Pensacola, FL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of West Florida

Intelligent Score: 99.67
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $3,735

Out-of-state: $16,004

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,088

Out-of-state: $7,088

Test scores

SAT: 1060-1230

ACT: 21-27

Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
58%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
48%
Students enrolled
13,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$500

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 844-372-9390

#2
Athens, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Ohio University

Intelligent Score: 98.77
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $27,574

Out-of-state: $38,254

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $18,138

Out-of-state: $18,138

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1290

ACT: 22-27

Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
22%
Graduation Rate
65%
Students enrolled
15,036
Student to faculty ratio
15-to-1
Average Salary
40,500
Average Student Debt
21000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$668 - $775

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

20-40

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 740-593-4494

#3
Evansville, IN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Southern Indiana

Intelligent Score: 98.61
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,716

Out-of-state: $20,252

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,246

Out-of-state: $10,246

Test scores

SAT: 980-1170

ACT: 19-25

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
94%
On-campus students
28%
Graduation Rate
53%
Students enrolled
10,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$532

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

42-44

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 812-464-8600

#4
Austin, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Texas at Arlington

Intelligent Score: 98.49
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $11,448

Out-of-state: $40,032

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $12,028

Out-of-state: $12,028

Test scores

SAT: 1210-1470

ACT: 26-33

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
32%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
50,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$52k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Certificate: $1,962 per course Undergraduate:$491 Graduate:$654

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

Certificate:5 courses Undergraduate:78 Graduate: 41-46

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-489-2810

#5
Las Cruces, NM | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

NMSU Global

Intelligent Score: 97.32
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $6,041

Out-of-state: $22,507

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,981

Out-of-state: $4,981

Test scores

SAT: 950-1150

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
46%
Graduation Rate
51%
Students enrolled
14,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$30k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$444

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

18

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 888-729-6678

#6
Kansas City, MO | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Rockhurst University

Intelligent Score: 97.06
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $38,800

Out-of-state: $38,800

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $16,200

Out-of-state: $16,200

Test scores

SAT: 1035-1225

ACT: 20-27

Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
73%
On-campus students
24%
Graduation Rate
73%
Students enrolled
4,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$734

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

20-49

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 816-501-4000

#7
Wichita Falls, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Midwestern State University

Intelligent Score: 96.92
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,708

Out-of-state: $7,658

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,145

Out-of-state: $4,145

Test scores

SAT: 910-1100

ACT: 16-22

Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
71%
On-campus students
33%
Graduation Rate
44%
Students enrolled
6,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $195

Out-of-State: $720

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

33

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 940-397-4000

#8
Jonesboro, AR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Arkansas State University

Intelligent Score: 96.51
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,232

Out-of-state: $10,800

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,986

Out-of-state: $4,986

Test scores

SAT: 1000-1220

ACT: 20-26

Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
67%
On-campus students
25%
Graduation Rate
53%
Students enrolled
13,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$31k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$340 - $500

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

21.5 - 47.5

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-621-8096

#9
Tucson, AZ | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Arizona

Intelligent Score: 96.46
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,990

Out-of-state: $33,273

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,938

Out-of-state: $11,938

Test scores

SAT: 1090-1350

ACT: 21-29

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
85%
On-campus students
44%
Graduation Rate
65%
Students enrolled
46,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,053

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-70

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 520-621-0898

#10
Columbus, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Columbus State University

Intelligent Score: 96.25
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,371

Out-of-state: $15,425

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,300

Out-of-state: $6,300

Test scores

SAT: 860-1080

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
38%
Students enrolled
8,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$31k
Average Student Debt
$26k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$385

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

44

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 706-507-8800

#11
San Angelo, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Angelo State University

Intelligent Score: 95.95
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,412

Out-of-state: $14,228

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $4,119

Out-of-state: $4,119

Test scores

SAT: 920-1120

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
45%
Graduation Rate
43%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$36k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $232

Non-Resident: $642

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

25-49

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-946-8627

#12
Youngstown, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Youngstown State University

Intelligent Score: 95.82
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,966

Out-of-state: $9,326

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,072

Out-of-state: $6,072

Test scores

SAT: 960-1190

ACT: 18-24

Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
70%
On-campus students
41%
Graduation Rate
47%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
18:01
Average Salary
$32k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $527

Out-of-State: $532

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

18-46

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-513-0093

#13
Reno, NV | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Nevada Reno

Intelligent Score: 94.5
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,901

Out-of-state: $23,554

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,657

Out-of-state: $5,657

Test scores

SAT: 1060-1260

ACT: 20-26

Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
87%
On-campus students
73%
Graduation Rate
60%
Students enrolled
21,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $321

Out-of-State: $354

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

17-50

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 775-784-6841

#14
Lake Charles, LA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

McNeese State University

Intelligent Score: 94.01
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,147

Out-of-state: $13,185

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,703

Out-of-state: $5,703

Test scores

SAT: 1050-1240

ACT: 20-25

Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
13%
Graduation Rate
44%
Students enrolled
7,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $472

Non-Resident: $972

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

42-51

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 800-622-3352

#15
Warrensburg, MO | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Central Missouri

Intelligent Score: 93.80
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,128

Out-of-state: $14,256

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,608

Out-of-state: $7,608

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: 19-25

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
64%
On-campus students
53%
Graduation Rate
51%
Students enrolled
10,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$35k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$413

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, On-campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

26-44

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-729-8266

#16
Kent, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Kent State University

Intelligent Score: 92.69
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,810

Out-of-state: $19,686

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,766

Out-of-state: $11,766

Test scores

SAT: 1020-1210

ACT: 20-26

Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
41%
Graduation Rate
65%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$34k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $571

Out-of-State: $581

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

21-42

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 330-672-7930

#17
Radford, VA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Radford University

Intelligent Score: 91.66
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,922

Out-of-state: $19,557

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,915

Out-of-state: $8,915

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
79%
On-campus students
13%
Graduation Rate
56%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$38k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $465 - $504

Out-of-State: $997

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online, Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

23-78

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 540-831-5000

#18
Huntington, WV | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Marshall University

Intelligent Score: 89.48
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,190

Out-of-state: $18,044

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,506

Out-of-state: $7,506

Test scores

SAT: 940-1145

ACT: 19-25

Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
89%
On-campus students
41%
Graduation Rate
50%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
18:01
Average Salary
$33k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$509

DELIVERY FORMAT

Online

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

41-67

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 304-696-2623

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Cost Breakdown for Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Tuition is the primary cost students may think of when searching for an affordable online master’s program, but there are additional costs to budget for as well. Understanding these costs can help students find a program that works for them financially.

Tuition

Tuition is the main cost associated with earning a degree. Schools set a per-credit tuition fee and charge students based on how many credits they enroll in per term. This often means students who enroll part-time pay less each term. However, all programs have a minimum number of credits required for graduation, so even part-time students will end up paying the same amount (or possibly more) as full-time students by the time they complete their degree. Students seeking the cheapest online nurse practitioner program should look not only at the per-credit tuition cost but also how many overall credits the program requires.

Fees

Schools also commonly assess additional fees to cover specific resources needed for a particular program. For example, students in nurse practitioner programs may have to pay fees for background checks and labs. Online programs may also charge fees for virtual classroom technology, library resources, or technical support. Schools may assess fees on a per-term, per-year, or one-time-only basis.

Personal technology

Online students must be prepared with reliable technology, including personal computers and high-speed internet access. If students are participating in live online classes, they’ll need a microphone and webcam as well. Before starting your program, assess your current tech setup and determine if you need any new equipment or an upgrade to your internet access. If you need a new computer or software, check if your school partners with stores or companies to offer students discounts on technology.

Books and other learning materials

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average postsecondary student spends between $628 and $1,200 annually for books and supplies. Program representatives can provide more details about how much students in a nurse practitioner program should expect to spend on books, allowing students to factor those costs into their budget.

Cost savings for online programs

Attending a nurse practitioner degree program online can eliminate costs like room and board, transportation, childcare, and on-campus student fees. Students who attend school remotely also have more control over their cost-of-living expenses, as they may be able to live somewhere more affordable than where the college is located. The flexibility and convenience of an online nurse practitioner program may also make it easier for students to work and have a stable income while in school.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

There are a number of factors that contribute to how colleges set their tuition rates, which can influence what type of institution a student chooses for earning their online nurse practitioner degree.

Public vs. private institutions

A school’s status as a private or public institution plays a significant role in determining its tuition. Private colleges rely mainly on tuition, endowments, and investments to fund their operations, so they typically charge higher tuition rates than public universities. Public colleges receive federal and state money to operate, with the intention of providing more affordable education options to students.

Student residency status

Because public colleges receive state tax dollars to support their operations, students who attend a public school in the state where they reside pay lower tuition rates than those who attend from out-of-state. Private colleges charge all students the same tuition rate, regardless of where they live.

However, as online programs have become more popular, more public schools are offering in-state tuition to all students, regardless of residency. If you’re considering any public institutions, ask about their tuition policies to see if you are eligible for an in-state tuition rate.

Nonprofit vs. for-profit

Colleges in the U.S. are classified either as non-profit or for-profit entities. All public universities are nonprofit. Private institutions can be nonprofit or for-profit. For-profit schools often charge lower tuition rates than private nonprofit colleges, but it’s important to remember that the primary mission of a for-profit school is to earn money for investors and shareholders. Therefore, investment into the school’s infrastructure and its students may take a backseat to other priorities, which can impact the quality of education students receive. Meanwhile, at non-profit schools, revenues must be reinvested into the institution in the form of faculty and staff salaries, student services, infrastructure, and more.

Student military status

Schools commonly offer discounted tuition rates to veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses or children. Students who think they may be eligible for discounted tuition based on past or current military service should check with their school’s financial aid or military services office.

How to Pay for an Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Even if you find the cheapest online nurse practitioner program, you’ll still likely have to pay something for your degree. There are a variety of ways to cover costs associated with a nurse practitioner degree program.

Out-of-pocket

Essentially, this means using your own money (or that of parents or guardians) to pay for tuition and other expenses. Many students pay at least a portion of their degree costs out-of-pocket, even if they also receive loans, scholarships, and grants. Students using their own money to pay for some or all of their tuition and fees should inquire with their school’s financial aid office about payment plans, which allow students to spread out their payments over the course of the term.

Federal student loans

Graduate students are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program. The interest rates and repayment terms for federal student loans are set by Congress and are typically more favorable than education loans from private lenders. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal student loans. More information about the FAFSA and student loans is included in the next section.

Private education loans

Because there are limits to how much students can borrow in federal student loans, some may use education loans from private lenders like Sallie Mae, SoFi, and Ascent to make up the difference. Private student loan interest rates and terms vary based on factors like current market rates and individual credit scores. Students who need to take out private education loans should keep an eye on interest rates throughout the year to lock in the most favorable terms possible.

Scholarships

Scholarships are considered gift aid because, unlike loans, they don’t need to be repaid. Students can receive scholarships based on various factors, including financial need, academic or professional achievements, or being part of a specific demographic. For scholarships based on financial need, students typically have to submit a FAFSA form. Scholarship sources include schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, community and religious groups, and professional organizations. Although researching and applying for scholarships can be time-consuming, this financial aid is particularly beneficial because students don’t need to worry about repaying it. A few scholarships, even in small amounts, can help decrease the amount students must pay out of pocket or with loans.

Grants

Like scholarships, grants are gift aid that doesn’t have to be repaid. Schools typically award grants based on financial need to help fill in gaps not covered by scholarships or loans. To find out what types of grants you may be eligible for, speak to your school’s financial aid office.

Employer tuition assistance

If you’re planning on working while earning your online nurse practitioner degree, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits. The way this benefit is administered varies, but typically, an employer will reimburse students for some or all of the cost of a course after successful completion.

Nurse Practitioner Career Outlook

When considering how much to spend on a nurse practitioner degree, it’s also helpful to think about earning potential and job opportunities.

The median annual salary for general nurse practitioners is $126,260, while nurse midwives earn $129,650, and nurse anesthetists earn $212,650. The type of setting in which nurse practitioners work also impacts salaries. For example, nurse practitioners in outpatient healthcare centers earn a median annual wage of $136,920, while those in physicians’ offices earn $126,270.

The employment outlook for nurse practitioners is very strong, with an estimated 29,200 new jobs on average per year through 2032. Because nurse practitioners can perform many of the same tasks as physicians, they’re increasingly in demand as part of care teams in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Nurse practitioners can also increase their earning potential and job prospects by focusing on a specialty, qualifying themselves for more positions. Some popular nurse practitioner specialties include:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatal care
  • Psychiatric care
  • Adult-gerontology
  • Women’s health/gynecology
  • Nurse informatics
  • Nurse educator

Applying for Financial Aid

For an in-depth overview of the FAFSA and financial aid application process, check out the Ultimate FAFSA Guide.

Student loan forgiveness and repayment

When borrowing money to pay for college, students should always expect to repay their loans in full and have a clear understanding of interest rates and repayment options before committing to any loans.

Although the Biden administration has made efforts to forgive student loan debt, there is currently no comprehensive action that would eliminate student loan debt for all current and future borrowers.

Some federal student loan forgiveness plans are currently in place, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF). Students may want to consider their eligibility for these programs before borrowing money to pay for their degree.

Dana Marvin, an independent college counselor, offers this guidance to help students borrow wisely for college and repay their student loans as quickly as possible.

“Borrow only what you need and nothing more,” Marvin says. “For example, if you’re eligible to take out a loan for $12,500 per year but only need $8,000, there’s no need to take out a loan for those extra funds. Every dollar you take out in a loan will be paid back and with interest.”

“You can also begin paying off your loans as soon as the funds have been disbursed,” Marvin continues. “Even paying off a few hundred or thousand dollars before finishing school can make a huge difference to those loan amounts post-graduation.” Paying on loans earlier is especially important for graduate students, as interest on unsubsidized loans begins accruing after the loan is disbursed.

How to Choose the Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Program That’s Right for You

While finding the cheapest online nurse practitioner program might be the priority, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing the right program.

If you’re attending an online nurse practitioner degree program, consider whether you want a synchronous or asynchronous program. While asynchronous programs offer more flexibility, they also require more independent learning, which may not work for students who prefer interaction with faculty and classmates. Also, consider whether you want to enroll full-time or part-time, as this may affect your options.

Nursing is a heavily regulated field, with licensing requirements that vary by state. Before enrolling in a program, review licensure requirements for the state where you plan to practice to ensure you’ll be able to obtain licensure post-graduation.

Also, reflect on whether a specific type of environment or patient population interests you. This reflection can guide you to programs that offer electives, specializations, and clinical experiences in your area of interest.

When researching programs, confirm that the schools and programs you’re considering have the appropriate accreditation. At the institutional level, schools should have regional accreditation, which you can verify through the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database. Institutional accreditation is important because it affects eligibility for federal financial aid, nursing licensure, and future employment and educational opportunities. At the programmatic level, confirm that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure that it meets industry standards for nursing education.

Application and eligibility requirements vary by program, so review this information on schools’ websites and speak to admissions counselors if you need clarification.

A standard application for an online nurse practitioner’s master’s program includes:

  • Completed application and fees
  • Official transcripts from previous schools attended
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Resume or CV
  • GRE scores

Applicants to nursing programs must also submit a criminal background check.


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