Top 10 Cheapest Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Embarking on the journey to earn a Nurse Practitioner (NP) degree can significantly elevate your career in the medical field. However, the financial aspect of enrolling in such a highly sought-after profession can be daunting.

Luckily, there is a range of online programs offering NP degrees at budget-friendly rates. In this article, we will explore the top ten most affordable online nurse practitioner programs, making your dream of becoming an NP more attainable without breaking the bank.

Affordable Pathways to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

To facilitate your search for the best online NP programs that won’t strain your budget, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most economical online nurse practitioner programs. Let’s delve into these cost-effective options and help you choose the one that aligns with your aspirations.

1. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University (MGSU) emerges as an outstanding choice for individuals seeking the most affordable online nurse practitioner programs. MGSU offers a Master of Science in Nursing – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree with annual tuition fees as low as $3,825. This program encompasses 43 credit hours of coursework and 630 on-site clinical hours to provide valuable nursing experience, typically completed in two years with a full-time schedule. MGSU employs the Brightspace learning management system (LMS) for asynchronous online courses.

Students can anticipate acquiring knowledge in ethical and professional practices for advanced nursing, along with subjects like Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment/Diagnostic Reasoning, and Leadership/Management and healthcare Policy.

Moreover, with 91% of students receiving financial aid and an average SAT score range of 880 – 1090, Middle Georgia State University stands out as a non-profit institution with SACS COC accreditation, making it an excellent choice for affordable online nurse practitioner programs.

2. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University provides a diverse array of online master’s degrees, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner programs. These programs require 45-46 credit hours and 540-600 clinical practice hours for successful completion. YSU employs the Blackboard digital learning platform for seamless coursework delivery.

With 98% of students qualifying for financial aid and average SAT scores ranging from 970 – 1180, YSU offers accessibility to many applicants. As a nonprofit institution with HLC accreditation, YSU ensures that quality education and robust support services are available at an annual tuition rate of $5,577. If you aspire to advance your career as a nurse practitioner affordably, YSU presents a compelling opportunity.

3. Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University-Main Campus (OU) is a shining star when it comes to nurse practitioner master’s degrees. Students can choose from a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner and a Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program to enhance their general care skills. Alternatively, they can opt for the more specialized psychiatric mental health route with the Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

Each program entails 37-38 credit hours and 500 clinical hours for completion. OU utilizes the Blackboard LMS for online classes, offering a comprehensive curriculum, including Theoretical Basis of Practice and Health Appraisal for Nurse Practitioners, among other crucial topics.

With 94% of students receiving financial aid and SAT scores ranging from 1050 to 1260, nonprofit OU, accredited by HLC, stands out with an annual tuition fee of $6,227. Ohio University is a preferred choice for those seeking affordable online nurse practitioner programs with comprehensive offerings.

4. The University Of Texas At Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) emerges as an exceptional choice for aspiring nurse practitioners. UTA offers an online master’s degree in nursing with concentrations in various specialties, including adult gerontology acute care, family, and pediatric primary care.

UTA delivers courses through the Canvas platform, ensuring accessibility and flexibility, with completion times ranging from 29 to 42 months, depending on the chosen specialty. With 90% of graduate students receiving financial aid and average SAT scores between 1040 – 1250, UTA is an accredited institution with SACS COC accreditation. It hosts 11,115 undergraduates and 7,709 graduate students online annually, all at an affordable annual tuition of $6,500. The University of Texas at Arlington provides an affordable pathway to earn a top-notch nurse practitioner degree online.

5. Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Option that can be completed in just 22 months. The program includes 46 credit hours, 600 practicum hours, and a final thesis or research project.

Students gain access to readings, lecture recordings, discussion forums, and weekly assignments through the Canvas LMS, covering theory-based knowledge and patient management skills. Financial aid is available for 88% of ASU students pursuing their degree online.

With 237 undergraduates and 313 graduate students, Alcorn State University’s nonprofit status makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable pathway into nursing practice without incurring excessive debts upon graduation.

Explore More Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

In addition to the above, several other affordable online nurse practitioner programs are worth considering:

6. The University Of Alabama
7. The University Of Mississippi
8. Mercer University
9. The University Of West Florida
10. Bradley University

Conclusion

While the cost of an online nurse practitioner program may seem daunting, these ten universities provide some of the most affordable options for pursuing your degree in this field. Whether you prefer a program close to home or across the country, there is undoubtedly a school that aligns with your needs and budget. These programs offer quality education at reasonable prices, with many also offering financial aid packages to ease the financial burden. Remember, investing in yourself is always a worthwhile endeavor, and with these affordable options, you can pursue your dreams without financial constraints holding you back!