2020 Most Affordable Online Colleges for DNP Programs
All 24 of these colleges and universities offer affordable online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. The DNP degree is the highest level of education attainable in nursing, and programs focus on patient care while providing an alternative to research-based Ph.D. programs. While many advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), some may choose to obtain a DNP. Programs prepare nurses for career advancement in APRN roles and leadership positions in nurse education, administration, or research. The schools on our list feature flexible, lower-cost options for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. Many offer both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs, with part- and full-time options available. On this page, prospective students will find information on choosing an online DNP program, the cost of a degree, and how salaries stack up between DNPs and NPs.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or browse our rankings of the most affordable online nurse practitioner master's degrees. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | $4,158 | |
| Wichita State University | $4,529 | |
| University of Central Arkansas | $5,200 | |
| Missouri State University | $5,525 | |
| University of North Georgia | $5,625 | |
| Arkansas State University | $5,661 | |
| Jacksonville State University | $6,000 | |
| Georgia College & State University | $6,714 | |
| University of Southern Indiana | $7,069 | |
| New Mexico State University | $7,191 | |
| University of Nevada - Reno | $7,525 | |
| Fort Hays State University | $7,600 | |
| The University of Texas Medical Branch | $8,187 | |
| Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing | $8,208 | |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | $8,208 | |
| Texas Woman's University | $8,379 | |
| University of Alabama | $8,400 | |
| The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga | $8,580 | |
| University of Arkansas | $8,609 | |
| Murray State University | $8,704 | |
| Northern Michigan University | $8,940 |
University of South Alabama Mobile (AL)
Example Classes: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Neonatal and AC Pediatric NP, Healthcare Policy and Finance, Neonatal NP, Nursing in Community Systems, Organizational & Systems Leadership, Physio-pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing Online Doctoral Degrees
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Wichita State University Wichita (KS)
Example Classes: Applied Clinical Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice/ Outcomes of Care, Health Care Systems: Policy & Politics, Pharmacological Management of Acute/ Chronic Diseases, Populations & Social Determinants of Health Online Doctoral Degrees
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University of Central Arkansas Conway (AR)
Example Classes: Advanced Clinical Decision Making, Care of Children for Family Nurse Practitioners, Ethics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Healthcare Economics and Finance for Advanced Nursing Practice, Healthcare Quality and Organizational Systems for Advanced Nursing Practice Online Doctoral Degrees
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Missouri State University Springfield (MO)
Example Classes: Emerging Science and Methods of Advanced Practice, Finance Management and Entrepreneurship for Advanced Nursing Roles, Health Policy to Improve Health Disparities, Technology for Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Systems Online Doctoral Degrees
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University of North Georgia Dahlonega (GA)
Example Classes: Approaches to Healthcare Risk Management, Compliance in the Healthcare Industry, Instructional Design and Teaching Strategies for Nursing Education, Translating Research into Practice Online Doctoral Degrees
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Arkansas State University Jonesboro (AR)
Example Classes: Epidemiology and Population Health, Leadership, Policy, and Healthcare Systems, Principles of Healthcare Ethics and Genetics, Theoretical Foundations for Doctor of Nursing Practice, Translational Research for Doctor of Nursing Practice II Online Doctoral Degrees
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Jacksonville State University Jacksonville (AL)
Example Classes: Health Care Policy and Finance, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention and Issues for AGANP, Innovative Leadership and Collaboration in Healthcare, Interprofessional Healthcare and Informatics, Physio-Pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing Online Doctoral Degrees
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Georgia College & State University Milledgeville (GA)
Example Classes: Addressing Health Needs in Vulnerable Populations, Epidemiology, Role Transitions & Leadership Online Doctoral Degrees
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University of Southern Indiana Evansville (IN)
Example Classes: Advanced Concepts of Pathophysiology, Application of Assessment with Differential Diagnosis, Patient Management Clinical Application Seminar Online Doctoral Degrees
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New Mexico State University Las Cruces (NM)
Example Classes: Advanced Leadership in Healthcare, Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Innovations and Health Care Organizations, Promoting Health Behavior Online Doctoral Degrees
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University of Nevada - Reno Reno (NV)
Example Classes: Global and Transcultural Nursing, Health Care Policy and Social Justice, Mental Health Diagnosis and Management of the Adult, Populations and Aggregate Health Issues Online Doctoral Degrees
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Fort Hays State University Hays (KS)
Example Classes: Epidemiology in Public Health, Evaluation and Management in Health Care Systems, Evidence Based Practice and Scholarly Tools, Healthcare: Policy/Politics/Organization/Cost Online Doctoral Degrees
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The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston (TX)
Example Classes: Applied Statistical Methods for Practice Inquiry, Informatics in Transformation of Healthcare, Leadership in Ethical & Legal Issues, Population Health Strategies for Improving the Nation's Help, Translational Methods for Practice Inquiry Online Doctoral Degrees
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Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing Peoria (IL)
Example Classes: Diversity and Social Justice Issues in a Global Society, Healthcare Finance and Practice Management, Healthcare Policy, Politics and Practice, Nursing Education Methods and Measurement Online Doctoral Degrees
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West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester (PA)
Example Classes: Healthcare Economics for the Advance Practitioner, Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice, Nursing Ethics in Clinical Practice & Leadership, Nursing Informatics Online Doctoral Degrees
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Texas Woman's University Denton (TX)
Example Classes: Ethical Dimensions of Nursing, Financial Management for Advanced Practice Nurses, Health Care Genetics, Health Outcomes: Measurement, Management, and Analysis, Philosophy of Nursing Science Online Doctoral Degrees
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University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (AL)
Example Classes: Health Policy & Politics: Implications in Health Care, Interdisciplinary Leadership and Role Development for Practice Excellence, Population Health in Advanced Practice Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Roles and Issues Online Doctoral Degrees
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The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga (TN)
Example Classes: Epidemiology and Health Requisites of Populations, Health Care Policy, Meeting Population Demands through Biostatistics, Philosophic Underpinnings for Nursing Practice Online Doctoral Degrees
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University of Arkansas Fayetteville (AR)
Example Classes: Analytic Methods and Epidemiology for Health Care, Evaluation Methods and Translational Research for Evidence-based Practice, Organization Management and Systems Leadership, Pharmacotherapeutics, Statistics in Education and Health Professions Online Doctoral Degrees
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Murray State University Murray (KY)
Example Classes: Biostatistics, Ethics in Nursing, Philosophy of Science, Principles of Epidemiology, Research in Nursing, Theory and Concept Analysis in Nursing Online Doctoral Degrees
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Northern Michigan University Marquette (MI)
Example Classes: Evidence-Based and Translational Methods, Health Policy and Advocacy for Improving Rural and Population Health, Interprofessional Leadership for Quality Improvement, Policy, and Health Care Transformation, Professional Role Development Online Doctoral Degrees
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Choosing an Online DNP Program
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Online DNP Program?
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a DNP degree. Enrollment in an accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice program ensures that graduates will qualify for licensure and certification in whatever nursing position they choose to pursue. Employers may prefer to hire nurses who have completed a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). These organizations are the only accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as accreditors for nursing programs. They ensure nursing programs are held to universal academic standards and meet specific industry requirements to better prepare nurses for healthcare roles.
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a DNP degree.
Prospective students should also consider what DNP program options a school has available. There are many specializations within these programs, including adult-gerontological acute care, family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, neonatal nurse practitioner, nursing informatics, public health administration, women's health, and nurse educator tracks.
Students enrolled in a DNP program need at least 1,000 clinical practice hours. Those considering an online program should look closely at the requirements to ensure they can complete their nursing practicum locally. This is especially important for nurses who want to complete clinical hours at their current place of work.
Students who plan to seek APRN certification should check the eligibility requirements for their intended specialization when choosing a program. Each APRN certification has specific criteria for supervised clinical experience hours, program accreditation, and core competencies that must be included in the coursework.
Common Online DNP Courses
Students of DNP programs will likely take some of the following courses, though specific course names may vary by school.
- Advanced Clinical Decision Making: To assess, diagnose, and treat patients, APRNs and other healthcare workers must make informed decisions based on many different variables. Advanced clinical decision making incorporates critical thinking and clinical problem-solving skills that nurses apply in a range of complex healthcare settings. This course provides nurses with a strategic framework for making evidence-based decisions when providing healthcare to offer the best outcome for patients.
- Applied Clinical Pharmacology: Pharmacology is the study of drugs used in patient care to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. In applied clinical pharmacology courses, students will learn how drugs affect different body systems and how to prescribe and administer them for primary patient care. Advanced pharmacology courses also cover legal requirements and ethics related to drug prescription.
- Epidemiology and Population Health: Epidemiology is the scientific study of disease and other health issues within a population. In this class, DNP students learn clinical epidemiology concepts such as risk factor analysis, public health surveillance, and the health impacts of social trends. They will also study how to use epidemiological methods to develop health policies and practices and evaluate the health of specific groups or communities. Course topics may include epidemiology in the workplace, study design, data sources, statistical measures, methods of evaluation, and prevention of health conditions.
- Health Policy and Advocacy: This course focuses on the relationship between policy and healthcare delivery in nursing. In this class, DNP students learn how to evaluate health policies and understand their impact on healthcare quality. Coursework may examine the role of health policy at the organizational, community, state, and/or federal levels. Some courses also cover social justice strategies in healthcare systems. Other courses may incorporate leadership strategies for health advocacy.
- Populations & Social Determinants of Health: Many factors can affect a person's health, including social, political, cultural, environmental, and economic factors. Some DNP programs include courses on how these factors can cause health inequity. Courses, such as this focus on healthcare barriers and how social determinants affect health equity in different populations. Other courses may cover community-based healthcare, promoting health and prevention of health issues within communities, and understanding the needs of diverse populations.
Should I Get My MSN or DNP?
Nursing professionals who currently hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may be considering either an MSN or DNP program. Choosing between these different levels of education is a personal decision that will depend on individual career goals and how much time and money a student is able to dedicate to their studies. Both degrees will allow nurses to become APRNs. Generally, earning a DNP is a better choice for nurses seeking roles in leadership, administration, education, or research. Earning an MSN can lead to specialized nursing roles.
The major differences between these two degrees are cost, length of time to completion, and salary benefits. Earning an MSN will likely take less time and cost less than earning a DNP, but may also mean lower average salary rates, depending on the specialty area or chosen career path. Earning a DNP will require more credit hours, take a longer amount of time, and may be more expensive, depending on the program. However, a DNP may be necessary for some positions and may qualify nurses for higher pay.
How Long Does an Online DNP Program Take?
As with any doctoral program, the length of an online DNP program depends on a few factors: what degree a student holds before entering the program, whether they attend full time or part time, and whether the program requires a dissertation. On average, MSN-prepared nurses will earn their DNP in two-three years, whereas nurses with a BSN will need five-six years to complete the degree.
MSN students take many of the classes required to graduate with a DNP, and this effort is usually rewarded with a shorter time to graduation. Students in a BSN-to-DNP program need to demonstrate their aptitude with the graduate-level coursework included in an MSN program before they move to the DNP requirements.
MSN students take many of the classes required to graduate with a DNP, and this effort is usually rewarded with a shorter time to graduation.
DNPs are practice doctorates rather than research doctorates, which means they're terminal degrees that aim to prepare students for a profession rather than a career in research or teaching. Therefore, most DNP programs culminate in a capstone course that features a semester-long research project rather than a dissertation that could take years to write.
Cost of an Online DNP Degree
We have limited data on the average cost of online graduate degrees, but bachelor's degrees are significantly more affordable online, especially for out-of-state students or those who attend private colleges and universities.
Given the growing demand for DNP-prepared nurses, a student's employer may agree to partially subsidize the degree in exchange for a guaranteed period of service after graduation. Many employers provide up to $5,250 a year, which is the amount they can pay without being taxed. We cover additional ways of funding an online degree below.
Funding an Online DNP Program
Earning a DNP degree is a significant financial investment, but there are opportunities to lower the total cost. The first step prospective DNP students should take is to apply for federal and state financial aid by filling out the FAFSA. This form is used by the federal government to determine how much money students will need, in the form of grants and loans, to pay for their education. Colleges and states also use this information to award scholarships and grants. To receive aid from a state government, the student may need to reside in the state where their online program is based.
These are some of the best ways to fund a degree program because they don't require repayment. Many schools offer graduate-level scholarships and grants, and funding specifically for nursing students. Prospective DNP students should check their school's financial aid webpage for more information about scholarships offered by their institution. There are also many nursing and healthcare organizations that offer scholarships and grants to nursing students, including the Health Resources and Service Administration, an agency of the U.S. Bureau of Health Workforce, which provides scholarships to nursing students who plan to work in facilities with nurse shortages. Other opportunities are offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The Maryland Action Coalition has compiled a list of additional grants and scholarships available to DNP students.
Many DNP students qualify for loan repayment programs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program that repays up to 85% of student loan debt for licensed registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and other nurse faculty members who work in either an accredited school of nursing or facilities with healthcare worker shortages. Some schools also participate in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. This option is a good choice for DNP students who plan to go into nursing education — up to 85% of their student loans can be forgiven if they work in a school of nursing for four years post-graduation.
Is a DNP Worth It?
Most applicants considering a DNP already have a nursing degree and years of experience, so the prospect of several more years of hard study can be daunting. Although the advanced degree won't be worth the costs for everyone, it can provide a major career boost in terms of salary and employability.
Potential benefits
- A DNP graduate who passes a licensing exam is eligible for a high-paying, fast-growing advanced practice registered nurse role. The majority of APRNs work as nurse practitioners. NPs earn a median annual salary of $112,000 and have a projected job growth of 52% through 2029.
- A doctorate may soon be required for a number of APRN roles. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs will stop accrediting master's programs for certified registered nurse anesthetists after 2022 in favor of a doctorate. In addition, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties hopes to make the DNP its entry-level degree for NPs by 2025, but for now, it's not a requirement.
- APRNs are overwhelmingly satisfied with their choice to pursue an advanced nursing degree.
Potential drawbacks
- To graduate, DNP students need to complete more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice. Working nurses may be able to complete these at their current positions, but their employer will usually require that nurses perform clinical hours separate from work hours. If the student's chosen focus area differs from their current job, they may need to travel to a second location for clinicals.
- DNPs can be expensive. Annual tuition for the most affordable online programs ranges from about $4,000 to $9,000, but many cost upwards of $15,000 per year. To estimate the full cost of the degree, students should add the cost of books, supplies, and fees, and then multiply the total by two to four years for the program.
Nothing about nursing classes make them especially well- or ill-suited to distance learning, but the usual caveats apply. Online programs allow students to work on assignments, watch lectures, and post to discussion forums on their own time as long as they respect due dates. Students don't need to uproot their lives to move close to school if they find an ideal program in another area of the country. One downside is that students might forgo some informal networking opportunities that take place on campus, but this may be offset by a DNP student's field experience. Each student needs to log more than 1,000 clinical hours in a healthcare facility, where they can make helpful contacts.
Salary Outlook: DNP vs. NP Salary
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are APRNs who work in a wide range of settings. They diagnose and treat medical problems and have the power to prescribe medication in all states. According to salary data from PayScale at the time of writing, nurses who hold a DNP earn about $8,000 more per year, with an average salary of $104,000, than those with an MSN. DNP graduates are also better prepared for more advanced nursing research and leadership roles or positions as faculty members or administrators.
Even if someone isn't motivated by a higher salary, they may want to consider a DNP to stay competitive with the rest of the workforce. Currently, an MSN is the minimum degree required for NP certification, but several nursing organizations (including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing) are advocating for the DNP to replace the MSN for entry into NP practice. The industry hasn't yet adopted this change, but the trend in nursing education is to require more advanced credentials among nurses. For example, beginning in 2025, a doctorate will be required for nurses to certify as a registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), one of the highest-paid positions within the field.