Best Value MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner Programs by State for 2023

Screen Shot 2018 09 28 at 9.46.05 AMBecoming a family nurse practitioner can be as much of a calling as it is a profession. As a registered nurse with the highest degree of training combined with direct experience in the practice of family medicine you will experience some of the most intimate, rewarding, and challenging work in the entire scope of advanced practice nursing.

When you’re the kind of person who is drawn to such work, to the difficulties and rewards of working with individuals and families in their hours of need, it’s easy to forget that there are some serious monetary obstacles you’re going to need to clear to get into the profession in the first place.

Becoming a family nurse practitioner means earning at least a master’s degree, over and above what it took you just to become a registered nurse. According to U.S. News & World Report, the cost of a Master of Science in Nursing is typically within the range of $35,000 and $65,000, with some considerably higher… not to mention the time it takes to go to school and the impact that may have on your ability to work and earn an income while you’re doing it.

All of this adds up to the fact that it is really important to find an affordable program to enroll in.


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State-by-State Directory of Best Value MSN-FNP Programs for 2023


A Valuable Education Doesn’t Have to Cost a Lot of Money

By the most recent count there are 328 accredited MSN-FNP programs nationwide. With that big of a haystack it’s hard to know where to start looking for the needle, so we’ve made it easy for you. We’ve analyzed every one of these schools, and the first filter we started with was quality.

Fortunately, there are a lot of hidden gems out there in the MSN department. What you are looking for isn’t a program that is cheap; it’s a program that is valuable: one that offers the best possible education for the money.

We did the work required to help you find exactly those programs, ensuring quality is given as much attention as cost to ensure that what you find here are only MSN programs that offer an exceptional value.

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Every one of our selections are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). In fact, we believe so completely in the importance of attending a program that teaches to the highest and most contemporary standards, we only compared price points among this elite class of programs, and ignored the rest.

These two commissions use stringent evaluation processes to investigate nursing master’s programs and assess them according to rigorous, industry-driven criteria. Reviewing curriculum and instructor credentials, and through on-site visits and observation, accreditors look at things like industry partnerships, faculty selection and training, record-keeping, and even complaint processes and appeals with an eye on how well the school supports a completely student-centered learning experience that delivers results.

Only the highest quality programs that meet all of the relevant standards receive accreditation, a process that can take years to achieve.

How We Selected The Most Affordable Programs In Every State

To solve that “affordability + quality = value” equation, we only looked at fully accredited MSN-FNP programs within each state in making side-by-side comparisons of total tuition cost. Although we also list them here with cost-per-credit figures, we decided on a more apples-to-apples comparison, so total tuition costs were the final deciding factor for which schools made the list.

We also were careful to only compare public schools to public schools and private schools to private schools. There can be considerable differences in the cost structure by institution type, and you may have preferences about what type of school you prefer to attend (if you’re out-of-state or an international student, for example, private schools may be more attractive because they tend not to charge differential tuition, and often offer the best deal).

What you’ll find here is a list that includes the single most affordable public and private MSN-FNP program in every state where each is available. In states that only have one type, we listed only that school.

And it’s not just a boring list of links, either. We know that what is valuable to you may not be valuable to the next student. So we tell you a little bit about each program, the high points that are likely to catch your interest, the special features that you might not find anywhere else. We’ll tell you if it has flexible scheduling, online study options, or special exam prep offerings, for example. Where the information is available, we tell you about job placement rates and FNP certification exam first-time pass rates, which are definitely a valuable feature!

Ultimately, the choice about what MSN-FNP program offers you the most value comes down to you. But our select list will start you off on the right path to becoming a successful FNP without breaking the bank!

State by State: Best Value MSN-FNP Programs in the U.S. for 2023

Alabama

 

AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY (PU)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Montgomery
Website

auburn university montgomery

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $397 (in-state); $892 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $17,468 (in-state); $39,248 (out-of-state)

($5,618 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Alabama)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 44 credits total offered online
  • Typical completion track in eight semesters
  • Faculty distinguished by experience

We really like the fact that the Auburn University College of Nursing and Health Sciences puts convenience and flexibility front and center for advanced practice nursing students. Its online format is optimized so you only need to come to campus for a few periods of intensive classroom experience. A typical plan of study sees you completing this program’s 44 credits in eight semesters, including all advanced practica. Scholarship opportunities dedicated specifically to nursing students are another reason this program stands out from the rest. These ensure you’re among classmates who are the best and brightest in their field, creating an ideal learning environment. And bringing it all together is a highly respected, experienced faculty, giving you everything you need for a successful outcome.

 

UNIVERSITY OF MOBILE (PR)
School of Nursing
Mobile
Website

university mobile2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $535

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $24,610

($9,174 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Alabama)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 46 credits total offered fully online
  • Classes can be completed in four semesters
  • Faith-based FNP program

The MSN-FNP at the University of Mobile School of Nursing is conveniently offered online, with only one campus-based meeting required each semester. That’s just four total on-campus requirements during this program’s four-semester plan of study. As an advanced practice nursing student here, you’ll learn in an environment that combines best-practices and advanced nursing theory, all in a faith-based program rooted in a higher power and purpose.

Alaska

 

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (PU)
School of Nursing
Anchorage
Website

alaska anchorage

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online, Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Graduate FNP Certificate
  • BS-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $489 (in-state); $578 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $15,648 (in-state); $18,496 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Alaska)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 32 credits total with classes offered in a range of formats from online to campus-based
  • Part-time and full-time study options
  • Special NP exam preparation course
  • Program can be completed in as little as 2 years or as many as 3.5

If you live in the Anchorage area you’ll have the option to learn alongside your classmates in biweekly seminars as a UAA School of Nursing student in the MSN-FNP program. If you’re an online student or have a busy schedule that prevents you from going to Anchorage that’s okay too. Core and specialty courses are delivered online, while clinical course are offered in a hybrid format. There are also full and part-time study options that allow you to earn your degree in as little as two years, or take your time and complete it in three-and-a-half years. To top it all off, you’ll benefit from this program’s NP certification preparation course that provides you with that little extra boost you need to ace your exam.

Arizona

 

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Nursing
Flagstaff
Website

northern arizona university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $204 (in-state); $477 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $9,792 (in-state); $22,896 (out-of-state 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a public university in Arizona)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits total offered entirely online
  • Ranked among the best graduate nursing programs in the nation by US News & World Report
  • 780 clinical hours

NAU’s graduate FNP program is designed with convenience in mind. It wants to attract the most dedicated career-oriented students, and knows that working nurses appreciate the online course delivery format and the fact that only a handful of campus visits are required, and not till the final year. US News & World Report’s most recent rankings named NAU among the best graduate nursing schools in the nation. You’ll enjoy preferred status as an applicant if you have at least three years of nursing experience or relevant life experience.

 

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX (PR)
Nursing FNP Program
Phoenix
Website

university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus, Online)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $540

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $25,920

($3,735 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Arizona)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits total with completion options entirely online or on-campus
  • 8-week long courses allow for six different start dates each year
  • Around 2 years to graduate

With courses starting every eight weeks, you have the option of jumping into this program at several different points throughout the year. To ensure you can continue working even as a full-time student, this program is offered online, or you can choose to enroll in traditional campus-based courses. As an online student you’ll only need to come to campus for a single five-day residency in your second year. To apply you must have a valid RN license in the state where you plan to do your clinical segment, which includes 600 preceptor hours.

Arkansas

 

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Jonesboro
Website

arkansas state u

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $267 (in-state); $534 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $12,015 (in-state); $24,030 (out-of-state)

($3,128 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Arkansas)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45-51 credits in total completed mostly online
  • 100% employment rate among recent graduates
  • Professional paper or research thesis opportunity
  • Unconditional admission for applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Certification exam Pass Rate: 93% first attempt; 100% second attempt

With a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam and a 100% employment rate among recent graduates, you couldn’t ask for more evidence for how well the MSN program here at Arkansas State will prepare you to succeed. There’s no question, A-State offers something special. Classes are completed mostly online with some periodic campus meetings required each semester. As a culminating project you have the choice of doing either a professional paper in a seminar class or writing a thesis based on a supervised research experience. If you have at least a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 credits of undergraduate studies this program offers guaranteed admission.

 

HARDING UNIVERSITY (PR)
Carr College of Nursing
Searcy
Website

harding university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: Approximately $792 if taking 9 or more semester-hours each semester; $989 if taking fewer than 9 semester-hours per semester

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $35,624 (if taking 9 or more semester-hours each semester); $44,505 (if taking fewer than 9 semester-hours each semester)

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a private university in Arkansas)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: MAT or GRE recommended for students with a low GPA
  • Advanced education with a focus on Christian values
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Resources for mission trips abroad

The Carr College of Nursing has a long tradition of educating nurses with a patient-centered philosophy. The dedicated faculty in this program are unique in that many of them are also active missionaries who often live their beliefs by providing services overseas in underprivileged parts of the world. If you’re interested in going abroad yourself, the faculty here provide the guidance you’ll need. This completely online course delivery format offers the best in convenience. As a full-time student you can graduate in as little as five semesters, while part-time students can take as many as seven-to-eight semesters.

California

 

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS (PU)
School of Nursing
San Marcos
Website

csusm

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $275 (in-state); $639 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $13,475 (in-state); $31,311 (out-of-state)

($10,572 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in California)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 49-credit in total
  • Designed for part-time students to complete in 8 semesters
  • Offered on the San Marcos and Temecula campuses

You’ll really appreciate the MSN at CSUSM for the consideration it gives to busy working professionals like you. It’s designed for part-time students by offering an eight-semester track that gives you the time you need to give your coursework the attention it deserves without it getting in the way of your work and family life.  You can choose between two campus locations: one in San Marcos proper and one in Temecula. In your final semester you can choose between doing a graduate project that applies the FNP skills you’ve developed, or writing a graduate thesis on an approved topic.

 

UNITED STATES UNIVERSITY (PR)
College of Nursing
Chula Vista
Website

united states university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $537

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $26,850

($18,797 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in California)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 50 credits in total offered online with some hybrid courses
  • 612 clinical hours
  • Completion possible in 24 months
  • Caring Science philosophical model
  • Convenient optional payment plan
  • 100% job placement rate among graduates

While the MSN-FNP at USU is designed to be completed online, you almost wouldn’t know it. The curriculum takes extensive advantage of face-to-face web conferences and live chats, with just two visits required to the San Diego campus for immersion experiences. To make it easy to invest in your future, USU offers a convenient payment plan of $375 per month over 72 months. Included in the curriculum are 612 hours of clinicals and 36 hours of lab experience. Eighty-one percent of students enrolled in this program graduate within 24 months, while 100 percent of recent graduates were employed shortly after completing the program.

Colorado

 

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY PUEBLO (PU)
School of Nursing
Pueblo
Website

csu pueblo2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP (Adult/Gerontology Acute Care) track (AGACNP/FNP) (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate AGACNP/FNP Certificate
  • ADN-to-MS with an AGACNP/FNP focus
  • BSN-to-MS with an AGACNP/FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $314

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $21,352

($6,298 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Colorado)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 68 credits total with classes offered in a hybrid format
  • Local and national preceptor resources available
  • Opportunities to engage with the local community
  • Certification exam pass rate: 98.8% over the past four years

“Save one life, you’re a hero. Save a hundred lives, you’re a nurse.” The quote featured on the CSU-Pueblo website says it all, summing up the philosophy behind the way the School of Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses. With consideration given to your already busy schedule, this program is offered in a hybrid format and has traditional enrollment dates every fall semester. Over the last four years graduates have averaged  a 98.8 percent pass rate on the national FNP certification exam, a track record that speaks to the excellence of the MSN program at CSU. If you’re looking for a program with heart, you’ll find it here. Every year the nursing school participates in a community baby shower event where nurses are paired with expecting mothers to answer questions and give tips on how to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

 

AMERICAN SENTINEL UNIVERSITY (PR)
Nursing Program
Aurora
Website

american sentinel university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $530

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $22,260

($6,879 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Colorado)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 42 credits total with each of the 14 courses lasting 8 weeks
  • Program offered entirely online with no mandatory login times
  • 585 clinical hours
  • Each student is assigned a dedicated success advisor
  • Highly qualified faculty

You’ll complete this 100% online program in about 28 months, with eight-week blocks for each of its 14 courses. You can choose to start your studies in March, May, or September allowing you the flexibility to figure out what time of year is going to work best for you. As part of being a student at ASU you’re assigned a success advisor to work with throughout the program to help you with any questions that may arise. At ASU more than 70 percent of all faculty hold doctoral degrees. With 98 percent of recent students reporting how happy they were with the experience they had here, you can be confident that ASU offers an exceptional student experience in addition to an exceptional value.

Connecticut

 

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Health and Human Services
New Haven
Website

southern conn state u

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $306 (in-state); $787 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $13,770 (in-state); $35,415

($9,387 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Connecticut)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45-48 total credits
  • Study abroad opportunities
  • Faculty comprised of experienced nurses
  • Option for a thesis or special project

There aren’t many graduate nursing programs that will give you the option to study abroad, but SCSU’s is one of them. The world-class faculty here arrange learning trips abroad and within the U.S. that allow students to gain experience providing care in underserved and impoverished areas of the world. As a compliment to the high quality education you’ll find in this program, two faculty members were recently recognized at a nursing education summit for their outstanding work. The curriculum here includes 24 credits of core courses, 18 credits focused on the FNP specialization, with the remaining credits dedicated to a thesis or special project.

 

SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY (PR)
College of Nursing
Fairfield
Website

sacred heart university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $925

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $38,850

($14,545 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Connecticut)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 42 credits total offered online
  • Holds two spots on US News & World Report top ranking lists
  • Students assigned to a dedicated clinical placement coordinator

Though the MSN-FNP at Sacred Heart is offered entirely online, you’ll find the faculty here make a special effort to create a personal atmosphere. SHU has won two spots on US News & World Report top ranking lists: one for being among the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation, and another university-level award for being among the Top-40 schools offering master’s programs in the Northern U.S. Whether you’re studying in Connecticut or online from somewhere outside the state, you’ll work with a dedicated clinical placement coordinator who will help you identify appropriate placement sites and preceptors.

Delaware

 

WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY (PR)
College of Health Professions
New Castle
Website

wilmington university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate combined with a DNP
  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $477

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $22,896 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Delaware)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits total that can be completed in 32 months
  • On-campus program with courses offered in two locations
  • 600 clinical hours

As a nursing graduate student at Wilmington University, you can earn your MSN at either the Wilson Graduate Center in New Castle, or the campus in Georgetown. Classes are divided into 12 credits of core courses, six credits of related courses, and 30 credits of primary care courses. You can start the program in either the fall or spring term, making it flexible and convenient in more ways than one.

District of Columbia – Washington, D.C.

 

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (PR)
School of Nursing
District of Columbia
Website

george washington university nursing2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus
  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • Post-Bachelor’s-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $1,340

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $64,320

($17,554 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in the District of Columbia)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits in total offered online
  • Ranked the 5th best online MSN program nationally by US News & World Report
  • 700 hours of clinical experience
  • Full and part-time options

GWU’s MSN program could very well offer the best bang for your buck in the nation. Its quality has earned it a place among the Top-Five online MSN programs nationally according to US News & World Report, and the fact that it’s the most affordable program in DC is icing on the cake. This program is delivered online for the most part, with some campus requirements for training and testing. That means it’s designed with your convenience in mind, which is further exemplified with full and part-time study options. As a full-time student you can graduate in as little as five semesters spread over two years, including your 700 clinical hours.

Florida

 

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY (PU)
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Boca Raton
Website

florida atlantic university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus, Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $304

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $14,896

($3,811 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Florida)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE or MAT if your GPA is below 3.0
  • 49 credits in total offered on campus with an online option for core courses
  • Holds US News & World Report top rankings in multiple categories
  • 600 clinical hours
  • Certification exam pass rate: 100%

Florida Atlantic’s MSN-FNP program stands out as being a nationally lauded online program. US News & World Report’s 2019 rankings name the Lynn College of Nursing master’s program among the very best in the nation. That’s alongside a similar ranking for its DNP program, and another ranking for being one of the best online graduate programs for veterans. You’ll earn clinical experience through practica that focus on primary care advanced practice for families, adolescents, and older adults.

 

JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY (PR)
Keigwin School of Nursing
Jacksonville
Website

jacksonville university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • MSN-FNP/Emergency NP Dual Focus
  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • Post-Master’s FNP/ENP Dual Focus Certificate
  • Post-MSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $620

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $24,800

($11,301 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Florida)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE (waived if your GPA is 3.0 or higher)
  • 40 total credits offered on-campus
  • 630 clinical hours
  • Offers a rare program that prepares FNP-Emergency Nurse Practitioners

The MSN program at Jacksonville has options for both full-time and part-time students, allowing you to complete it in as few as five semesters or as many as eight. Jacksonville University is one of just nine schools in the nation to offer an Emergency Nurse Practitioner program. And it goes even further than that: it offers this specialization paired alongside its FNP program so you can earn a dual-focus advanced practice credential. And if you already have an MSN and want to become a certified family NP, you can even choose an FNP concentration in the DNP program offered here.

Georgia

 

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA (PU)
Nursing Department
Dahlonega
Website

university north georgia2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $670

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $12,972 (in-state) $47,932 (out-of-state)

($3,476 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Georgia)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: HESI
  • 46 credits total with classes offered on campus
  • Opportunity to study abroad
  • 100% job placement
  • 89% program completion rate
  • 720 clinical hours
  • Certification exam pass rate: 96%

There aren’t many nursing schools in the United States turning out graduates that can boast a 96% pass rate on the national FNP certification exam, and fewer still that offer students the opportunity to study abroad. But UNG holds the unique distinction of being one of them. Nursing students recently went as far afield as Uganda, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic to provide medical care to hundreds of people. Offered at UNG’s Dahlonega campus, this program can be completed in as little as two years, or at a more relaxed pace over a longer period. Classes are held one day each week. Past graduates have enjoyed a 100% job placement rate and 89% program completion rate, numbers that clearly paint a picture of just how effectively this program prepares students to become advanced practice RNs.

 

MERCER UNIVERSITY (PR)
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
Atlanta
Website

mercer university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $827

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $40,523

($13,736 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Georgia)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: MAT or GRE (may be exempt based on your prior coursework)
  • Named among the best grad schools in the nation by US News & World Report
  • 660 clinical hours
  • Certification exam pass rate: over 96% first attempt

MU’s MSN program earns high marks. It ranks on the US News & World Report 2017 list of best nursing graduate schools in the nation. Supporting this status is the fact that 96 percent of all graduates over the past four years have passed their national FNP certification exams. This convenient hybrid program allows you to enroll on a full or part-time basis. Enroll full-time and you’ll have your degree in hand in just four semesters. Opt for the more relaxed part-time schedule and you’re looking at seven semesters. In either case, you can be sure a degree from Mercer will earn you the respect you deserve.

Hawaii

 

HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (PR)
Nursing Department
Kaneohe
Website

hawaii pacific university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $1,446

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $72,300 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Hawaii)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 50 credits in total
  • Mostly campus-based classes and some hybrid courses
  • Six dedicated full-time faculty professionals

In addition to serving as indispensable staff members and clinical leaders in local hospitals and healthcare facilities, some HPU graduates have used the skills developed in the MSN program to go into independent practice, opening up family medical clinics of their own. The advanced nursing curriculum at Hawai’i Pacific consists of 20 core MSN credits and 30 core FNP credits. Classes are offered from HPU’s scenic campus and exemplify the values of aloha (teamwork and collaboration in the classroom), pono (dedicated faculty and staff distinguished in their fields), and kuleana (advanced learning spaces in the classroom and lab reflecting responsible education).

Idaho

 

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY (PR)
Department of Nursing
Nampa
Website

northwest nazarene university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $750

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $36,000 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Idaho)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits in total that can be completed in two years
  • Offered in an online format
  • Faculty with 160-plus years of combined experience

NNU’s graduate FNP nursing program is optimized to fit the busy schedules of working nurses. That’s why it’s offered online with just four one-week campus residency requirements throughout the entire program. Admission is open to both BSN-prepared RNs, as well as those who hold only associate’s degrees. If you enter as a post-bac student you can complete this program in six semesters over two years. If you enter with an associate’s degree you’ll need to spend two additional semesters catching up. As a student here you’ll benefit from a highly experienced faculty who together have more than 160 years of combined experience.

Illinois

 

GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
Department of Nursing
University Park
Website

governors state u

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $337 (in-state); $674 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $14,828 (in-state); $29,656 (out-of-state)

($7,707 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Illinois)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 44 credits total offered on campus
  • 540 clinical hours
  • Thesis option
  • Full and part-time options

GSU’s MSN-FNP program is designed from the ground up with working nurses in mind. It offers convenient campus-based class scheduling as well as full and part-time options. If writing a thesis is one of your academic goals you can fulfill this option here, adding three additional credits to your transcript. You’ll complete your clinical experience at a primary care or ambulatory healthcare center in the area. The program has two convenient start times, one in the fall and one in the spring, allowing you to choose the time of year that works best for you.

 

SAINT FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER COLLEGE OF NURSING (PR)
College of Nursing
Peoria
Website

saint francis nursing2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus
  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $664

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $29,216

($13,339 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Illinois)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 44 total credits offered online
  • Part-time program designed for working students
  • Faculty who are willing to go the extra mile for their students

To give you the time you need to earn your graduate degree in your free time, you can complete the 44-credit MSN at Saint Francis in four years over the course of nine semesters. Designed for working nurses, this online program still includes some courses delivered synchronously to give you a chance to interact with instructors and classmates. You will be on campus for 3-4 days during each of your final three semesters. This student-friendly program has made a name for itself for offering all the scheduling convenience and flexibility you need, while having faculty who are known for being very responsive and attentive to each student.

Indiana

 

INDIANA UNIVERSITY EAST (PU)
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Richmond
Website

indiana university east2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Tuition Per Credit: $373 (in-state); $1,089 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $15,666 (in-state); $45,738 (out-of-state)

($4,200 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Indiana)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 42 credits in total offered from campus
  • 600 clinical hours
  • Choice of a culminating scholarly project or in-depth study

MSN-FNP graduates at Indiana University East School of Nursing and Health Sciences complete the program more than ready to jump into their new role as advanced practice family NPs. As a student here, you’ll take 12 three-credit courses, along with a six-credit practicum course that accounts for more than half of the 600 clinical hours the program requires. As you approach graduation you’ll have the choice of completing either a culminating scholarly project or a research study in a select area of FNP nursing, allowing you to put your energy into a project that will best support your interests and career goals.

 

GOSHEN COLLEGE (PR)
MSN FNP Program
Goshen
Website

goshen college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-MSN FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $650

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $31,200

($2,156 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Indiana)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48-credit program offered on campus
  • 672 hours of clinical experience
  • 32 months to completion (full-time)
  • 100% employment rate among recent graduates
  • Certification exam pass rate: 96% first time

Graduates of the MSN-FNP program at Goshen College are prepared for success, and the fact that 96 percent of grads pass the FNP certification exam on their first attempt is proof. This is a program truly designed for students who have busy work lives, with classes scheduled just one day a week in the afternoon. You can complete the program in as little as 32 months, at which time you’ll join the ranks of Goshen’s graduates, all of whom find family NP positions they love within a year of graduation. Plan ahead when applying to this competitive program; the application due date is usually at least six months before classes are scheduled to start each school year.

Iowa

 

MORNINGSIDE COLLEGE (PR)
Nylen School of Nursing
Sioux City
Website

morningside college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s Certificate with a Family Primary Care NP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $510

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $23,970

($4,408 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Iowa)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 47 credits total, offered in full or part-time formats
  • Online program designed so RNs can work while studying
  • 600 clinical hours

The MSN at Morningside College’s Nylon School of Nursing offers the best in convenience for the working nurses it’s designed for without compromising on opportunities for hands-on experience. While it’s offered entirely online, some courses offer campus residency options for more opportunities for real-world learning experiences. You can choose to complete this program over the course of five semesters spread across two years as a full-time student, or over the course of seven semesters spread across three years on a part-time basis. By the time you graduate you will have completed at least 600 hours of clinical experience that will prepare you for your new role in advanced practice nursing.

Kansas

 

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY (PR)
Nursing Program
Leavenworth
Website

university saint mary2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Tuition Per Credit: $760

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $38,000 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Kansas)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 50 credits total with campus-based courses
  • Only MSN-FNP program in the entire state
  • State-of-the-art equipment

USM is proud to house the only MSN FNP-track program in the state, and offers it a reasonable price that won’t break the bank. This is a new program with the first cohort scheduled to graduate in fall of 2018. That means you’ll find labs and equipment training here that will ensure you’re familiar with the latest technological developments in healthcare. This program is designed to be completed mostly on campus, although it does also include some online components to make for a more convenient and flexible learning experience. The MSN at USM is 12 terms in length, and includes a practicum at a primary care site.

Kentucky

 

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (PU)
College of Health Sciences
Richmond
Website

eastern kentucky university

Master of Science in Nursing, Rural Health FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-MSN FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $662

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $31,114

($400 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Kentucky)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 47 credits in total offered in an online format
  • Holds two spots on US News &World Report top ranking lists
  • 750 clinical hours
  • Multiple start dates

This year marks some great achievements for Eastern: it received national acclaim with spots on two of US News &World Report’s best schools lists (Top-25 Best Online Programs for Graduate Nursing, and Best Programs for Veterans in Graduate Nursing). Classes are eight-weeks long, and you can take advantage of the convenience that comes with multiple start dates so you can align your education with your busy schedule. The last 300 of your 750 clinical hours synthesize what you’ve learned in the classroom in a real-life setting that will prepare you to confidently step into your new role as an advanced practice family NP.

 

KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (PR)
Yancey School of Nursing
Grayson
Website

kentucky christian university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $500

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $23,500

($8,953 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Kentucky)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 47 credits total available in an online format
  • 528 clinical hours
  • 113 weeks to complete the program
  • Small class size

Yancey School of Nursing faculty see the practice of nursing as a lot more than just a science-based healthcare profession. They see it as a ministry of compassionate, competent, and comprehensive spiritual, psycho-social, and physical caring. You can be sure you’ll come away with the same whole-patient philosophy when it comes to the nursing care you provide. This online program is offered one course at a time, with a total of 14 courses taken over seven semesters. We love the fact that this program allows you the flexibility to complete the clinical components in your own community, even if you live outside of the Grayson area. We also love the small cohort model, which fosters an individualized education experience for every student.

Louisiana

 

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY (PU)
College of Nursing and Allied Health
Baton Rouge
Website

southern university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Tuition Per Credit: $260

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $10,660

($5,150 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Louisiana)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE
  • 41 credits total, with completion possible in two years
  • Courses offered on campus
  • Full or part-time scheduling options available

SUBR’s MSN program at the College of Nursing and Allied Health stands out as being one of the most respected family NP programs in the state. This on-campus program admits students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, allowing you to get started at the time of year that best suits your personal scheduling needs. You can choose a full or part-time schedule, and as a full-time student it’s possible to complete this program in just two years (four semesters). To be eligible to enroll, you’ll need at least two years of full-time RN experience working in direct patient care.

 

FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF OUR LADY UNIVERSITY (PR)
School of Nursing
Baton Rouge
Website

franciscan missionaries our lady university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Tuition Per Credit: $744

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $32,736

($3,264 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Louisiana)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE
  • 44 credits completed on a full-time schedule over two years
  • Courses offered in online and blended formats
  • 600 practicum hours
  • Spring admission

Many of the most devoted nursing professionals in Louisiana pursue the MSN program at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University School of Nursing. This highly competitive program consists of 44 credits, including 600 practicum hours. If accepted, in just two years time you could be among the school’s elite alumni and fully prepared to step into your new role as family NP, bringing both compassion and advanced expertise. You’ll need to get your application in by the fall because new cohorts begin every spring semester. Courses here are offered on a full-time basis in online and blended formats.

Maine

 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE (PU)
School of Nursing
Portland
Website

university southern maine

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $407 (in-state); $1,100 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $21,571 (in-state); $58,300 (out-of-state)

($19 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Maine)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: MAT or GRE (exemption for applicants who already have a graduate degree)
  • 53 credits with classes available on campus
  • Outstanding faculty
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 616 hours of clinical experience

The world-class faculty at the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing really set this program apart from the rest. This distinguished group includes standing board members of state and national nursing organizations, academics whose work is frequently published in leading journals, and influencers involved in shaping state regulatory policy. As a student of the MSN-FNP program here, you can complete the program on a full-time basis in as little as four semesters, or in eight semesters on a part-time basis. The program involves three clinical semesters consisting of 168 hours, and another 224 hours in progression, with each building on the skills developed in the previous segment.

 

HUSSON UNIVERSITY (PR)
School of Nursing
Bangor
Website

husson university

Master of Science in Nursing, Family and Community NP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Mater’s Certificate with a Family and Community NP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $597

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $28,656

($648 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Maine)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits in total
  • Classes offered online
  • 540-hour internship
  • Certification exam pass rate: 100%

This online MSN program with Family and Community NP Track at Husson is designed with convenience in mind, requiring only two one-week on-site visits to the Bangor campus for clinical intensives in state-of-the-art simulation labs. Each course takes 15 weeks to complete, and includes a live synchronous meeting with your classmates and professors once a month. This program’s convenient online learning platform lends itself to better outcomes, as evidenced by the 100% pass rate on the FNP certification exam among recent graduates

Maryland

 

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
Helene Fuld School of Nursing
Baltimore
Website

coppin state university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $337 (in-state); $621 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $16,176 (in-state); $29,808 (out-of-state)

($3,697 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Maryland)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48-51 credits in total with campus-based classes
  • Option to graduate in two years with a full-time schedule
  • Fall and spring start times
  • Choice of master’s thesis or research project

The alumni and faculty at the Helene Fuld School of Nursing are nationally recognized for their scholarship, achievements, and success. You can complete this full-time program in five-to-six semesters over the course of two years. It includes an option to write a thesis or to conduct a research project, allowing you to choose the option that best aligns with your interests and career goals. You also have the option to take electives relating to global health and nursing education. This is a program led by world-class faculty who believe the best way to prepare advanced practice RNs ready for the challenges that await is to put the student experience above all else.

Massachusetts

 

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL (PU)
Solomont School of Nursing
Lowell
Website

university massachusetts lowell

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus, Hybrid)

Tuition Per Credit: $717 (in-state); $1,278 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $30,114 (in-state); $53,676 (out-of-state)

($2,319 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Massachusetts)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 42-credit program with most courses offered on campus and some offered online
  • Full and part-time options
  • 600 practicum hours
  • Oldest family health nursing program in New England

The MSN with FNP track at the Solomont School of Nursing at University of Massachusetts Lowell stands out for the way it perfectly combines quality and convenience. Full and part-time options are available depending on your work schedule – you can graduate in as few as four semesters, or take up to five years to complete the program. As the oldest family health nursing program in all of New England, the instructors here work hard to maintain Solomont’s tradition of excellence. Faculty here have contributed to over 500 scholarly articles and have more than 400 years of combined experience in healthcare.

 

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (PR)
School of Health Sciences
Springfield
Website

american international college

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $808

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $37,168

($18,654 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Massachusetts)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 46 credits total with classes offered online
  • Full or part-time options
  • Experienced faculty
  • HIPAA training emphasis

The online MSN-FNP at AIC School of Health Sciences is designed for both full-time students hard working nurses who need some flexible scheduling options. If you decide to apply yourself full-time you can complete this program’s 46 credits and graduate in as little as two years, or you can opt for a more relaxed pace that will accommodate a busy work life. Every faculty member here brings years of advanced clinical experience to the classroom, and take a decided approach to education that emphasizes lifelong learning and professional development. This program has partnered with a HIPAA training vendor to ensure you get the most up-to-date training on evolving HIPAA regulations.

Michigan

 

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
Graduate Nursing Program
University Center
Website

saginaw valley state university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate Certificate with a Primary Care FNP focus
  • BSN-to-DNP with a Primary Care FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $564 (in-state); $1,074 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $29,328 (in-state); $55,848 (out-of-state)

($10,333 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Michigan)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 52 credits in total with classes offered in a hybrid format
  • Nearby student loan forgiveness programs available
  • Designed with working nurses in mind

There’s nothing we like more than a quality MSN program built around the scheduling needs of working nurses, except one that does it all at an exceptional value. The MSN-FNP at Saginaw Valley definitely fits the bill. Typically, students complete this program part-time taking around seven credits per semester. Courses are offered in a hybrid format to keep on-campus seminar requirements to a minimum. And how about this for a deal that’s hard to refuse: As a graduate of SVSU, if you commit to working for several years in under-served rural areas like Gladwin or inner city clinics in Saginaw, you could have your entire student loan forgiven!

 

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY (PR)
College of Health Professions
Grand Rapids
Website

davenport university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $802

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $36,090

($3,977 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Michigan)

  • Accreditation: CCNE and ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45 credits total that can be completed in two years
  • Offered online with one campus-based intensive
  • Average of nine credits per semester

The MSN-FNP at Davenport’s College of Health Professions stands out for providing an exceptional value, offering a top quality learning experience at an affordable price. It’s offered online so you can more easily find the right balance between work and family life while still earning your grad degree. You can complete this 45-credit program in as few as five semesters taken over the course of two years, with students typically taking about nine credits per semester. With world-class faculty dedicated to your success, you can be confident when choosing Davenport for your MSN.

Minnesota

 

WALDEN UNIVERSITY (PR)
Online Nursing Program
Minneapolis
Website

walden university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $710

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $39,050 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Minnesota)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 55 credits in total with classes offered online
  • All nursing faculty hold their terminal degrees
  • Opportunities for collaboration throughout the country
  • 640 practicum hours

There are many online graduate nursing programs out there, but Walden’s online MSN-FNP stands out from the rest. For one thing, it is offered as part of a global education network made up of dozens of universities. This means as a graduate nursing student you’ll have access to Walden’s national nursing honors society, creating networking opportunities other schools can’t touch. Walden also has more experience offering online education programs than anyone else in the game; and with this kind of experience comes expertise at delivering results using a state of the art online platform. All of the nursing faculty here hold doctorate degrees, so you can also be sure your instructors have no shortage of experience and expertise.

Mississippi

 

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN (PU)
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Columbus
Website

muw

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $263

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $10,257

($6,455 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Mississippi)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE
  • 39 credits total with classes offered on campus
  • Can be completed in one year
  • Well-established program with renowned faculty

The MUW College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a well-established track record for producing top flight MSN graduates, something that the school has honed to perfection since 1975. Over the decades the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has shaped the FNP program to be so efficient that it’s possible to earn your MSN in just one year starting in the fall and ending in the summer. The faculty at this program specialize in the FNP focus – in fact this is the only clinical track offered at the Mississippi University for Woman, so you can be sure they know how to do it right. It’s also well worth noting that every faculty member in this program holds a doctorate degree.

Missouri

 

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI (PU)
Department of Nursing
Warrensburg
Website

university central missouri2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $349

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $15,356

($3,127 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Missouri)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 44 credits in total with classes offered online
  • Small class size
  • Full and part-time options

The online MSN at the University of Central Missouri Department of Nursing was  designed from day one with working nurses in mind. Students are encouraged to take classes on a part-time basis (up to six credits per regular semester) to give themselves time to fully absorb the course content, but a full-time schedule is also an option. As a student of this program you’ll do your clinical rotations in the greater Kansas City area or elsewhere in Missouri. The small cohort size found here means you’ll get the kind of individualized attention from your professors that help ensure success.

 

COX COLLEGE (PR)
MSN Program
Springfield
Website

cox college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $600

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $25,200

($8,162 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Missouri)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 42-credit program offered mostly online with limited classroom requirements
  • Full and part-time options available
  • Fall and spring admission tracks
  • Designed for working nurses

Cox College designed their MSN with you, the working nurse, in mind. It delivers the majority of course content online to keep on-campus requirements to an absolute minimum, giving you the freedom you need to earn your graduate degree on your own time with minimal interference with work and family life. While it’s possible to complete this program in 24 months as a full-time student, you’re encouraged to maintain your regular work schedule and attend school on a part-time basis and complete the program over three years (six semesters). This program is all about creating the best student experience possible and it shows in more ways than just the scheduling flexibility – you can be sure the professors here are dedicated to seeing you succeed.

Montana

No CCNE or AACN-Accredited MSN-FNP programs currently offered

Nebraska

 

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (PU)
College of Nursing
Omaha
Website

university nebraska medical center2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $532 (in-state); $1,008 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $25,536 (in-state); $48,384 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a public university in Nebraska)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits total in this online program
  • Just awarded a $1.2 million grant
  • Full and part-time options
  • 500 clinical training hours

Everyone in the nursing community knows about the shortage of FNPs across the nation, especially in the underserved rural areas of the Midwest. Thankfully, UNMC College of Nursing is a school on the front lines, working hard to meet this challenge and improve the situation for residents of Nebraska. To this end, UNMC was just awarded a $1.2 million federal grant! If you’re looking at enrolling in an MSN program with FNP track you’re right on time to take advantage of the discounts on tuition, fees, books, stipends, and more that this grant is helping to provide. You can choose a full or part-time schedule and earn your degree online in as little as three years, or take as many as five.

 

CLARKSON COLLEGE (PR)
School of Nursing
Omaha
Website

clarkson college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus
  • Post-MSN FNP Certificate
  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $598

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $28,106 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a private university in Nebraska)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 47 credits total in this online program
  • Ranks as one of US News & World Reports’ top programs
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Great networking possibilities

The School of Nursing at Clarkson College is nearly as old as Nebraska itself. In fact, it’s been around in one form or another since 1888, when the state of Nebraska was just 21 years old. Preparing highly skilled nurses eager to make a difference in their field is the key reason it’s still around today, and now attracting students from all over the country. In 2018 US News & World Report ranked the MSN at Clarkson among the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation.

Nevada

 

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS (PU)
School of Nursing
Las Vegas
Website

unlv

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $275 (in-state); $904 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $12,650

($1,650 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Nevada)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 46 credits in total with courses offered online
  • Ranked among the top-20 best schools by US News & World Report
  • Offers full and part-time options

In 2018 US News & World Report ranked UNLV’s MSN the 16th-best online graduate nursing program in the nation, moving up four spots from the previous year. You’ll love the convenience this program offers, with most classes delivered online to make it as easy as possible to earn your MSN while holding down your job. Minimal on-site requirements mean that clinical courses only require one-to-three-day campus visits, while the remainder of the program is completed online. You can select the full-time option and graduate in four semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall), or the part-time option, which allows you to take between three and six years. New cohorts start every fall.

New Hampshire

 

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE (PU)
Department of Nursing
Durham
Website

university new hampshire nursing

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus, Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $770 (in-state); $1,270 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $34,650 (in-state); $57,150 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program offered at a public university in New Hampshire)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45-credit, blended program that includes campus-based and online courses
  • 672 clinical hours
  • Full-time and part-time options

The FNP program at the University of New Hampshire Department of Nursing is optimized for nurses looking to earn their MSN with minimal disruptions to their work schedules. You can graduate in five semesters over two years as a full-time student, or in 10 semesters over four years as a part-time student. Of the 15 courses this program consists of, three are campus-based, three are hybrid, three are clinicals, and six are online. UNH’s Durham campus is located close to Oyster River and the Great Bay estuary, making your time on campus as enjoyable as it is effective in preparing you for advanced practice nursing.

 

RIVIER UNIVERSITY (PR)
Department of Nursing and Health Professions
Nashua
Website

rivier university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus, Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $605

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $26,015 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a private university in New Hampshire)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 43-credit program in total
  • Offered both online and on-campus
  • Simulated experiences take place in state-of-the-art labs
  • Certification exam pass rate: 100%

The Department of Nursing and Health Professions at Rivier has a proven track record with over three decades of experience producing graduates who go on to promising careers in advanced practice nursing. The MSN-FNP program at Rivier offers the best of both worlds, catering as much to traditional on-campus students as it does to the growing number of students looking to earn a degree online. If you prefer the face-to-face contact that a classroom-based program offers, you’ll find it here. If you prefer the flexibility that an online program offers, look no further. Rivier also has a proven track record for delivering results, with 100% of MSN-FNP graduates in the past three years passing the national certification exam on their first attempt. You can’t do better than that!

New Jersey

 

ROWAN UNIVERSITY (PU)
Department of Nursing
Glassboro
Website

rowan university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Tuition Per Credit: $736

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $32,384

($3,372 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in New Jersey)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 44 credits total with courses offered in a hybrid format
  • Highly qualified faculty
  • 500 clinical hours
  • Part-time program

The Department of Nursing at Rowan University stands out for putting working nurses first. The MSN-FNP program here is offered part-time in a hybrid format, with many fully online classes that help keep the on-site requirements limited to hands-on learning seminars and labs. With 18 credits specifically dedicated to advanced practice nursing for the family patient population and 500 hours of supervised clinical experience, you’ll graduate with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to confidently take on leadership roles or go into independent practice. In this program you’ll be learning from the best in the business – all the nursing faculty at Rowan have their terminal doctoral degrees.

 

FELICIAN UNIVERSITY (PR)
School of Nursing
Lodi
Website

felician university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $1,020

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $40,800

($5,297 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in New Jersey)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • This 40-credit program is offered online
  • 650 clinical hours
  • Around 3 years to complete the program

In the same way RNs in the MSN-FNP program at the Felician University School of Nursing are taught to put an emphasis on each patient’s experience, the faculty here place an emphasis on creating an exceptional experience for each student. You’ll find the professors here to be very attentive, responding to your questions immediately and taking the time to offer real guidance and personalized attention. You can complete this program in about three years, well prepared for your new role as advanced independent practitioner.

New Mexico

 

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO (PU)
College of Nursing
Albuquerque
Website

university new

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $597 (in-state); $1,257 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $31,044 (in-state); $65,364 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program offered in New Mexico)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: Community Health Test
  • 52 credits total with a mix of online and on-campus classes
  • Summer start
  • Full-time completion in two years
  • 800+ clinical hours
  • Three-year average certification exam pass rate: 89%; 95% for the most recent graduating class

The MSN-FNP program at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing is all about learning by doing, giving you a lot more clinical experience than most other programs out there. Clocking more than 800 hours in a clinical setting, you can be sure you’ll graduate with the confidence of a fully fledged advanced practice RN. And all this experience pays off; the most recent graduating class had a 95 percent pass rate on the national FNP certification exam. You can complete this full-time program in just two years by taking six consecutive semesters starting in the summer. Core courses are offered online, making it easier for you to fit your coursework into your already-busy schedule. Clinical courses start with a few weeks of classroom instruction followed by at least a month in the actual clinic.

New York

 

LEHMAN COLLEGE (PU)
Department of Nursing
Bronx
Website

lehman college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $440 (in-state); $813 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $21,560 (in-state); $39,837 (out-of-state)

($2,139 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in New York)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: Graduate Nursing Assessment Test (GNAT)
  • 49 credits total that can be completed in as little as two years
  • Campus-based program
  • Full and part-time options

The faculty at CUNY Lehman College Department of Nursing take educating tomorrow’s advanced nurses seriously. This comes through in the stellar student outcomes, and the high rate of satisfaction reported among graduates. The full-time track can be completed in just four semesters, while the slower paced part-time track can be completed in six. The MSN-FNP here includes 30 credits specifically related to serving the family patient population, giving you the advanced knowledge and skills you need to step confidently into your role as a family NP capable of practicing and prescribing independently.

 

LE MOYNE COLLEGE (PR)
Department of Nursing
Syracuse
Website

le moyne college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $734

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $33,030

($18,373 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in New York)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45-credit campus-based program
  • Full and part time options
  • 810 clinical hours

Le Moyne sums up the way it melds Jesuit values with the science of advanced practice nursing with the phrase, “cura personals”: caring for the whole person. As a student of the MSN-FNP program here, you’ll have the opportunity to put this philosophy into practice, participating in unique community outreach activities like Honor Flight, in which students volunteer to accompany World War II veterans on a trip to the capital to visit war memorials, and providing health care services as needed. If you’re a full-time student you can complete this campus-based program in just four semesters over the course of two years. Part-time students can graduate in six semesters spanning three years.

North Carolina

 

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
Division of Nursing
Winston-Salem
Website

winston salem state university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $190 (in-state); $686 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $9,690 (in-state); $34,986 (out-of-state)

($10,500 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in North Carolina)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 51-credit campus-based program
  • Full and part-time options available
  • Thesis option
  • Recipient of awards from numerous organizations and publishers, including the New York Times

Winston-Salem State University Division of Nursing bills itself a national premier nursing school – and for good reason. WSSU was voted the number-one historically black university in North Carolina by The Wall Street Journal in 2016. It also holds top spots from a number of other publications for the number of successful black graduates that complete programs here and go on to become leaders in their fields. As a full-time MSN-FNP student you can complete the program in five semesters over two years, or as a part-time student in seven semesters over three years. You can also choose to add a thesis option to round out your graduate education experience. This is a program that really does have it all.

 

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY (PR)
Hunt School of Nursing
Boiling Springs
Website

gardner webb university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $481

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $24,531

($8,952 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in North Carolina)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE or MAT
  • 51 credits in total
  • Offered in a hybrid format
  • Based on holistic nursing practice and Christian caring

The Hunt School of Nursing has been preparing some the of nation’s most dedicated nurses since 1965. Students recognize this, and so do employers, with some alums being offered jobs even before they graduate. One student of the MSN-FNP program here even put his newly minted advanced practice skills to work serving his country in the Air National Guard as a flight nurse for aeromedical evacuations. And in a testament to the flexibility and accessibility of the course material in this hybrid program, he even completed his courses overseas during active deployment! The Hunt School of Nursing at Gardner-Webb University deserves some of the credit for attracting and preparing the best and the brightest in the field of nursing.

North Dakota

 

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA (PU)
College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines
Grand Forks
Website

university north dakota

Family Nurse practitioner DNP Post-Baccalaureate, (with Master’s CONFERMENT option) (Online)

Also Offers:

  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP track

Tuition Per Credit: $404

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $23,028 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in North Dakota)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 91-credit online program with 1000 practicum hours
  • Option to earn an MSN and take the FNP certification exam en route to earning a DNP
  • More than 100 years of experience

You’re in experienced hands as an advanced practice nursing student in the DNP-FNP program at the UND College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines: the school has a more than 100-year track record of graduating highly competent nurses. If you’re looking for the kind of flexibility that will allow you to earn your degree with minimal disruptions to work and family life, then this is the program for you. It’s offered completely online and only requires one campus visit per semester. Once you’re enrolled you have the option to opt for an MSN with FNP focus and sit for the FNP certification exam before going on to complete the coursework necessary to earn your DNP.

Ohio

 

OHIO UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Nursing
Athens
Website

ohio university nursing

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid, Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $597 (in-state); $1,105 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $24,477 (in-state); $45,305 (out-of-state)

($12,964 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Ohio)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 41-credit blended (hybrid) program
  • Job placement assistance
  • Nationally ranked among the best nursing master’s degrees by US News & World Report
  • Certification exam pass rate: 95%

There’s a reason why the MSN at Ohio University’s School of Nursing in the College of Health Sciences and Professions ranks on the US News & World Report’s 2018 list of best master’s degree programs. For one, flexibility: you can choose to complete the program entirely online or in a blended format that includes campus meetings with an online component. Either way, you can graduate in two years as a full-time student. If you choose the fully online option you’re only required to come to campus three times for the entire program. Second, outstanding student outcomes: as recent graduates demonstrated with a 95 percent pass rate on the national FNP certification exam. Third, commitment to student success: the School of Nursing has even partnered with a third-party job search firm to provide you with an extra resource when transitioning into your advanced practice role after graduation.

 

FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY STEUBENVILLE (PR)
Nursing Department
Steubenville
Website

franciscan university steubenville2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $500

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $24,000

($13,218 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Ohio)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 48 credits in total
  • Offered on-campus
  • Flexible semester credit load option
  • 75% of faculty hold their doctorate degree

As an MSN-FNP student at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, your curriculum is divided into three main segments: 22 credits of core MSN classes, nine credits of APRN classes, and 17 credits of core FNP classes. This campus-based program is designed to be completed in six semesters – fall, spring, and summer – over the course of two years and culminates with an FNP practicum. One reason we like this program is because it gives you added flexibility with the choice of taking at least two credits, and as many as nine credits, per semester. This allows you to extend your time to completion if that’s what works best for your schedule. You can be sure you’ll be learning from highly skilled and experienced nurses – three-quarters of the faculty here have their terminal doctorate degree.

Oklahoma

 

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER (PU)
Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing
Oklahoma City
Website

university oklahoma nursing2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $280 (in-state); $903 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $13,160 (in-state); $42,411 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Oklahoma)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 47 credits total
  • Offered from the Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Certification exam pass rate: 97%

The MSN-FNP program at the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing kicks off each new school year at the beginning of summer with a program start-date in June. You have the option for full- or part-time study, allowing you to take up to three years to complete the program, a pace that fits the scheduling needs of even the busiest working RNs. This program stands out for the exceptional value it offers students, and the results-oriented way it approaches the training of advanced practice family nurses. And the results speak for themselves: 97 percent of recent graduates passed the FNP certification exam on their first try!

Oregon

 

OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Nursing
Portland
Website

ohsu2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus, Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Bac-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $612 (in-state); $793 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $46,512 (in-state); $60,268 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Oregon)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 76 credits total with the option to graduate in two years
  • This hybrid program includes online courses
  • Holds three top spots in national rankings published by US News & World Report

OHSU’s MSN program holds more top spots on US News & World Report national ranking lists than almost any other program of its kind out there. It holds the number-12 spot for the best FNP program, the number-18 spot for the best online graduate nursing program, and the number-32 spot for the best master’s nursing school in the nation. This kind of recognition tells you the program here is serious about producing the most capable advanced practice nurses. The OHSU School of Nursing is considering offering its FNP track exclusively as a doctoral-level program in the future, but as it stands you can still earn an MSN-FNP with the option to seamlessly progress to a DNP with FNP track if you choose to do so.

Pennsylvania

 

EDINBORO UNIVERSITY (PU)
Department of Nursing
Edinboro
Website

edinboro u

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $542 (in-state); $813 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $24,390 (in-state); $36,585 (out-of-state)

($4,119 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Pennsylvania)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45 credits in total with classes offered mostly online
  • Highly qualified faculty
  • Ranked one of the best online graduate programs by US News & World Report

An advanced practice nursing program is only as good as its faculty, and at the Edinboro University you can be confident you’re learning from the best. The world-class faculty here at the Edinboro Department of Nursing is comprised of doctorate-prepared nurses with years of clinical experience. This program also stands out offering unique opportunities for international travel and volunteerism in the third world. You can be sure the MSN-FNP at Edinboro will prepare you to be a capable Family NP, no matter where in the  world you spend your career. US News & World Report even recognized Edinburg’s MSN-FNP as one of the best online graduate programs in the nation. You have up to six years from your start date to complete the program, giving you all the time you need to assimilate the course content without it ever interfering with work and family life.

 

WILKES UNIVERSITY (PR)
Passan School of Nursing
Wilkes-Barre
Website

wilkes university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $674

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $28,982

($19,956 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Pennsylvania)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 43 credits in total
  • Online program designed for working nurses
  • Earned recognition from the White House for working to combat prescription drug abuse

The Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University has more than 40 years of experience in nursing education. While this long legacy of excellence speaks for itself,  Passan is also dedicated to confronting the most pressing contemporary issues in public health. In fact, Passan was recently recognized by the White House for taking extra steps to educate its advanced practice nurses on how to prevent prescription drug abuse. And you can be sure Passan will continue to be ahead of the curve when it comes to recognizing tomorrow’s most pressing issues.

Rhode Island

 

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (PU)
College of Nursing
Kingston
Website

university rhode island

Master of Science, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
  • BS-to-(MSN option)-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $735 (in-state); $1,436 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $31,605 (in-state); $61,748 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Rhode Island)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE or MAT
  • 43 credits with classes offered on campus
  • Full and part-time options; day or evening classes
  • Fall and spring admissions

You have to love an advanced practice nursing program that goes out of its way to put students’ needs first, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing MSN-FNP program. It’s offered on a full or part-time basis with a choice of classes available in the daytime or evening, all depending on what fits your work life and personal schedule best. And this flexibility extends to the time of year that fits your schedule best too, allowing you to choose to start in the fall or spring term. You can graduate in as little as two-and-a-half years if you’re attending full-time, or in three years as a part-time student. This program bends over backwards to accommodate busy nurses in the greater Rhode Island area.

South Carolina

 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (PU)
College of Nursing
Columbia
Website

university south carolina

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $762 (in-state); $1,404 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $34,290 (in-state); $63,180 (out-of-state)

($7,592 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in South Carolina)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45 credits in total
  • Offered online with minimum campus visits required
  • Option for a research topic or thesis
  • Set your own schedule with summer or fall start dates

You’ll appreciate how the MSN at the University of South Carolina is designed to maximize convenience and flexibility with working nurses in mind. You can choose a start date in fall or summer and complete the program over three years (9 semesters) attending during fall, spring, and summer semesters. If you want to complete it at a slower pace you can take as many as 14 semesters. To bolster convenience, this program is offered online and only requires you to come to campus a few times per semester for clinical rotations. You have the option to complete a thesis, which is helpful for further doctoral study, or you can choose to complete a research project if that better aligns with your interests and goals.

 

ANDERSON UNIVERSITY (PR)
School of Nursing
Anderson
Website

anderson university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $640

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $30,080 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program offered at a private university in South Carolina)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 47 credits with courses offered online
  • Mission trip option
  • Only nursing school in the state with a cadaver lab

The MSN at the Anderson University School of Nursing stands out for offering plenty of opportunities for community engagement, including its annual Homes for the Homeless event in which students can gain credit for clinical hours while getting some really unique and meaningful experience that gives a feel for what it’s like to rough it for a night. The school of nursing also stands out for having the only cadaver lab in the state that’s dedicated to nursing students. You’ll find this online program optimized for convenience with just a few campus visits required each semester. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to take a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

South Dakota

 

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
College of Nursing
Brookings
Website

south dakota state university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate
  • BS-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $326 (in-state); $627 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $17,930 (in-state); $34,485 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a public university in South Dakota)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 55-credit, blended-format
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Scholarships available
  • US News & World Report ranks this program among the best in the nation
  • Certification exam pass rate: 100%

The South Dakota State University College of Nursing offers the state’s leading nursing programs. Based at the Brookings campus, you’ll find this to be an outstanding place to prepare for your career in advanced practice nursing, not to mention being one of the most livable and welcoming cities in the nation. And it all bears out in stellar student outcomes, with recent graduates demonstrating a 100% pass rate on the FNP certification exam, and 100% of the most recent graduating class employed in positions they love. You’ll also find an abundance of scholarships here to fund your master’s nursing education. In the most recent academic year, college of nursing students were awarded a combined $297,505 in scholarships. US News & World Report ranks the SDSU college of nursing among the best nursing schools in the nation, while also giving a similar accolade to the master’s program specifically.

 

MOUNT MARTY COLLEGE (PR)
MSN FNP Program
Yankton
Website

mount marty college2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Graduate FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $570

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $26,220 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program offered at a private university in South Dakota)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • This 46-credit program is campus based
  • Flexible semester course loads to accommodate your schedule
  • 600 clinical hours
  • Certification exam pass rate: 98% average

Mount Marty College holds its nursing students to a high standard, so it should be no surprise that the most recent class to graduate from the MSN-FNP program demonstrated a 100 percent pass rate on the FNP national certification exam, head and shoulders above the national average of 82 percent. As an MSN student here, you have the option of being able to choose how many credits you wish to take each semester, and can graduate in as little as two years over a six-semester course of study starting in the summer. This program includes the 600 clinical hours of supervised study you’ll need to qualify for national certification and step into your new advanced practice role with confidence.

Tennessee

 

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Nursing
Nashville
Website

tennessee state university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-MSN FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $553 (in-state); $1,135 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $25,438 (in-state); $52,210 (out-of-state)

($1,735 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Tennessee)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 46 credits offered on campus with some online options
  • 85% job placement
  • Full and part-time options
  • 85% program completion
  • 100% employer satisfaction with graduates
  • Certification exam pass rate: 89%

The Tenn State University School of Nursing has gone to extraordinary lengths to make its MSN-FNP program flexible and convenient.  Designed with working nurses in mind, it offers full or part-time scheduling options and all of the classes include an online component. This program also boasts some enviable statistics, with an 89 percent FNP certification exam pass rate, an 85 percent program completion rate, and an 85 percent job placement rate for graduates. Speaking of graduates, 100 percent of the employers who’ve hired family NPs from this program strongly agree that Tenn State graduates are ready for the professional workplace.

 

TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY (PR)
School of Nursing
Greeneville
Website

tusculum university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-MSN with an FNP focus
  • Post-Graduate Certificate with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $600

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $27,000

($13,225 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Tennessee)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 45 credits in total
  • Courses are mostly campus-based
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • State-of-the-art simulators

The MSN at Tusculum University’s School of Nursing is offered primarily at the beautiful Greeneville campus. The program includes one fully online course, and most other classes have some online content. You can earn your MSN-FNP full-time in four semesters, or part-time in seven semesters, with classes scheduled just one day each week. If you’re enrolling as a full-time student, you’re advised not to try to work full-time since the course load can be rigorous. The School of Nursing is a technological leader when it comes to training nurses, with labs that include the the SimMan, SimJunior, and SimBaby simulators for advanced practice nursing students to work with.

Texas

 

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY (PU)
College of Nursing
Houston
Website

prairie view am university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Tuition Per Credit: $257 (in-state); $728 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $13,621 (in-state); $38,584 (out-of-state)

($6,683 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Texas)

  • Accreditation: CCNE and ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE
  • 53 credits in total with classes offered on campus
  • Historically black university (HBCU)
  • 780 clinical hours
  • Optional thesis

The College of Nursing at Prairie View A&M turned 95 years old this year, a landmark that attests to generations of satisfied professionals who’ve gone on to make an important difference in the field of nursing. Adding your name to that list of alumni starts by completing 53-credits in advanced practice nursing and specialty FNP courses at this campus-based program, which includes 780 hours of clinical experience. Listed among the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), your advanced nursing education at Prairie View A&M will take place in an important historical setting. You have the option to complete a thesis in your final semester if that fits in with your educational goals.

 

LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (PR)
Graduate Nursing Program
Lubbock
Website

lubbock christian university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • Post-MSN FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $488

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $22,448

($10,875 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Texas)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 46-credit campus-based program
  • Non-thesis program
  • New cohort starts each May
  • 100% of students graduate
  • 90% job placement rate
  • Full and part-time options
  • 720 clinical hours
  • Certification exam pass rate: 90%

The statistics coming out of Lubbock Christian University’s graduate nursing program speak to the excellence and outcomes-based approach the school takes when it comes to training advanced practice nurses. One hundred percent of students graduate, 90 percent of graduates go on to work a job they love in their field, and 90 percent pass the FNP certification exam on their first attempt. You can complete the MSN-FNP program in six semesters over two years as a full-time student, or in nine semesters over three years as a part-time student. Both options include a cumulative 720 hours of clinical experience. This non-thesis, campus-based program starts every May.

Utah

 

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY (PR)
College of Nursing
Provo
Website

brigham young university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (On-campus)

Tuition Per Credit: $295 (LDS-member); $590 (non-LDS)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $17,700 (LDS); $35,400 (non-LDS)

($14,775 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Utah)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE
  • 60-63 credits in total with campus-based courses
  • As the largest private school in the nation, many resources are available to students
  • Choice of a culminating project or thesis

As a nursing student preparing for advanced practice at the Brigham Young University College of Nursing, you can be sure you’ll benefit from all the resources that come with attending the largest private university in the nation. The campus-based MSN-FNP program here gives you the opportunity to meet and network with other students from across the country, while enjoying the privilege of working alongside some of the finest nursing grad students in the world as colleagues at the College of Nursing. This program believes in learning by doing, and gives top priority to giving students the best possible clinical training opportunities in diverse clinical settings. As you near graduation you’ll have the choice between completing a capstone project or researching a thesis paper, whichever best aligns with your goals and interests.

Vermont

No CCNE or AACN-Accredited MSN-FNP programs currently offered

Virginia

 

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Nursing
Norfolk
Website

old dominion u

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $523 (in-state); $568 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $26,673 (in-state); $28,968 (out-of-state)

($2,397 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in Virginia)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: MAT or GRE if your GPA is below 3.5
  • 51-credit online program
  • Unique in the nation with special preceptor technology funding
  • Dedicated clinical preceptor coordinator
  • Ranked in the top-25% of online graduate nursing programs by US News & World Report
  • Study abroad opportunities

The School of Nursing at ODU has a reputation for preparing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders going back to1963, yet still brings the best out of contemporary online learning. You’ll find a well-honed online MSN-FNP program here that includes pre-recorded and streaming video lectures. To help you organize your clinical segment you’ll be assisted by a dedicated student clinical services coordinator who will help you every step of the way. The School of Nursing at ODU is one of only 17 MSN programs in the nation to provide technology supported preceptor infrastructure. These factors and more combine to earn ODU’s online MSN program consistently high marks on US News & World Report rankings of top programs.

 

 

ECPI UNIVERSITY (PR)
College of Nursing
Virginia Beach
Website

ecpi university2

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

($17,693 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Virginia)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 49 credits
  • Completely online program
  • Graduate in as little 22 months

We love the fully online MSN-FNP program at the ECPI University College of Nursing because it puts students squarely in the driver’s seat. You control the pace of your education, so if you devote yourself to a full-time regimen you can graduate in as little as 22 months, even in a non-accelerated format. Graduates of the ECPI MSN have been known to describe the program as being structured yet flexible, two attributes that any advanced practice nursing student can appreciate. Even though this is an online program you’ll still have easy access to faculty with decades of experience through individual web conferences.

Washington

 

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY (PR)
Department of Nursing
Spokane
Website

gonzaga university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Bac-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $1,020

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $47,940 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program in Washington)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: GRE or MAT if your GPA is below 3.0
  • 47 credits in total with classes offered online
  • Science of nursing taught with a Jesuit humanistic influence
  • 660 clinical hours
  • 9-semester completion time

Gonzaga is one of the nation’s leaders in online education, with decades of experience delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance learning format. Course content in the MSN-FNP program here is delivered entirely online with just six on-campus immersion experiences required to round out the program with the kind of hands on learning you need to confidently step into your new role as advanced practice RN. You can complete this program and be ready for the national FNP certification exam in nine semesters, which includes 660 clinical hours. Classes are organized into five core MSN courses that are eight weeks each, and 12 advanced courses that are 16 weeks each. Throughout the program, you’ll be introduced to a Jesuit humanistic, patient-centric philosophy that will prepare you to be as compassionate as you are effective in your role as FNP.

West Virginia

 

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY (PU)
School of Nursing
Huntington
Website

marshall u

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Hybrid)

Also Offers:

  • Post-Master’s FNP Certificate

Tuition Per Credit: $411 (in-state); $993 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $16,851 (in-state); $40,713 (out-of-state)

($1,679 less than the average total in-state tuition for public MSN-FNP programs in West Virginia)

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 41 credits that can be completed in a maximum of 7 years from the date of enrollment
  • Classes offered on-campus along with some online options
  • 12 MSN core credits and 29 FNP specialty credits
  • In-state tuition that’s 31% lower than the national average

The Marshall University School of Nursing MSN-FNP program is as flexible as it is rigorous, giving you everything you need to successfully graduate well-prepared to take on your new role as a family NP with skill and confidence. You can take up to seven years to complete your courses from the time you start, some of which are offered online for added convenience. You’ll complete 12 credits of core MSN courses, and 29 credits of FNP specialization courses, which include a six-credit advanced family nursing internship. You’ll appreciate the fact that Marshall University’s in-state tuition is 31 percent lower than the national average, offering you an exceptional value for the quality education you receive here.

 

WHEELING JESUIT UNIVERSITY (PR)
MSN Program
Wheeling
Website

wheeling jesuit university

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Tuition Per Credit: $550

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $28,050

($4,540 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in West Virginia)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • Flexible 51-credit program offered online
  • 728 clinical hours typically completed in your local area

The Wheeling Jesuit University MSN program offers convenience and flexibility when it comes to the number of courses you can take each semester, the amount of time you’re allowed to complete the program, and even the location of study. The program is made up of five core nursing classes, four FNP core classes, and four clinical classes. You’ll take all your courses online except for the clinical segment, which is typically completed in your local community. To be considered a full-time student you must take a nine-credit load, however you’re not required to complete this program on a full-time basis.

Wisconsin

 

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIRE (PU)
Department of Nursing
Eau Claire
Website

u wisconsin eau claire

Master of science in nursing, family health nursing (On-campus)

Also Offers:

  • BSN-to-DNP with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $456 (in-state); $529 (MN resident); $924 (out-of-state)

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $18,240 (in-state); $36,960 (out-of-state) 

(This is currently the only accredited MSN-FNP program available at a public university in Wisconsin)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 40-credit campus-based program
  • Opportunity for a cultural immersion experience with possible clinical credit
  • Over 300 affiliated clinical sites to choose from
  • 99% of graduates are employed or continue studying

We love the fact that the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Nursing provides opportunities for unique experiences, that also deliver great results for advanced practice nursing students here. The UWEC Department of Nursing partners with over 300 clinical sites, allowing you to choose where you gain your requisite clinical experience. These experiences include opportunities for cultural immersion in places like English Manor House in Harlaxton, England; the Lakota Sioux Nation’s Rosebud Indian Reservation, and other areas in the United States, Mexico, and overseas. Ninety-nine percent of this program’s graduates secure jobs they love in the field or continue their studies after graduating.

 

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN (PR)
School of Nursing
Mequon
Website

concordia university wisconsin

Master of Science in Nursing, FNP track (Online)

Also Offers:

  • RN-to-BSN-to-MSN with an FNP focus

Tuition Per Credit: $719

Estimated Total Cost of Tuition: $29,479

($7,101 less than the average total tuition for private MSN-FNP programs in Wisconsin)

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Entrance exam requirement: none
  • 41 credits total with classes offered online
  • Scholarships available for this program
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Clinical rotations and start dates available in spring and fall
  • 720 clinical hours

The CUW School of Nursing wants to make their top-notch MSN-FNP program accessible to dedicated advanced practice nursing students, which is why they offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. To fit your busy personal life and work schedule, this program is offered online with a single two-week campus residency requirement. You can choose a full or part-time schedule and fall or spring start dates. Depending on the course load you choose you can graduate in as little as three years or take as many as four years, including your 720 clinical hours.

Wyoming

No CCNE or AACN-Accredited MSN-FNP programs currently offered