Published By Jamie Bond
Pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner can provide added opportunities for growth and responsibility in the health care industry. These medical professionals can serve as primary care providers for children and adults and routinely perform their duties in clinics and family practices. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) typically enjoy increased independence and attract higher salaries in the competitive job market.
The high cost of college tuition and fees, however, can create barriers for some aspiring students. By assessing data available from the National Center for Education Statistics, we compiled this ranking of the 30 most affordable degree programs for nurses interested in advancing their careers and increasing their employability in the current medical job market.
The Most Affordable Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
30. The University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $41,533
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is offering truly affordable alternatives for nursing students. Its DNP program offers five concentration areas: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and Public Health. Students graduate in approximately three years and a BSN is required for admission. Upon completion of their DNP, students may be eligible for recognition as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas and can take the examination for certification as a primary care provider in the clinical and private practice environment.
29. University of North Dakota
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $40,964
Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, this five-semester master’s of science program is designed to prepare students for positions as primary care providers in the medical field. Students must complete between 57 and 59 semester hours and 680 practicum hours; online courses are available for students who qualify. Successful completion of this program can lead to employment as an advanced practice registered nurse in clinical or private practice environments.
28. West Virginia Wesleyan College
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $38,160
The FNP specialty concentration at West Virginia Wesleyan is delivered online and through hybrid teaching methods, allowing nurses a greater degree of independence and autonomy in managing their educational experiences. The program makes every effort to set up clinical practicum experience options near the residence of the individual student. After graduation, nurses should be well-prepared for the necessary certification examinations to become a primary care practitioner.
27. University of Wyoming
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $35,448
The University of Wyoming offers a BSN to DNP program, which is distance accessible, however on-site attendance is mandatory at several intervals throughout the program. Clinical rotations must take place in Wyoming, north central Colorado, or southern Montana. The program is three years in length while studying three semesters annually; there is no part-time option. Students who successfully complete this program are prepared to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Nurse Practitioners certification exam.
26. Augusta University
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $33,110
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the newest additions to Augusta University’s curriculum offerings. This program offers two didactic tracks: post-BSN and post-MSN/CNL and both are offered on a part-time or full-time basis. This program equips advance practice nurses with the skills to provide primary care to patients in various stages of life including pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics.
25. Western Carolina University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $29,184
Successful students in Western Carolina University’s master’s of science in nursing program will complete 51 or 52 credit hours of coursework and will spend 640 hours gaining practical clinical experience. A thesis or final project is also required for graduation. For nurses who have already completed a non-specialty master’s of science degree, Western Carolina University also offers a Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioners certification program that requires only 43 credit hours to complete.
24. Texas Woman’s University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $29,578
Despite its name, the Texas Woman’s University admits men and women alike and offers a range of master’s degree programs in nursing. The nurse practitioner curriculum is divided into five separate specialties that include adult/gerontology acute care, adult/gerontology, family, pediatric, and women’s health concentrations. Classes are held in Dallas, Denton or Houston; some specialties are only available at one of these locations.
23. Missouri State University at Springfield
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $29,074
The BSN to DNP program at MSU combines both traditional classroom and online studies throughout its 82-hour curriculum. Available only to Missouri residents, this affordable family nurse practitioner program is designed to be taken on a full-time basis and can be completed in three years. With a 99 percent pass rate on the post-graduate certification exam, MSU at Springfield is an excellent choice for Missouri residents desiring an advanced practice nursing degree.
22. Union University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $28,290
Union University is located in Jackson, Tennessee, and offers a number of different options for nurses interested in becoming primary care givers in psychiatric, geriatric or pediatric specialties. These elite 16-month programs are available to nurses with an RN or APN license who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing or another field. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the various FNP certification examinations applicable to their specialty.
21. University of Nevada – Las Vegas
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $27,934
Depending on the precise specialty chosen, students may be able to take most of the required courses for their master’s degree online. Some courses may only be available on-campus, however, depending on the preferences of individual instructors in the program. A thesis, capstone paper or utilization project may be required as part of the degree completion requirements for this program.
20. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $27,168
Students who enroll in this elite program can expect to complete their training in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time coursework. Most classes include an online component and some are online-only. As a result, students are required to have a solid grasp of basic computing concepts and to own a computer that meets modern standards for interoperability. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center graduate nursing program is highly selective and requires interviews for acceptance and admission.
19. East Carolina University
Doctor of Nursing Practice, FNP specialty area
Tuition and Fees: $26,198
Students can choose from among a number of specialties when completing the requirements for a master’s of science in nursing from East Carolina University (ECU). Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU offers administrative, clinical and educational concentrations. The family nurse practitioner degree path encompasses 51 semester hours of coursework and requires a valid RN license and one year of experience in the nursing field. References from health care providers may also be required for admission to this program.
18. The University of Texas at El Paso
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $25,392
The master’s of science nursing degree program at the University of Texas at El Paso is available in three specialty concentrations that include adult/gerontology nurse practitioner with acute care focus, pediatrics with primary care focus, or family with primary care focus. These are online degrees with minimal on-campus visits required; however, students must be able to complete the clinical experience requirements at a location approved by the university.
17. Cox College
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $25,200
Located in Springfield, Missouri, Cox College offers two tracks for students seeking a master’s of science in nursing degree. The nurse educator program is ideal for those interested in employment in the college or business environment. The FNP track offers practical experience for nurses who wish to pursue career goals as a primary care provider and requires 660 real hours of practicum experience as well as the coursework credit hours needed for graduation.
16. Purdue University – Calumet
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $21,613
Students at Purdue University’s Calumet campus can choose from two concentrations for their master’s degree, including adult gerontology and family nurse practitioner. Residents of Indiana and Illinois may qualify for online-only degree programs; other students can typically take some of their courses online. Purdue allows out-of-state nurses to perform their clinical hours in the states where they are licensed on a case-by-case basis.
15. Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $20,463
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the graduate program at West Texas A&M Corpus Christi is an excellent, affordable choice for bachelor prepared nurses seeking to become an advanced practice registered nurse. The 46 credit hour program, available in a traditional format, prepares the FNP to function independently while providing primary health care with a focus on disease prevention and health promotion.
14. The University of Texas at Tyler
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $20,130
A combination of online coursework, practical experience and on-campus clinical experience characterize the family nurse practitioner program at the University of Texas at Tyler. The school touts its small class sizes and one-on-one advising sessions as keys to student success. Nursing students must obtain or maintain their Texas license to complete the required clinical hours in this state.
13. West Texas A&M University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $19,717
Although students opting for the comprehensive master’s of science in nursing degree program can typically take all of their courses online, the family nurse practitioner program requires attendance at the Canyon, Texas, campus location. Upon successful completion of the FNP degree, students are eligible to take the Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner examination and to earn certification as a qualified primary care provider in the state of Texas.
12. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $18,793
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this elite program has two tracks designed to provide a thorough grounding for nurses in the modern health care industry. The family nurse practitioner track is available in both thesis and non-thesis options and takes two years of full-time study to complete. Students interested in a career in adult health nursing education can also pursue their goals at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
11. University of North Georgia
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $18,679
The University of North Georgia admits 25 or fewer students to its family nurse practitioner master’s degree program each summer and has achieved an enviable 100 percent pass rate for licensing and certification examinations undertaken by its FNP students. The program can be completed in six semesters and allows nurses to enjoy hands-on job experience with at least 120 clinical experience hours each semester.
10. Prairie View A&M
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Tuition and Fees: $18,545
Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Prairie View A&M offers advanced nursing programs designed specifically to train primary care providers for careers in the medical field. Thesis and non-thesis options are available for students, who may perform their practicum and clinical experiences in rural or urban environments. Completion of this degree program will prepare nurses to take the national certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
9. Midwestern State University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $17,738
Nursing students who opt for the FNP track at Midwestern State University’s Wilson School of Nursing can choose between completing a master’s thesis or an evidence-based project to achieve their degree. While some courses are offered online, others must be completed on-campus. Clinical work must be supervised by assigned preceptors and can only be performed in locations approved by university personnel.
8. Angelo State University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $16,687
Angelo State University offers a number of concentration areas for students pursuing a master’s of science in nursing degree. Many of these programs can be completed online; for example, the FNP program is designed to allow students to take coursework remotely through the Internet and to perform clinical experience requirements in facilities close to their residences, provided that these students live in the state of Texas. This can provide real convenience for nurses in obtaining these advanced credentials and taking on new responsibilities as primary care providers in the health care industry.
7. McNeese State University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $16,648
McNeese State University is a public institution of higher learning located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is designed to provide practical experience in the clinical and research environments, allowing nurses already in the medical field and those continuing their undergraduate studies to develop the skills needed as a nurse practitioner after receiving their degree and certification.
6. University of North Carolina Wilmington
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $16,428
The master’s degree in nursing program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in all aspects of primary care in clinical and practice situations. The curriculum takes two and a half years of full-time study and has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, making it a solid investment for students looking to take on increased responsibilities as an advanced practice registered nurse in the larger medical community.
5. Grambling State University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $15,993
Grambling State University offers three basic tracks for advanced practice registered nurses to hone their skills and improve their position in the job market. The family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner and nurse educator programs are designed for completion in five full-time semesters. Students take a combination of online and face-to-face courses and are required to complete a thesis or project and to pass a comprehensive final exam prior to graduation from these programs.
4. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $15,744
UTHealth offers both Master’s and Doctoral degree options to become a family nurse practitioner. Once accepted into the MSN program, students have the option of registering in the Emergency/Trauma Care focus. UTHealth FNP students obtain hands-on experiences during their required 600 clinical hours, which provides a foundation for their future clinical practice.
3. Texas A&M International University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $15,741
Students at the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing must complete 45 semester credit hours to earn a master’s of science in nursing with an emphasis on family practice. A current and valid RN license for the state of Texas is required for admission into this program, which focuses primarily on providing students with the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary for success as a primary care provider in the medical marketplace.
2. Brigham Young University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $14,580
The graduate nursing degree programs at Brigham Young University (BYU) are rightly acclaimed and have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. BYU’s Provo campus features a fully equipped and staffed research center for faculty members and graduate students. Internships that provide practical experience in real-world working conditions are part of the curriculum, and students can choose between an evidence-based scholarly paper and a thesis to complete their degree at BYU.
1. Winston-Salem State University
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Tuition and Fees: $9,937
One of the best-known historically black universities, Winston-Salem State University is located in North Carolina and features a student population of 5,220. The institution offers a master’s of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner concentration that requires 672 practicum hours and 51 classroom credit hours. Full-time students are expected to complete the program in two years; part-time students generally finish in three.
For health care professionals looking for affordable family nurse practitioner programs, these FNP solutions may be just what the nurse ordered.
Source:
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/