DNPPrograms.com

Last updated on July 23rd, 2026

In a nutshell, the cheapest online DNP program is Fort Hays State University’s CCNE-accredited MSN to DNP at $14,019 in total tuition (verified July 2026). In 2026, the price of the cheapest online MSN to DNP programs overall ranged from $14,000 to $25,500. You’ll find them all in our rankings of the 30 most affordable online DNP programs in the country!

To help you make a decision, this guide features a handy tuition comparison table, detailed profiles of each CCNE- or ACEN-accredited doctorate, and practical advice on calculating the true price of a virtual DNP program. To make sure there are no surprises, we’ve included hidden fees in our minimum total cost estimates.

2026 Cheapest Online DNP Programs: At a Glance

Schools are ranked by estimated minimum total cost for the online Post-Master’s (MSN to DNP) pathway. Click on a school name for full program details, financial aid, and accreditation notes.

# School Accreditation Cost Per Credit Min. Total Cost
1 Fort Hays State University CCNE $467.29 $14,019
2 University of Central Arkansas CCNE $378 $14,751
3 Wichita State University CCNE $350.73 $16,149
4 University of North Georgia ACEN $384 $16,267
5 New Mexico State University CCNE $444.40 $17,763
6 McKendree University CCNE $605 $18,150
7 University of Alabama CCNE $480 $18,180
8 Pittsburg State University CCNE $572 $18,304
9 University of Louisiana at Lafayette CCNE $480 $18,720
10 Arkansas State University ACEN $560 $20,160
11 University of Massachusetts-Lowell CCNE $610 $20,310
12 Northwestern State University of Louisiana CCNE $522 $20,486
13 University of Alabama at Huntsville CCNE $445 $20,520
14 Troy University ACEN $550 $20,600
15 Missouri State University-Springfield CCNE $434 $21,160
16 Colorado Christian University CCNE $625 $22,272
17 Old Dominion University CCNE $662 $22,430
18 University of Scranton CCNE $772 $23,160
19 University of Massachusetts-Boston CCNE $725 $23,250
20 Indiana State University ACEN $610 $23,350
21 Briar Cliff University CCNE $650 $23,400
22 University of Texas at Arlington CCNE $660 $23,760
23 University of Southern Indiana CCNE $496.94 $24,027
24 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville CCNE $700 $24,444
25 Frontier Nursing University ACEN $726 $24,480
26 University of Missouri-Columbia CCNE $681.30 $24,868
27 Northern Kentucky University CCNE $640 $24,990
28 Wilmington University CCNE $749 $25,077
29 University of South Alabama CCNE $594 $25,208
30 Valparaiso University CCNE $715 $25,415

* Minimum total cost reflects the cheapest available pathway (typically Post-Master’s DNP) using 2026 tuition rates for online students or out-of-state residents. Figures include mandatory per credit fees and per semester charges for part-time study, but exclude campus visit costs and one-off fees such as application & graduation fees. Verify current rates directly with each school. Accreditation status verified July 2026 (CCNE = Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; ACEN = Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing).

Cheapest Online DNP Methodology

Award Badge for the Most Affordable Online DNP ProgramsThe total cost for the cheapest online DNP programs ranges from approximately $14,000 to $25,500 for a Post-Master’s (MSN to DNP) pathway.

  • To identify the most affordable online DNP programs in the USA, we examined IPEDS data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
  • IPEDS tracks the average cost of graduate programs. Evaluating IPEDS data gave us a shortlist of 66 public & private universities with accredited online DNP programs and reasonable prices.
  • To determine the actual cost of the DNP, we manually examined each school’s tuition section and DNP program page. This research gave us a much more accurate picture of total credits and current rates.

We were then able to winnow our shortlist down to the top 30 most affordable online DNP programs from regionally accredited institutions in the United States.

How We Calculated the Price for the Cheapest DNP

The price for online MSN to DNP programs at U.S. private universities is fairly straightforward (tuition rate x number of credits). Public universities are trickier. Some schools have a standard online tuition rate for the doctorate, regardless of residency. Others have radically different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.

If special online tuition rates weren’t listed, we used the cheapest out-of-state tuition rate as our benchmark for public universities. We also included any mandatory per credit fees and/or surcharges in our affordable rankings. But the final bill will depend on your situation!

  • In-State: If you live in the state where the public university is located, you could end up paying a much lower tuition rate. (And it may be why you don’t see a popular regional school in our rankings.) See our individual state guides for rankings of affordable in-state programs.
  • Neighboring State: If you live in a neighboring/contiguous state, you may qualify for reduced tuition at a public university thanks to partnering programs.

It’s also important to note that we used the Post-Master’s DNP with the fewest number of credits for our calculation. If you’re considering APRN specialties and/or BSN to DNP programs with lots of credits, your bill will be higher and may come with associated course costs.

Most Affordable Online DNP Rankings: What’s New for 2026

Several fascinating trends & insights have emerged from our 2026 rankings of the 30 most affordable online DNP programs in the USA. Here’s what we discovered when we crunched the tuition data:

Top U.S. research universities offer affordable online DNP programs.

If you are looking for an online DNP program with a reputation for research and quality, you are in luck. Six of the universities in our 2026 affordable rankings are classified as Carnegie R1 institutions—the University of Alabama (#7), Old Dominion University (#17), UMass Lowell (#11), UMass Boston (#19), the University of Texas at Arlington (#22), and the University of Missouri (#26). In addition, UA is a current NLN Center of Excellence (Advance the Science of Nursing Education).

1/2 of the top 10 cheapest online DNP programs are offered by Kansas or Arkansas universities.

Fort Hays State University in Kansas (#1) offers the cheapest online MSN to DNP in the country. Our top 10 rankings also feature cheap DNP programs from the University of Central Arkansas (#2), Wichita State University in Kansas (#3), Pittsburg State University in Kansas (#8), and Arkansas State University (#10)

1/3 of the top 30 cheapest online DNP programs are from schools in the Southeast.

States like Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Arkansas, and Kentucky offer some of the best deals for an online DNP in the USA. Alabama alone has the University of Alabama (#7), the University of Alabama at Huntsville (#13), Troy University (#14), and the University of South Alabama (#29).

The University of Alabama and University of Massachusetts systems have kept their prices down.

As we mentioned, our 2026 list features well-known and respected University of Alabama schools such as UA (#7) and UAH (#13). But it’s worth pointing out that the University of Massachusetts has made a strong showing, with UMass Lowell at #11 and UMass Boston #19. Both of these institutions have ties to Boston’s prestigious hub of hospitals & healthcare institutions.

30 Cheapest Online DNP Programs

#1 Fort Hays State University – Hays, KS

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $467.29
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 30
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $14,019
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

The total cost of FHSU’s online MSN to DNP program is the same for residents & non-residents. In 2026, FHSU DNP tuition was $467.29 per credit hour, with no hidden fees. Have a close look at the tuition & fees section if you’re considering the full-time Hybrid BSN to DNP. You’ll be expected to pay for 12 credit hours at the FHSU MSN tuition rate ($348.78) and 63 credit hours at the FHSU DNP rate.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: Tennessee, Utah, Alabama & Washington residents are ineligible for the Online MSN to DNP. And only Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma residents are eligible to apply for the Hybrid BSN to DNP program.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

DNP students in their final year can apply for FHSU’s Dane G. Hansen Forgivable Loan, which is granted to residents who agree to work in designated areas in Northwest Kansas for two years of consecutive full-time employment. Most Department of Nursing scholarships are reserved for undergraduates or MSN students, but you can always ask if DNP candidates are eligible to apply for awards given to graduate students. You may have more luck with staff in FHSU’s Office of Financial Assistance. They can direct you to external sources of aid (e.g. state & federal loans, healthcare scholarships, etc.).

Program Highlights

FHSU Online and the Department of Nursing have put together a thoughtful online MSN to DNP with a cohort-based structure, virtual synchronous activities, and a low student-to-faculty ratio in DNP project courses (4:1). Be sure to view the examples of previous MSN to DNP projects. Community-based projects are equally as acceptable as clinical projects for the final deliverable.

Considering the hybrid BSN to DNP? We want to point out that FNP certification pass rates are typically in the region of 100% (you can always ask the program coordinator for the most recent statistics). When it comes to clinicals, the Department of Nursing has agreements with multiple sites and preceptors across Kansas. Plus the final clinical preceptorship course revolves around rural healthcare.

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#2 University of Central Arkansas – Conway, AR

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $378 + DNP Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 33
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $14,751
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

UCA’s Post-Master’s DNP is listed as a Graduate Fully Online Program, which means it’s offered at the online rate of $378 per credit hour in 2026/2027. However, DNP students are also expected to pay an additional $69 per credit for each DNP hour. See the DNP General Information page for details. We’ve included that fee in our minimum tuition cost. There may additional course, lab, and department fees depending on your class schedule, so check with the program coordinator about one-off costs.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

UCA offers a few School of Nursing Scholarships to graduate students. In particular, current nurse practitioners may wish to investigate the Suzanne Harvey Nursing Scholarship and Hawk-McCaslin Scholarship. You can also visit the Graduate School’s section on Financing Your Graduate Education to learn if you qualify for any of UCA’s general Foundation Scholarships. The university’s Financial Aid office has further info on loans, outside grants, and veterans benefits.

Program Highlights

UCA is a good fit for busy nurses who want a straightforward and CCNE-accredited DNP. The large School of Nursing was formed in 1967, so it’s well-known in the state. To accommodate working professionals, the 100% online Post-Master’s DNP is offered in a part-time format with occasional synchronous classes. The program starts in the summer and takes 6 consecutive semesters to complete (4-6 credits per semester).

It’s a particularly strong pick for applicants with modest academic qualifications. Both APRNs and nurses from non-clinical MSN backgrounds such as education or administration are welcome to apply. There is no GRE requirement. And admission decisions are weighted 50% on GPA, 25% on the cover letter, and 25% on the interview. That means you can make up for a low GPA with your passion and determination.

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#3 Wichita State University – Wichita, KS

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $350.73 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 31
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $16,149
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

All Wichita State Online students pay the same in-state tuition price. So we’ve used the standard Graduate Online Tuition rate of $350.73 for our 2026 calculations. However, online MSN to DNP students at WSU will also be expected to pay additional mandatory fees (e.g. technology fee) and College of Health Professions fees (e.g. course fee). DNP students pay an additional general liability insurance fee of $15 per semester. We’ve included all of those fees in our calculation, estimating 5 semesters for completion.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

WSU offers a number of Nursing Scholarships & Fellowships, including awards for graduate students. In addition, the Graduate School has assembled a section on Graduate Financial Aid & Scholarships, including travel awards for professional conferences and Outside Scholarship Opportunities. If you need help with federal aid or advice on loans, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is your best bet.

Program Highlights

The Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing is one of the largest nursing schools in the state of Kansas with over five decades of continuous accreditation. So it’s no surprise that it sets a high bar for its CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP. Applicants are expected to have a 3.5 GPA on all master’s work and active APRN licensure or the equivalent national certification (e.g. CRNA).

You’ll be building on your APRN specialization area throughout the DNP, working on courses like health policy, practice management, and healthcare informatics. But you’ll also be expected to complete advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacotherapy. The final DNP project will take place within your own clinical environment. Part-time or full-time plans of study are available, with a spring start.

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#4 University of North Georgia – Dahlonega, GA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Cost Per Credit: $384 + Online Learning Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 38
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $16,267
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

The tuition cost of UNG’s online MSN to DNP program is the same for in-state and out-of-state residents. In 2026, all DNP students paid $384 per credit plus a mandatory $167.50 per credit online learning fee. However, the more credits you complete per semester, the cheaper it will be. For our calculations, we used the 8-semester part-time plan of study.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: Not every state is eligible for the DNP program. Check with the program coordinator before applying if you are a non-resident of Georgia.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit the Nursing Department’s Student Resources section to learn more about internal & external nursing scholarship opportunities. The Department offers a Nursing Faculty Loan Program (UNG-NFLP) to anyone enrolling in the DNP Nursing Education concentration. UNG is a military-friendly school, so veterans & dependents, as well current service members, should explore what’s available in the way of scholarships & assistance. The Office of Financial Aid can also help with questions on payment plans and loan applications.

Program Highlights

UNG’s Department of Nursing has created an affordable, ACEN-accredited online doctorate for currently employed nurses with a minimum of 2 years RN experience and an MSN or healthcare-related master’s degree. You can choose a full-time (5 semesters) or part-time plan of study (8 semesters) in three concentrations. And you have the option to participate in optional synchronous sessions for core courses.

UNG is a bantamweight in the world of nursing. The DNP has excellent program completion & job placement rates, but the Department of Nursing isn’t a national name. Having said that, no entrance test is required. And it does offer rolling acceptance for the DNP. So it may be an excellent choice if you’d like to avoid a cohort-based model.

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#5 New Mexico State University – Las Cruces, NM

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $444.40 + Nursing Differential
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $17,763
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with On-Campus Orientation

Cost Breakdown

NMSU’s affordable online MSN to DNP is run by the School of Nursing and delivered through the NMSU Global Campus. In 2026, the tuition rate was $444.40 with an additional $49 per credit tuition differential for nursing courses. This rate is the same for all DNP students, regardless of their state of residency. Active military qualify for a reduced baseline tuition rate of $250 per credit hour plus the nursing tuition differential.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

NMSU Global Campus’s section on Scholarships & Financial Aid on the DNP program page is a good place to start for funding ideas. In addition, the Financial Aid Office has info on graduate scholarships for incoming students. And the Graduate School can help you explore funding opportunities. Bear in mind that special tuition agreements (e.g. Western Regional Graduate Program) are not applicable to NMSU Online programs.

Program Highlights

Thanks to its location, NMSU’s School of Nursing has a diverse faculty base and unique strengths in community practice. The School is in Las Cruces, right near the U.S./Mexico border. As a result, DNP students may be able to take advantage of clinical experiences in rural and underserved areas (see the NMSU–New Mexico VA Academic-Practice Partnership for ideas) and research opportunities through the Southwest Institute for Health Disparities Research (SWIHDR).

The CCNE-accredited DNP is offered in an MSN to DNP pathway and BSN to DNP tracks; it combines asynchronous & synchronous components; and it has a reasonable education threshold for applicants (e.g. 3.0 GPA). But it’s important to note that the MSN to DNP is a full-time program that takes 2-3 years to complete and includes an on-campus orientation.

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#6 McKendree University – Lebanon, IL

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $605
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 30
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $18,150
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

McKendree is a private university in Lebanon, Illinois that’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church. That means the price is the same for all online DNP students, regardless of residency. All fees are included in the $605 per credit hour tuition rate; military students are eligible for a discounted rate of $250 per credit hour. The application fee was waived in 2026.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit McKendree’s page on Undergraduate Online & Graduate Tuition Discounts to learn if you qualify for any additional tuition discounts. The Office of Financial Aid also has a separate funding section reserved for Nursing Students. It’s primarily aimed at BSN students, but it does have info on tuition reimbursement and deferment for graduate students. Service members and their families should investigate the section on Military & Veterans’ Services.

Program Highlights

McKendree’s Division of Nursing has created an online MSN to DNP that is CCNE-accredited, cohort-based, and convenient. The program’s two mandatory immersions are conducted via Zoom. In addition, applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least five years of full-time nursing practice with at least two years in a leadership or faculty role. That means you’ll be among seasoned pros!

Take particular note of the title—the DNP in Ethical Leadership is aimed at nurses moving into organizational and systems leadership roles, rather than bedside practitioners. Along with the usual courses in areas like financial management, policy, and leadership, you’ll also tackle credits in ethical, legal & social justice in leadership.

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#7 University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $480 + NUR Course Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $18,180
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 1 On-Campus Intensive

Cost Breakdown

The University of Alabama’s DNP is considered UA Online degree, so we calculated tuition using the Graduate Distance Learning Tuition Rate. In 2026, the cost per credit for online graduate students was $480 for all students, regardless of residency. We’ve also included the additional $25 per credit NUR course fee in our tuition cost estimate.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: UA’s DNP program is only available to residents of certain states. Check the state authorization page before applying.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit UA Online Scholarships for information on distance learning awards for graduate students. There are several endowed scholarships for graduate nursing students enrolled in UA Online courses; nursing students can also apply for more general graduate awards. UA’s Graduate School and the Office of Student Financial Aid will have even more ideas on funding opportunities (e.g. external fellowships, federal loans, and grants).

Program Highlights

UA’s Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) has nearly 50 years of graduate-level nursing education experience behind it and an active Office of Nursing Research and Translational Science. This might make it an especially attractive choice for anyone looking for a CCNE-accredited DNP from a Carnegie R1 institution and NLN Center of Excellence. In particular, CCN is known for its mission of serving underserved & diverse populations.

UA’s online MSN to DNP is also a popular choice for nurses in the Southeast, so be sure to look at discussion threads to see what current students think of the program. In addition to collaborating with a clinical advisor and faculty advisor, you’ll have the chance to work with alumni mentors and take part in practice immersion experiences during your DNP project. Plus you’ll attend one mandatory on-campus intensive conference.

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#8 Pittsburg State University – Pittsburg, KS

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $572
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 32
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $18,304
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

Pitt State has a dedicated DNP tuition rate of $572 per credit hour. This flat-rate tuition applies to all students, regardless of their location. For the shortest online MSN to DNP pathway (32 credits), this equates to a total cost of $18,304 in 2026. There are no per semester fees for the MSN to DNP, but there will be additional one-off costs like the application fee and background check.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Pitt State’s section on Scholarships and Financial Assistance has a list of internal & external scholarship opportunities. Most of the Nursing Scholarships are reserved for undergraduates, but awards like the Robert Emerick Graduate Student Scholarship Fund are open to graduate students. Pitt State also offers payment plans.

Program Highlights

Pitt State’s Bradley School of Nursing doesn’t have outstanding rankings or excel in research, but it has been in the business of nursing since 1970. It was the first to develop a rural-based DNP in Kansas. And it offers a paid 12-month Rural Nurse Practitioner Residency in southeast Kansas to recent NP graduates with Kansas licensure.

Pitt State is a very strong choice for aspiring nurse educators looking for a CCNE-accredited DNP. Both the hybrid BSN to DNP and online MSN to DNP pathways in Advanced Practice Nursing allow you to add an Education Emphasis to your doctorate. Or you could consider the online MSN to DNP in Educational Leadership. All three programs will help prepare you for the CNE exam.

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#9 University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Lafayette, LA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $480
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 39
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $18,720
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with Campus Visits

Cost Breakdown

All graduate students in UL Lafayette’s online DNP pay an affordable flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state differential. In 2026, this flat rate was $480 per graduate credit hour, a figure which includes the distance learning fee. But there may be additional course and lab costs. You will also need to budget for textbooks or online textbook supplements.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Online students at UL Lafayette are eligible to apply for financial aid—the Office of Student Financial Aid has full details on loans and payment plans. Current graduate students have the option to apply for scholarships.

Program Highlights

UL Lafayette’s LHC Group – Myers School of Nursing is an NLN Center of Excellence with consistently excellent NCLEX and APRN certification pass rates (e.g. 95%+) and strong ties to Louisiana health systems. Applicants can apply to the DNP with a 3.0 cumulative GPA on all undergraduate work or 3.3 cumulative GPA on graduate work and no entrance exam is required.

It’s a strong pick if you’d like a part-time CCNE-accredited DNP that includes opportunities to network with students & faculty. UL Lafayette’s doctorate is structured on a 6-semester plan of study across two years. It also features on-campus activities prior to the start of the program and an on-campus presentation of the DNP synthesis project at the end.

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#10 Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, AR

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Cost Per Credit: $560
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $20,160
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

All online MSN to DNP programs at A-State have the same pay-as-you-go tuition rate for U.S. residents. In 2026, this was $560 per credit hour for a 36-credit nursing doctorate. All administrative fees are included in this rate, making the total cost $20,160. There will be additional one-off expenses such as the application fee.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Military members and their family should check A-State’s section on Military for information on benefits & discounts—the university is a military-friendly school. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office can help with advice on federal loans. However, payment plans are not available for A-State Online students.

Program Highlights

A-State’s College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP) has an interdisciplinary feel. The College is affiliated with a diverse set of centers, clinics, and programs (e.g. veterans, geriatrics, diabetes, etc.). And faculty from multiple departments collaborate in a wide range of research areas. You won’t be lacking for DNP project ideas.

A-State is a particularly good choice for those who wish to earn their doctorate quickly. Any specialty track in this ACEN-accredited online MSN to DNP can be completed in as few as 14 months. The university is willing to consider candidates with cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0, as well as MSN students without APRN certification (a “Gap Analysis” will be conducted).

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#11 University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Lowell, MA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $610 + Term Registration Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 33
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $20,310
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 4 On-Campus Intensives

Cost Breakdown

Students in UMass Lowell’s online MS to DNP pay the standard online tuition rate for graduate students. This was $610 per credit hour in 2026. There is an additional term registration fee of $30 per semester. We’ve used six semesters for our calculations, which gave us a total estimated price of $20,310. You will also have to budget for an application fee & campus visits.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

DNP students at UMass Lowell can offset costs with loans & external scholarships—UMass Lowell Online’s section Financial Aid is a helpful starting point. Check with the DNP program coordinator to learn if you’ll be eligible as a current student for any Nursing Scholarships. There are several that apply to graduate students. UMass Lowell does offer some graduate aid, but many of the fellowships are limited to master’s students.

Program Highlights

UML’s Solomont School of Nursing has the oldest Family Health Nursing program in New England and achieves strong pass rates on nursing exams (e.g. 100% on APRN certification). Nursing faculty are experienced, national rankings are respectable, and graduate alumni reviews are positive. It’s also connected to Massachusetts’s network of world-class hospitals and the VA Boston/Bedford Health Care Systems.

We’re going to recommend this highly affordable & CCNE-accredited DNP to New England nurses looking for a doctorate from a Carnegie R1 institution. Even though the MS to DNP is online, it does involve four campus intensives (2 days each) that immerse students in an orientation, networking, presentations, and optional tours & field trips. If you opt for the hybrid BS to DNP pathway, you’ll be on-campus even more.

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#12 Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Natchitoches, LA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $522 _+ Electronic Learning Course Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 38
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $20,486
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

Students enrolled in NSU’s online MSN to DNP pay a flat tuition rate for tuition & fees that is set by eNSU Global Campus. In 2026, this was $522 per credit hour. This rate is the same for Louisiana residents and non-residents. You’ll find it listed under the Internet Only tuition & fee schedule. We’ve also included the $50 Electronic Learning Course Fee for 13 courses in our tuition cost ($650). There will be small additional costs (e.g. application fee).

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

NSU’s Graduate School has details on graduate assistantships and the Office of Financial Aid has some basic info for graduate students, but NSU institutional scholarship are undergraduate-focused. Military members and their dependents can investigate the section on Veteran & Military Students.

Program Highlights

NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH) was the first nursing college in the state to launch a master’s degree in nursing and it’s the largest producer of Louisiana RNs in the state. Explore the profiles of the nursing graduate faculty to see if your leadership goals & interests mesh.

For aspiring nurse leaders in healthcare & higher education settings, NSU is a strong pick. Both the ExL and EdL specialties in this CCNE-accredited DNP are delivered in an online, asynchronous format over the course of six semesters. Cohorts are kept small (e.g. 20 students) and coursework addresses practical leadership issues (e.g. fiscal leadership within healthcare systems).

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#13 University of Alabama at Huntsville – Huntsville, AL

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $445 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 40
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $20,520
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 1 Campus Intensive

Cost Breakdown

UAH’s online MSN to DNP is charged at the College of Nursing distance learner tuition rate. In 2026, this was $445 per credit hour for in-state and out-of-state students. There will be additional costs in the shape of a mandatory infrastructure fee ($22 per credit hour) and College of Nursing college fee ($46 per credit hour). We’ve included those fees in our final tuition estimate of $20,520.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: This DNP cannot admit nurses from New York State.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

UAH offers a number of ways to reduce costs. The DNP section on Tuition, Fees & Aid lists the most common sources of aid, including the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, Alabama Board of Nursing Scholarships, and graduate funding. More detailed info on scholarships & graduate aid is available in the section on Graduate Financial Aid.

Program Highlights

UAH’s College of Nursing is a sizeable college and NLN Center of Excellence. It’s not as prestigious as the University of Alabama (#7), but it supports an array of research faculty scholarly groups and it’s hard at work at various outreach initiatives through UAH Neighborhood Housing.

This CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP also digs a bit deeper than some of the short & quick doctorates in our rankings. Full-time students can finish the 40-credit program in 32 months; part-time students might take 52 months. You’ll also be expected to attend one on-campus intensive in Huntsville.

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#14 Troy University – Troy, AL

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Cost Per Credit: $550 + Course Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 35
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $20,600
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

In 2026, doctoral tuition rates for TROY Online programs were $550 per credit. However, five synthesis DNP courses carry a $75 per credit program fee and the remainder carry a base program fee of $24 per credit. So we’ve included those course fees in our minimum tuition cost. You’ll also need to budget for one-off expenses like application & graduation fees.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid will be able to answer any questions you may have about payment plans or employer reimbursement. The School of Nursing has a section on Scholarships & Career Opportunities with links to external awards like Alabama Board of Nursing Graduate Scholarships. The Alabama Nurses Foundation has also partnered with the School of Nursing to offer a scholarship of up to $1,000 for DNP students. Significant military & veterans scholarships are available.

Program Highlights

Troy’s School of Nursing is well-known in the Alabama area—graduates end up in places like the Children’s Hospital of Alabama, UAB Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Graduate nursing reviews and FNP certification pass rates are strong. DNP students even tend to do better than MSN students on that exam (100% vs. 93%).

Troy’s ACEN-accredited MSN to DNP is fairly intimate and 100% online. We especially like the fact that—as part of the final synthesis project—DNP students send an abstract to a professional conference and develop a manuscript that’s submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

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#15 Missouri State University-Springfield – Springfield, MO

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $434 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 32
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $21,160
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

MSU provides a cost breakdown of the MSN to DNP on the program website. Online tuition rates are the same for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. However, the program has significant mandatory fees, including an online course fee and a per semester DNP program fee. We’ve included these fees in our minimum tuition cost, but omitted the one-off application fee.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

DNP students at MSU can visit the School of Nursing’s section on Scholarships & Financial Aid and the Office of Student Financial Aid, which has a section for Graduate Students. The School has also put together a large section on Additional Scholarship Resources for nursing students.

Program Highlights

MSU’s School of Nursing is located in Springfield, where an estimated 50% of the community are living in poverty or considered “at-risk” of poverty. So students in the CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP program will find that the curriculum has been geared toward aspiring leaders who wish to work with vulnerable and rural populations.

DNP students at MSU are expected to tackle a specific evidence-based Quality Improvement Project with the help of a dedicated faculty advisor (e.g. integrating autism screening into well child visits). This project can be completed at your place of employment.

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#16 Colorado Christian University – Lakewood, CO

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $625 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 32
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $22,272
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

CCU provides a full breakdown of costs for the online MSN to DNP in the DNP Tuition section. In our minimum tuition cost estimate, we’ve included the technology resources fee ($51 per credit hour) and textbook & course materials fee ($20 per credit hour). But there will be additional one-off costs for items like the DNP clinical management software. Those one-off costs will add $2,019 to your bill.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: Check the list of State Exclusions for Online Students before applying.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies Financial Aid section provides a fair amount of info on funding options, including details on Scholarships & Grants for Adult Students. However, most awards are limited to undergraduates. As a military-friendly school, CCU also provides Education Benefits for Military and Veterans.

Program Highlights

The CCU School of Nursing and Health Professions is not a big national player—for instance, it doesn’t have its own research arm. But it is CCNE-accredited and highly affordable. CCU is a Christian university, so you can expect the DNP to be taught with a biblical worldview. To get a sense of how this works, we recommend you ask recent alumni for their opinions.

The MSN to DNP is 100% online with a virtual orientation and a summer start. It also helps to prepare graduates for multiple leadership certifications, including the NEA-BC. On a full-time basis, this leadership doctorate takes 2 years to complete.

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#17 Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $662 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 31
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $22,430
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with On-Campus DNP Immersion Days

Cost Breakdown

In 2026, online MSN to DNP students outside of Virginia pay the ODUGlobal tuition rate of $662 per credit hour. (Virginia residents pay $510 per credit hour). On top of tuition, DNP students are also responsible for mandatory per credit fees (e.g. innovation fee) and per semester fees (e.g. general services fee). All of these fees are included in our tuition cost estimate. Because this is a 31-credit program, we’ve used 5 semesters for our calculations.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

DNP students at ODU can start with ODUGlobal’s sections on Scholarships and Military Cost & Aid. The Ellmer School of Nursing also maintains a section on Graduate Scholarships & Traineeships. Info about federal grants & loans can be accessed through the Office of Financial Aid.

Program Highlights

ODU’s Ellmer School of Nursing is one of the strongest academic players in our rankings, with 100% degree completion & employment rates for the DNP program. It also has a track record of working with underserved and rural populations—see the ODU Community Care and Interprofessional Community Healthcare Scholars Program for examples.

That’s partly why ODU’s CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP places a specific emphasis on health disparities and barriers to care, alongside practice-focused research and systems leadership. Most of the program is online, but DNP students are expected to visit the Virginia Beach campus for periodic DNP immersion days.

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#18 University of Scranton – Scranton, PA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $772
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 30
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $23,160
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

The cost of Scranton’s online MSN to DNP is laid out in the Tuition section on the program page. In 2026, this per credit rate was $772 for a 30-credit doctorate, which equates to a minimum tuition cost of $23,160. Scranton is a private Jesuit university in Pennsylvania, so all students pay the same rate. Additional one-off costs will include items like textbooks and supplies.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Scranton’s section on Tuition & Financial Aid for graduate students has information on military benefits, loan programs, and employer tuition reimbursement. Scholarships at Scranton are generally reserved for undergraduates.

Program Highlights

Scranton’s Department of Nursing is small, but mighty enough to produce CCNE-accredited DNP degrees and an on-campus COA-accredited DNP in Nurse Anesthesia. Since Scranton is a Jesuit school, there is an emphasis on ideas of social justice & service and personalized support for students. Better yet, graduates of Scranton’s programs work in a number of prestigious hospitals & clinics in the Northeast area.

If you’re eyeing the Executive Leadership DNP, you can finish this online MSN to DNP in 21 months on a full-time basis (two courses per semester). Part-time plans of study are also available. This may be a good fit for aspiring Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs), nursing directors, APRN leaders, and healthcare policy analysts. Check out the DNP faculty profiles before applying.

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#19 University of Massachusetts-Boston – Boston, MA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $725 + Technology Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 31
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $23,250
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 3 On-Campus Visits

Cost Breakdown

UMass Boston’s online MSN to DNP is classified as a special program. In 2026, the tuition rate for the DNP was $725 per credit. We have also included the mandatory $25 per credit technology fee for graduate students enrolled in special programs. Check with the College of Nursing to learn if you are required to pay any course-specific fees. There will be additional one-time costs (e.g. new student fee).

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: UMass Boston’s BSN-DNP program is only available to nurses with Massachusetts RN licensure, so we have excluded it from our list.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

If you are seeking help with federal loans and grants, UMass Boston’s section on Graduate Student Financial Aid is an excellent place to start. The Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences can also provide information on nursing scholarships, including details on eligibility for awards such as the Goddard House Doane Scholarship for City of Boston nurses.

Program Highlights

UMass Boston is a Carnegie R1 institution located in a major healthcare hub. That makes the Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences a strong choice for New England-area nurses or anyone who is willing to travel to the Boston campus. The CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP is a part-time, two-year program with a one-day orientation, one-day research day, and one-day project defense.

Once enrolled, you’ll complete asynchronous coursework and take part in 2-3 live class sessions per term. In addition to the usual array of DNP courses and an improvement project, the curriculum includes one elective. You could choose to focus on anything from mental health in urban families to nurse education. There’s even a clinical immersion class (80 clinical hours).

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#20 Indiana State University – Terre Haute, IN

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Cost Per Credit: $610 + Online Education Delivery Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 37
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $23,350
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

Indiana State has a special tuition rate for out-of-state online graduate students admitted to an eligible program. In 2026, this was $610 per credit hour. (Indiana residents will pay less.) However, Indiana State also charges an online education delivery fee of $60 per graduate course, so we’ve included a charge of $780 for ~13 courses in our tuition estimate. Budget for additional one-off costs such as the application fee and background check.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: The DNP at Indiana State is only available to domestic residents. International students are not eligible.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Indiana State’s Office of Student Financial Aid is the central hub of information about federal loans, scholarships, grants, and aid. The DNP program coordinator may also be able direct you to external awards such as Live it Up’s Community Health Ambassador Scholarship and the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for Graduate Students.

Program Highlights

Indiana State’s School of Nursing doesn’t have a national footprint or significant research profile, but it has been continuously accredited by ACEN since 1989. And it’s firmly invested in addressing the needs of rural & underserved populations. Scholarly projects focused on these groups are strongly encouraged.

The ACEN-accredited online MSN to DNP has a primarily asynchronous format, with a few synchronous/live sessions per semester for instruction and final presentations. With an eye towards rural healthcare, the curriculum features two cognate courses in community health planning and culturally competent care.

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#21 Briar Cliff University – Sioux City, IA

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $650
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $23,400
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

In 2026, the tuition rate for Briar Cliff’s online MSN to DNP was $650 per credit hour. For a 36-credit doctorate, this gives a minimum tuition cost of $23,400. General fees may apply, but Briar Cliff doesn’t specify what those may be for online graduate students. So check with the program coordinator for details.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Because of its modest size, BCU doesn’t have as many nursing & graduate scholarships as some of the big public universities. However, discounted partner tuition rates are available for the DNP. If you’re looking for assistance with federal loans and outside scholarships, visit the Office of Financial Aid.

Program Highlights

BCU’s Department of Nursing was the first to offer an accredited doctoral-level nursing program in Northwest Iowa, and all of its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. Completion & employment rates for the online DNP are excellent (100%) and cohorts are keep small.

The 100% online format also means certified APRNs can earn their DNP with relatively little fuss. The curriculum can be completed in 2 years and faculty are available to advise students through email, phone calls, or chats. Plus the program does not require GRE scores.

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#22 University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, TX

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $660
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $23,760
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

UTA’s 36-credit online MSN to DNP is charged at the straightforward tuition rate of $660 per credit hour, with no additional fees. The university also offers a “lock in” tuition guarantee to students who are continuously enrolled and complete the DNP within the required time period.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: UTA’s DNP is only available in certain states. Check the State Authorization Map before applying.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers several Nursing Scholarships to graduate students. DNP students are eligible for awards such as the Kathryn M. Daniel Gerontology Graduate Fellowship and the John and Louise Schira Fellowship. The university also has a helpful section on Graduate Financial Aid, with details on grants and federal loans.

Program Highlights

UTA is a Carnegie R1 institution, so it’s an excellent choice if you want the name of a strong research university on your résumé. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) is the largest producer of baccalaureate-educated nurses in Texas and it ranks #30 in NIH funding among schools of nursing. Have a look at its Research section for more on its strengths.

CONHI has high standards for its CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP. Applicants are expected to have a 3.5 graduate-level GPA for unconditional admission, but the GRE requirement will be waived for candidates with a master’s degree in nursing or nursing science. Coursework is asynchronous and the entire program is 100% online.

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#23 University of Southern Indiana – Evansville, IN

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $496.94 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $24,027
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

To calculate the cost of USI’s online MSN to DNP, we used the non-resident online program rate of $496.94 per credit hour. (In 2026, Indiana residents paid $446.94 per credit hour.) However, the DNP carries a lot of additional fees, including the DNP program fee of $150 per credit hour. We’ve also included the per semester comprehensive learning fee and the university services fee for 6 semesters. This gave us a total minimum tuition cost of $24,027.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: Before applying, confirm your eligibility by checking the Out-of-State Students section.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

For funding ideas, start with USI’s sections on Nursing and Health Professions Scholarships and Financial Assistance. Just be aware that most of the scholarships are reserved for undergraduate students. If your tuition is being reimbursed by your healthcare employer, be sure to read up on the Employer Deferment Program.

Program Highlights

USI’s Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions consistently achieves superb APRN certification pass rates (100%), strong U.S. News rankings for the online MSN, and positive reviews from nursing students. It has also created an affordable nursing doctorate that is convenient, flexible, and small enough that you won’t get lost in the shuffle.

For this CCNE-accredited MSN to DNP, you can choose a full-time or part-time plan of study, with synchronous intensives twice a year. The Organizational Systems Leadership specialty is aimed at students from a non-clinical background; Advanced Nursing Practice is designed for current APRNs. The online BSN to DNP takes 4 or 5 years and will involve campus visits for specialty clinical courses. See the sample plans of study on each APRN specialty page for full details.

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#24 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – Edwardsville, IL

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $700 + General Student Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 30
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $24,444
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 2 On-Campus Immersions

Cost Breakdown

The cost of SIUE’s online MSN to DNP is laid out on the program page in the Tuition & Fees section. In 2026, tuition for all DNP was $700 per credit hour. In our minimum tuition cost estimate, we’ve also included general student fees of $114.80 per credit hour. Even though SIUE is a public university, all students pay the same specialized DNP tuition rate regardless of their location.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Nursing scholarships are listed in Academic Works. SIUE also has a useful section on Financial Assistance for graduate students, with details on scholarships and research & travel awards. DNP students are eligible for research grants. SIUE maintains corporate partnerships with a number of hospitals & healthcare organizations (e.g. BJC Health), so talk to your employer before applying.

Program Highlights

SIUE’s School of Nursing is located near St. Louis, giving it access to a dense healthcare system—it’s the #1 producer of BSN degrees in the region. The hybrid DNP in Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the COA. APRN certification pass rates for the FNP & PMHNP are superb (100%). And faculty are involved in a number of interprofessional research initiatives.

The CCNE-accredited online MSN to DNP is a strong choice for nurses who want a well-balanced doctorate with opportunities for networking. The curriculum is structured over two years/five semesters. And DNP students at SIUE attend two 3-day immersion events in August of each year.

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#25 Frontier Nursing University – Versailles, KY

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Cost Per Credit: $726 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 30
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $24,480
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 1 Campus Immersion Experience

Cost Breakdown

FNU is a private university with a long tradition of educating nurses who serve in rural & underrepresented communities, so Tuition & Fees are priced accordingly. To come up with our minimum tuition cost estimate, we used the baseline tuition rate of $726 per credit hour and added the mandatory per term fees for 6 terms. There will be assorted one-off fees (e.g. application & graduation).

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Note: Before applying, check the Accreditation & State Authorization section. This program is unavailable in certain states.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

FNU’s Financial Aid section can provide you with information on federal loans. DNP students are eligible to apply for Frontier Scholarships; see the scholarship descriptions for eligibilty criteria.

Program Highlights

Frontier Nursing University is well-known across the country for catering to distance learners, especially nurses with an interest in rural & underserved populations. If you are accepted to FNU, you’ll be among a group of diverse peers that are committed to getting the job done. More than a quarter of its students are nurses of color.

It’s an excellent program if you’re looking for efficiency. The ACEN-accredited online MSN to DNP can be completed in 18 months, with one 3-day campus immersion experience at the beginning of the degree for an orientation. In addition to considering all APRNs, FNU has recently expanded its admissions criteria to include CNSs and nurse educators.

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#26 University of Missouri-Columbia – Columbia, MO

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $681.30
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36.5
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $24,868
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with Periodic Campus Visits

Cost Breakdown

Out-of-state and in-state graduate students at Mizzou pay the same online tuition rate for 100% online programs. In 2026, the part-time tuition rate was $681.30 per credit hour, giving us a minimum estimate of $24,868 for 36.5 credits of the online MSN to DNP. Full-time rates are slightly cheaper. However, if you need to complete more credits & clinical hours, you could be responsible for paying up to 51 credit hours for the MSN to DNP.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Sinclair School of Nursing’s section on Financing Your Education has details on nursing scholarships, Mizzou general scholarships, healthcare traineeships, and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) for DNP students who aim to become full-time faculty teaching in schools of nursing. Examine the separate list of internal nursing scholarships for more details—DNP students are eligible for a large number of awards! The Graduate School also provides comprehensive advice on How to Fund Graduate School.

Program Highlights

Mizzou’s Sinclair School of Nursing is an excellent choice for name recognition & quality. It has a great track record in employment and APRN certification pass rates. Thanks to the university’s status as a Carnegie R1 institution, faculty are involved in all kinds of intriguing nursing research projects. And independent reviews of its online nursing programs are almost uniformly positive.

Having said that, this CCNE-accredited online DNP is best-suited to nurses in the Missouri area. All of the specialties require on-campus visits for certain courses. Post-master’s students at Mizzou can work on a part-time plan (3 years); BSN to DNP students may opt for full-time (4 years) or part-time study (5-6 years). Anyone can take advantage of the School’s affiliations with potential clinical sites and its location on the University of Missouri Health Care Campus, in close proximity to some major hospitals.

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#27 Northern Kentucky University – Highland Heights, KY

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $640 + Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 35
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $24,990
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

Online DNP students at NKU pay the same pay-by-the-course tuition rate, regardless of their state of residency. In 2026, this was $640 per credit for 100% online Post-Master’s DNP. When you include the additional fees, the total program cost is $24,990. However, NKU students enrolled in the online DNP program for master’s-prepared CRNAs pay more expensive per credit hour tuition rates that are split into resident and non-resident rates.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Although there are no dedicated scholarships for DNP students at NKU, the university provides advice on Funding Your Online Education. NKU’s Office of Financial Aid can also assist with queries on federal loans and graduate aid. Kentucky residents may also be eligible for awards such as the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF).

Program Highlights

NKU’s School of Nursing doesn’t have the same name recognition as some of the other schools in our Affordable rankings, but it offers plenty of CCNE-accredited degrees and a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program. The university also supports a Nurse Advocacy Center for the Underserved (NACU) and a Northern Kentucky Nursing and Interprofessional Research Collaborative (NIRC) with local healthcare providers.

It’s worth considering if you need efficiency. NKU’s online MSN to DNP has multiple start dates each year and can be completed in as few as 20 months. Master’s-prepared CRNAs who need the DNP should consider the separate 100% online Post-Master’s CRNA Track. This takes six semesters to complete, with no campus attendance required.

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#28 Wilmington University – New Castle, DE

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $749 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 33
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $25,077
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

WilmU is a private university in Delaware, so its Doctoral Tuition Rate is the same for all students, regardless of their location or the format of the degree. In 2026, this was $749 per credit hour for the 33-credit online MSN to DNP. In addition, doctoral students will be responsible for registration & technology fees per semester—we’ve included those mandatory fees in minimum tuition cost, estimating six semesters of study. Additional costs will include course fees, application fee, and graduation fee.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

WilmU’s Student Financial Services has details on payment plans and financial aid applications. Graduate students are eligible for some Wilmington University Scholarships—check to ensure DNP students can apply. You may also wish to investigate the university’s links to external scholarships.

Program Highlights

WilmU’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences may not be very well-known outside of the Delaware area, but it offers a huge amount of choice to distance learners. To start with, it has built a CCNE-accredited MSN to DNP program that’s available in a 100% online format with optional synchronous meetings. It’s available in two concentrations: Advanced Practice for current APRNs or Leadership for nurse leaders. And cohorts start three times per year.

WilmU also has an unusual array of dual degrees! You can opt for an MBA + DNP. You can add to your PhD or DNSc. Or you can earn an MS in Management in Healthcare alongside your doctorate.

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#29 University of South Alabama – Mobile, AL

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $594 + Mandatory Fees
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 36
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $25,208
  • MSN to DNP Format: 100% Online

Cost Breakdown

USA’s online MSN to DNP is charged at the College of Nursing’s web course tuition rate for graduate students. In 2026, this was $594 per credit, regardless of residency status. However, USA also has a lot of mandatory fees, including a per credit academic infrastructure & technology fee and per semester charges like the resource fee, biomedical library fee, and professional liability coverage. We included all of these fees in our tuition cost estimate of $25,208.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

USA’s College of Nursing has a list of external Nursing Scholarships. DNP awards are available for U.S. Air Force personnel. The Graduate School has general advice on Financial Assistance for Graduate Students and the Office of Financial Aid can assist with queries about federal loans & grants.

Program Highlights

Of all the schools in our Affordable rankings, USA has—by far—the most choice! The College of Nursing has developed CCNE-accredited online DNP pathways for almost everyone, with a huge array of APRN specialties (including dual NP roles) and sub-specialties (e.g. Addictions Nursing, Advanced Forensic Nursing Care, Clinical Lipidology, etc.)

Whatever field you’re interested in, you’re bound to find an opportunity to study it! Coursework is 100% online for the MSN to DNP and can be completed in five semesters on a full-time plan of study or longer for part-time study.

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#30 Valparaiso University – Valparaiso, IN

Program Facts

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Cost Per Credit: $715 + Online Program Fee
  • Minimum Credit Requirement: 35
  • Minimum Tuition Cost: $25,415
  • MSN to DNP Format: Online with 1 On-Campus Intensive

Cost Breakdown

Valparaiso is a private university in Indiana, so all students—regardless of their state of residence—pay the same tuition rate. In 2026, this was $715 per credit hour for the online MSN to DNP.  We’ve also included the online program fee of $65 per semester for six semesters in our tuition cost. Additional one-off costs will include a nursing lab fee associated with NUR 799, an application fee, and annual clinical clearance tracker costs.

Online DNP Specialties Offered

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Valpo’s Graduate School has a section on How to Pay Graduate School, with details on awards & assistantships. The section on Financial Aid is another helpful resource. Most of the funds listed in the scholarships section are reserved for undergraduates, but current students are eligible for merit-based graduate scholarships. Valpo alumni can apply for the Back to Valpo Scholarship.

Why Valpo Nursing?

Before applying, visit Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions and investigate its nursing faculty profiles. The College isn’t large or nationally ranked, but the DNP is CCNE-accredited and classes are kept small. If you’re a Midwest nurse looking for an affordable doctorate, this may be a good fit.

All coursework in the online DNP is asynchronous, with no live sessions. However, online MSN to DNP students will be expected to complete one on-campus intensive; online BSN to DNP complete two on-campus intensives. Valpo has a 100% APRN pass rate and 100% alumni & graduate school placement rate.

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True Cost of Online DNP Programs: Tuition, Fees & Hidden Charges

Per credit tuition rates for an online DNP in the USA can range from $350-$400 at public universities (lowest end) to $1,500+ at prestigious private universities (highest end). Generally speaking, you’ll find a lot of affordable programs lurking in the $500-$800 per credit range. You can multiply the per credit rate by the total number of credits to get a ballpark figure, but on top of that there may be…

Mandatory Fees & DNP Surcharges

Many universities have mandatory fees to help cover the cost of student services.

  • Distance learners can escape some of the brick & mortar fees, but they’ll frequently end up being charged a per credit “distance delivery” fee, technology fee, or online program fee.
  • Some schools even have a per credit hour surcharge for online DNP programs.

That’s why we’ve included mandatory fees in the per credit cost of our rankings. Be aware that the advertised tuition rate on a university’s online DNP program page doesn’t always include these charges.

DNP Course Fees & Per Semester Charges

Watch out for DNP course fees and per semester charges when you’re examining a university’s tuition & fees page—they’re often buried in a footnote or outlined in a separate link. Nursing programs can be expensive to establish, and universities have to find a way of paying for simulation labs, clinical instructors, and the like.

For example, you may be charged extra for certain clinical courses (especially if the DNP focuses on an APRN specialty). Or you may be expected to pay a general per semester graduate fee. When in doubt, ask the program coordinator for clarification.

Additional Tuition Charges in Hybrid DNP Programs

Hybrid DNP programs sometimes have two tuition structures. You could be charged an “online” or “virtual” rate for 100% online courses and a higher, on-campus tuition rate for any credits that involve in-person teaching.

Additional Expenses

Your baseline price will be tuition + any mandatory fees + any mandatory course costs. Additional expenses will depend on your situation.

  • Application & Graduation Fees: Most universities expect you to pay for the privilege of applying & graduating. In a DNP program, these fees often range from $50-$100.
  • Campus Visits: Even affordable “online” DNP programs can have campus components (e.g. intensives, orientations, and/or capstone presentations). Food, accommodation, and travel should go into your budget.
  • Practicum Costs: You’ll also be expected to travel to clinical sites.
  • Equipment: For online coursework, you may need to have high-speed Internet, a computer capable of handling video downloads, online course software, a printer, webcam, and the like.
  • Related Expenses: Depending on the specialty, these expenses might include student liability insurance, exam fees, CPR certification, and the like.

FAQs: Affordable Online DNP Programs

What is the Cheapest Online DNP Program in the USA?

The cheapest online DNP program in the USA is Fort Hays State University’s cohort-based and CCNE-accredited Online MSN to DNP. In 2026, the total tuition cost for this two-year, six-semester program was $14,019. It is open to applicants who hold an MSN in an advanced practice role.

Can I Earn a DNP Online for Under $20,000?

Nine universities—including Fort Hays State, University of Central Arkansas, and Wichita State—offer an online Post-Master’s DNP for under $20,000 in total tuition. This is the price for an online Post-Master’s DNP, where entrants typically have an MSN or master’s degree in a non-clinical field of nursing such as administration. If you are interested in earning APRN certification through a BSN to DNP pathway, the cost will be much higher.

Are Cheap Online DNP Programs Accredited?

There are plenty of affordable online DNP programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Our table of the 30 Cheapest Online DNP Programs features 25 online DNP programs that are CCNE-accredited and 5 online DNP programs that are ACEN-accredited.

In addition, all of these doctorates are offered by non-profit, regionally accredited institutions. This is an important distinction if you are applying for federal loans and financial aid.

Which Accreditation is Better for an Online DNP—CCNE or ACEN?

At the doctoral level, there is not a great deal of difference between CCNE- and ACEN-accredited DNP programs. As long as you have completed a properly accredited program, employers won’t discriminate between qualifications. Having said that:

  • Check the curriculum before applying. CCNE-accredited programs may feature more work in research & healthcare policy, which would make them a good fit for nurses preparing for leadership and healthcare administration roles.
  • If you’re pursuing a faculty position, a military/federal job, or eyeing a role in a Magnet-designated hospital system, CCNE tends to be the expected credential. A number of nursing school faculty job postings at research universities will specify a CCNE-accredited terminal degree.

What’s the Difference between Cost per Credit and Total Program Cost for a DNP?

Cost per credit is the price you pay for each credit earned in your online DNP. For example, a 30-credit online DNP program with a price of $400 per credit would equate to $12,000 in baseline tuition.

However, unless all the fees are included in the cost per credit, you will almost always have to budget for extra costs. These may take the form of mandatory per credit fees (e.g. distance learning fee), per semester charges (e.g. general services fee), and one-off expenses (e.g. application). These fees can add $1,000-$9,000 to your total program cost.

That’s why we’ve manually checked the prices and fees for each program in our 2026 rankings to give you the most accurate estimate of the true tuition price.

Do Public or Private Universities Offer Cheaper Online DNP Programs in the USA?

Public universities in the USA tend to have the cheapest online DNP programs, even when you factor in mandatory fees. However, as we mentioned in the methodology, in-state students and out-of-state students at public universities may end up paying wildly different prices. At some public universities, the out-of-state tuition rate for DNP programs is comparable to expensive private schools.

You’ll also need to determine if the university:

  • Offers Your Chosen DNP Specialty Online: We’ve listed them in the rankings. Public and private universities with big schools of nursing often have lots of online & hybrid options. Smaller universities, especially private ones, may choose to focus on post-master’s leadership DNP programs.
  • Can Deliver Online DNP Programs in Your State: Because of distance learning restrictions, some universities are unable to offer online DNP programs to residents of certain states. It’s always best to check with the program coordinator.

Finally, if you’re pursuing an APRN specialty, you’ll want to make sure that the DNP program (public or private) has been approved by your State Board of Nursing.