Best Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2024
Few other types of professionals are experiencing quite as high of demand as nurse practitioners. By 2031, 112,700 advanced practice nurse roles are expected to be added to the U.S. economy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a 46% increase from 2021. People seeking a more flexible way to earn the credentials to fill nurse practitioner roles may be in the market for an online master’s degree in nursing—that’s why Fortune has ranked the best online nurse practitioner programs. The methodology for this ranking was the same as that of our best online master’s in nursing (MSN) programs ranking. For this list, we used data submitted only by nursing schools with nurse practitioner concentrations. This ranking was last updated December 2022.
Online MS in Nursing From Georgetown University
Earn Your Master’s in Nursing Online From Georgetown University
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
Learn MoreBecome a Nurse Practitioner With Simmons University's Online MSN Program
Earn Your MSN and Become an FNP or PMHNP Online From Simmons University
Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
Learn More1. University of Nevada--Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NVThe University of Nevada--Las Vegas ranked No. 1 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.62 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 89.4% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner concentration and a family nurse practitioner concentration.
Acceptance Rate | 50.30% |
Credits required to graduate | 46 |
Enrolled | 111 |
Retention rate | 89% |
Total Tuition | $32,648.50 |
2. The Ohio State University
Columbus, OHThe Ohio State University ranked No. 2 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 95% in 2021 and students must complete 42 credit hours to graduate. The online MSN program offers concentrations in adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and women's health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 43.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 42 |
Enrolled | 232 |
Retention rate | 95% |
Total Tuition | $73,384.30 |
3. Georgetown University
Washington, DCGeorgetown University ranked No. 3 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.43. The retention rate for the program was 85% in 2021. The online MSN program offers tracks in women's health nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and nurse-midwifery/women’s health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 51.10% |
Credits required to graduate | 44 |
Enrolled | 625 |
Retention rate | 85% |
Total Tuition | $103,752.00 |
M.S. in Nursing Online at St. John Fisher University
Earn an M.S. Online: Choose From 4 NP Specializations
Designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and RN license, the online M.S. in Nursing pathway from St. John Fisher University prepares you to pursue licensure as an NP. Choose from four program options — PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
Learn More4. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXTexas Tech University is ranked No. 4 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit two letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.51 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 92.91% in 2021. The online MSN program offers adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks,
Acceptance Rate | 59.50% |
Credits required to graduate | 48 |
Enrolled | 624 |
Retention rate | 93% |
Total Tuition | $32,304.00 |
5. Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PADuquesne University ranked No. 5 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit two letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.53. The retention rate for the program was 99% in 2021. This online MSN program offers adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner tracks.
Acceptance Rate | 62.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Enrolled | 327 |
Retention rate | 99% |
Total Tuition | $49,050.00 |
6. University of Texas--Arlington
Carson, CAThe University of Texas--Arlington ranked No. 8 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program unless the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0. Prospective students aren’t required to submit any letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.534 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 76.12% in 2021. This online MSN program offers tracks in adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 65.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 46 |
Enrolled | 4125 |
Retention rate | 76% |
Total Tuition | $30,084 |
7. East Carolina University
Greenville, NCEast Carolina University ranked No.10 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 93% in 2021. This online MSN program offers tracks in neonatal nurse practitioner and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 57.50% |
Credits required to graduate | 40 |
Enrolled | 245 |
Retention rate | 93% |
Total Tuition | $45,802.00 |
8. East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TNEast Tennessee State University ranked No. 9 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.46. The retention rate for the program was 76% in 2021. This online MSN program offers concentrations in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 47.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 51 |
Enrolled | 176 |
Retention rate | 76% |
Total Tuition | $27,183.00 |
Online MS in Nursing From Georgetown University
Earn Your Master’s in Nursing Online From Georgetown University
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
Learn More9. Ball State University
San Angelo, TXBall State University ranked No. 12 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. The program offers three tracks: nurse educator, family nurse practitioner, and nurse administration. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 94% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 68.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 47 |
Enrolled | 119 |
Retention rate | 94% |
Total Tuition | $30,832.00 |
10. California State University--Dominguez Hills
Washington, DCCalifornia State University--Dominguez Hills ranked No. 13 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation if they are applying to the family nurse practitioner track. Other tracks don't require recommendation letters. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.5. The retention rate for the program was 83% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 64.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 48 |
Enrolled | 197 |
Retention rate | 83% |
Total Tuition | $19,860.00 |
11. Angelo State University
San Angelo, TXAngelo State University ranked No. 14 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program on average had a 3.453 undergraduate GPA. The graduation rate for the program was 100% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 93.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 49 |
Enrolled | 67 |
Retention rate | 93% |
Total Tuition | $31,374.70 |
12. King University
Johnson City, TNKing University ranked No. 16 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.5. The retention rate for the program was 85% in 2021. This online MSN program offers a pediatric nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 100.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 45 |
Enrolled | 46 |
Retention rate | 85% |
Total Tuition | $27,225.00 |
13. Georgia College & State University
Pittsburgh, PAGeorgia College & State University ranked No. 17 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.38 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 65.3% in 2021. This online MSN program offers tracks in family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and women's health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 67.20% |
Credits required to graduate | 45 |
Enrolled | 134 |
Retention rate | 65% |
Total Tuition | $21,285.00 |
Become a Nurse Practitioner With Simmons University's Online MSN Program
Earn Your MSN and Become an FNP or PMHNP Online From Simmons University
Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
Learn More14. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KYEastern Kentucky University ranked No. 20 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.29 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 74% in 2021. This online MSN program offers tracks in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 69.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 47 |
Enrolled | 343 |
Retention rate | 74% |
Total Tuition | $31,443.00 |
15. University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MOThe University of Central Missouri ranked No. 23 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students aren’t required to submit any letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.63. The retention rate for the program was 81.58% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 79.10% |
Credits required to graduate | 44 |
Enrolled | 170 |
Retention rate | 82% |
Total Tuition | $17,336.00 |
16. University of Missouri--Kansas City
Kansas City, MOThe University of Missouri--Kansas City ranked No. 21 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.324. The retention rate for the program was 81% in 2021 and students must complete 42 credit hours to graduate. The online MSN program offers concentrations in pediatric nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, women's health nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and adult gerontology nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 63.30% |
Credits required to graduate | 42 |
Enrolled | 286 |
Retention rate | 81% |
Total Tuition | $52,243.80 |
17. Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FLFlorida Atlantic University ranked No. 18 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit one letter of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA, on average. The graduation rate for students within three years of entering the program was 70% in 2021. This online MSN program offers a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 43.40% |
Credits required to graduate | 34 |
Enrolled | 115 |
Retention rate | DNP |
Total Tuition | $34,911.54 |
18. Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PAThomas Jefferson University ranked No. 25 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit two letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 98% in 2021 and students must complete 36 credit hours to graduate.
Acceptance Rate | 86.20% |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Enrolled | 748 |
Retention rate | 98% |
Total Tuition | $43,200.00 |
M.S. in Nursing Online at St. John Fisher University
Earn an M.S. Online: Choose From 4 NP Specializations
Designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and RN license, the online M.S. in Nursing pathway from St. John Fisher University prepares you to pursue licensure as an NP. Choose from four program options — PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
Learn More19. University of Texas--Tyler
Tyler, TXThe University of Texas--Tyler ranked No. 24 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.441 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 74.8% in 2021 and students must complete 36 credit hours to graduate. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 71.50% |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Enrolled | 348 |
Retention rate | 75% |
Total Tuition | $34,858.08 |
20. Kent State University
Kent, OHKent State University ranked No. 26 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 81% in 2021 and students must complete 34 credit hours in this program to graduate. The online MSN program offers tracks psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and women's health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 73.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 34 |
Enrolled | 264 |
Retention rate | 81% |
Total Tuition | $21,182.00 |
21. University of St. Francis
Joliet, ILThe University of St. Francis ranked No. 29 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit two letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.3. The retention rate for the program was 78% in 2021 and students must complete 36 credit hours to graduate.
Acceptance Rate | 35.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Enrolled | 168 |
Retention rate | 78% |
Total Tuition | $27,900.00 |
22. University of Louisiana–Monroe
Monroe, LAThe University of Louisiana--Monroe ranked No. 28 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program unless the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is lower than 2.8. Prospective students aren’t required to submit any letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.07 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 92% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 64.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 40 |
Enrolled | 30 |
Retention rate | 92% |
Total Tuition | $20,000.00 |
23. Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TXTexas A&M International University ranked No. 27 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 87% in 2021 and students must complete 48 credit hours to graduate. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 68.30% |
Credits required to graduate | 48 |
Enrolled | 7 |
Retention rate | 87% |
Total Tuition | $60,232.32 |
24. Clayton State University
Morrow, GAClayton State University ranked No. 30 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.36. The retention rate for the program was 55% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 57.10% |
Credits required to graduate | 47 |
Enrolled | 29 |
Retention rate | 55% |
Total Tuition | $43,005.00 |
25. Delta State University
Charlotte, NCDelta State University ranked No. 32 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students aren’t required to submit any letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.46 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 77% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 100.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 49 |
Enrolled | 19 |
Retention rate | 77% |
Total Tuition | $22,981.00 |
26. Marshall University
Huntington, WVMarshall University ranked No. 34 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students aren’t required to submit any letters of recommendation and international applicants aren’t required to submit TOEFL scores. The retention rate for the program was 100% in 2021 and students must complete 36 credit hours in this program to graduate. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 95.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Enrolled | 20 |
Retention rate | 100% |
Total Tuition | $40,149.00 |
27. Troy University
Troy, ALTroy University ranked No. 36 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit two letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.258. The retention rate for the program was 82% in 2021 and students must complete 37 credit hours to graduate. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 99.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 37 |
Enrolled | 181 |
Retention rate | 82% |
Total Tuition | $17,575.00 |
28. Carson-Newman University
Muncie, INCarson-Newman University ranked No. 38 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program unless the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants aren’t required to submit TOEFL scores. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, on average. The retention rate for the program was 90% in 2021. The online MSN program offers a family nurse practitioner track.
Acceptance Rate | 100.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 46 |
Enrolled | 322 |
Retention rate | 90% |
Total Tuition | $29,250.00 |
29. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Orlando, FLSaint Joseph's College of Maine ranked No. 44 among Fortune's list of the best online master's degree programs in nursing. The school doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores for its online MSN nurse practitioner program. Prospective students are required to submit three letters of recommendation and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The retention rate for the program was 60.1% in 2021 and students must complete 36 credit hours to graduate. The online MSN program offers tracks in family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Acceptance Rate | 54.00% |
Credits required to graduate | 48 |
Enrolled | 156 |
Retention rate | 60% |
Total Tuition | $28,686 |
Become a Nurse Practitioner With Simmons University's Online MSN Program
Earn Your MSN and Become an FNP or PMHNP Online From Simmons University
Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
Learn More