By BestMedicalDegrees.com Staff
Last Updated: February 12, 2021
increased dramatically in recent years. In 2006, fewer than 50 DNP programs existed in the United States. By 2018, that number reached approximately 350 programs.
To accommodate the nation's growing healthcare needs, the AACN recommends that the industry standard for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners (NPs), shift towards the DNP rather than a master's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for advanced practice nurses could increase by 45% from 2019-29, reflecting the rapid growth of the healthcare profession as a whole.
Many DNP graduates go on to work as NPs, nurse administrators, and other advanced practice nurses, but they might also pursue management and advocacy roles. BLS data shows that NPs make a lucrative median annual salary of $115,800.
While doctoral degrees can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete and demand a challenging workload, online DNP programs offer students a certain degree of flexibility. Distance learners can typically take coursework at their own pace, and can often take advantage of asynchronous courses. The list below outlines the online DNP programs that offer their students the best value in nursing education.
Methodology
View our ranking methodology here.
The Best-Value Online DNP Programs of 2021
The Ohio State University
In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio State 17th among "America's Best Colleges." The university offers two online doctor of nursing (DNP) programs.
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) holders who select the BSN-to-DNP pathway can earn a master's degree and a doctorate simultaneously. The program prepares nurses to seek advanced practice specialty certifications as family nurse practitioners, neonatal nurse practitioners, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Students who already hold a master's may enter the post-master's DNP pathway with an emphasis on direct clinical practice or executive leadership.
While core coursework in the DNP curriculum is delivered both asynchronously and synchronously, some electives may require on-campus attendance. This affordable program charges the same tuition rate for out-of-state students and Ohio residents alike, though nonresidents do pay a flat surcharge. There is also one mandatory in-person orientation session on the main campus.
- Campus: Columbus, Ohio
- Program Length: 72 credits for BSN-to-DNP; 36 credits for master of science in nursing (MSN)-to-DNP
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $972.50 per credit; $200 flat surcharge for non-Ohio residents
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Innovation and leadership development for the DNP nurse; health promotion in the age of personalized health and healthcare; informatics for leadership in health and healthcare
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of Arizona
Established in 1885, UofA serves approximately 47,000 undergraduate and graduate students through traditional and online programs. The university offers a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) online degree that trains graduates for advanced practice leadership and scholarly clinician roles. The post-master's DNP builds on the clinical training acquired in a traditional master's degree in nursing program, teaching candidates to advance healthcare quality and patient safety through evidence-based practice.
This hybrid program is open to certified advanced practice registered nurses. The curriculum integrates online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and in-person clinical placements. All distance learners attend at least one resident intensive experience at the Tucson campus during the first two years of study. The curriculum requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice experience and a doctoral project.
- Campus: Tucson, Arizona
- Program Length: 35 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $975 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence-based practice; interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams; theories of leadership and organizational management
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins enjoys a reputation as "America's first research university," and its top-ranked School of Nursing is recognized as a leader in nursing research and education. The university's doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program features an online executive track. Open to advanced practice nurses, the executive option allows students to remain in practice while training to lead cross-professional teams and improve healthcare policy, quality, and safety.
The 40-credit degree comprises 19 credits of DNP core courses, 12 credits required for the DNP research proposal and final project, and nine credits of elective and cognate coursework related to the student's specialty area. Distance learners must complete a minimum of 1,000 practice hours and four on-site immersions during the six-semester program.
- Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
- Program Length: 40 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,825 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing inquiry for evidence-based practice; organizational and systems leadership for quality care; analysis and evaluation of individual and population health data
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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The George Washington University
Established by an Act of Congress in 1821, GW is a major private research institution comprising over 14 schools and colleges. The university offers online degrees in liberal arts, education, business, medicine, and nursing. GW's School of Nursing has developed a hybrid doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with several tracks to choose from including adult-gerontology and executive leadership.
The 72-credit post bachelor of science in nursing degree incorporates both online components and campus-based experiences. The on-campus requirements consist of a learning and skills intensive in health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, a series of simulation-based objective structured clinical examinations, and a DNP project presentation in the final semester. Distance learners must complete at least 1,000 clinical hours restricted to placements in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Program Length: 72 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,395 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Biostatistics for healthcare research; epidemiology and population health; analytical methods and appraisal for evidence-based practice
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of Pittsburgh
Some of Pitt's doctor of nursing (DNP) programs rank among U.S. News & World Report's 10 best nursing graduate schools in 2021. The online master of science in nursing (MSN)-to-DNP nurse anesthesia concentration provides the necessary clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills to pursue advanced clinical practice and supervisory roles.
The program admits applicants who hold a master's in nursing and the certified registered nurse anesthetist credential. Pitt charges out-of-state applicants the same tuition rates as Pennsylvania residents.
The curriculum emphasizes evidenceâ€based practice, organizational and systems leadership, informatics, policy and finance, patient safety and population health, and interprofessional collaboration. Degree seekers must complete a culminating DNP project that synthesizes and applies knowledge gained throughout coursework and clinical experiences.
- Campus: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Program Length: 36 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,122 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to genetics and molecular therapeutics; regulation and reimbursement in nurse anesthesia practice; finance and economics for healthcare leaders
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Winona State University
This regional, public university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Winona, Rochester, other Minnesota cities, and online. Winona's online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree features two options for licensed registered nurses: a post-baccalaureate program that takes 3-4 years and a post-master's that can be completed in three years or less.
Students may pursue programs preparing them for national certification in the following specialty areas: family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology clinical specialist, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nursing and organizational leadership, and practice and leadership innovation. The curriculum, available in online, hybrid, or face-to-face formats, consists of nursing core courses, specialty role courses, clinical experiences, and a final project. While the main campus is located in Winona, the graduate nursing department is based in Rochester.
- Campus: Winona, Minnesota
- Program Length: about 73 credits for the three year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)-to-DNP; about 39 credits for the two year master of science in nursing (MSN)-to-DNP
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $428 per credit for Minnesota residents; $646 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Molecular/genetics and immune mechanisms; financial resource management in nursing services; structure and design in nursing services
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Anschutz Medical Campus at CU Denver is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region. The institution is home to six health professional schools offering over 40 programs, including bachelor of science in nursing-to-doctor of nursing practice (BSN-to-DNP) and post-master of science in nursing (MSN)-to-DNP opportunities. The post-baccalaureate pathway lets registered nurses (RNs) earn their master's while completing doctoral requirements. The post-MSN-to-DNP features the following options:
- DNP-advanced practice registered nurse program for RNs with certifications as registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, or nurse practitioners
- DNP with a specialty in public health nursing
- DPN and a master of public health dual degree that allows nurses to complete two graduate degrees simultaneously in the School of Public Health and College of Nursing
- DNP with a specialty in leadership
Degree seekers may complete most requirements online, except for clinical experiences and some face-to-face seminars for didactic classes.
- Campus: Denver, Colorado
- Program Length: 34 credits for the MSN-to-DNP; BSN-to-DNP varies by specialty and prior credits earned
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $711 per credit for Colorado students; $1,148 per credit for out-of-state residents
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Inferential statistics and quality improvement: applying the evidence; foundations of healthcare informatics; epidemiology; innovative leadership
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of North Dakota
The state's oldest and largest university, UND administers more than 250 degrees on campus and online. The university's nursing department offers an online post-master's doctor of nursing practice (DNP) that prepares leaders for advanced practice roles, emphasizing quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and systems leadership.
This DNP online degree admits master of science in nursing holders certified in nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist specialties. While the curriculum does not include any on-campus intensives or classes, distance learners must complete in-person clinical experiences. The program offers three start dates each year, offering a seamless transition from master's coursework that lets students fulfill all requirements in as few as five semesters.
- Campus: Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Program Length: 36 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $784 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced univariate statistics; health informatics; health policy; healthcare economics, finance, and leadership
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Missouri State University
Founded in 1905 in Springfield, MSU enrolls approximately 26,000 students in 101 undergraduate and 68 graduate programs. MSU's School of Nursing offers community-based nursing education with an emphasis on rural and vulnerable populations.
The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program offers two degree pathways. Registered nurses who hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) may enter the BSN-to-DNP with a family nurse practitioner specialty. This hybrid program takes four years to complete, delivering classes in asynchronous and synchronous formats. BSN-to-DNP students must also attend classes on campus at least one day each week.
Designed for advanced practice registered nurses, the two-year post-master's DNP offers almost all didactic course content online but requires 1-2 on-campus sessions during the program.
- Campus: Springfield, Missouri
- Program Length: 79 credits for BSN-to-DNP; 29 credits for post-master's DNP
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $13,650 per year for BSN-to-DNP; $9,425 per year for post-master's DNP
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Emerging science and methods of advanced practice; finance, management, and entrepreneurship for advanced nursing roles; health policy to improve disparities; technology for transforming nursing and health systems
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Kent State University
Established in 1901, KSU has become one of Ohio's top-ranked public universities, enrolling over 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students in eight campus locations and online.
KSU's School of Nursing offers a fully online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree that equips advanced practice nurses with the clinical and leadership skills they need to strengthen health outcomes for individuals and populations. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice for clinical interventions, healthcare system management, and collaboration with other healthcare providers.
To pursue a DNP online degree, candidates must hold a master of science in nursing and national certification in an advanced practice specialty. Distance learners should maintain a 3.0 GPA in all courses, complete 525 clinical practice hours, and submit a publication-suitable scholarly project.
- Campus: Kent, Ohio
- Program Length: 34 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $536 per credit for Ohio residents; $999 per credit for out-of-state students
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Clinical analytics; research methods for evidence-based practice; quality improvement in healthcare delivery; healthcare finance and economic policy
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Chatham University
This private institution ranks among the best colleges and the best value schools in the U.S. News & World Report national university listings. Chatham's online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program admits nurses who hold a master's degree in nursing and advanced practice certification, or who have completed 500 supervised clinical hours prior to enrollment. This writing-intensive program emphasizes evidence-based practice in promoting safe, quality healthcare among diverse patient populations.
One of the shortest online DNP programs available, the degree takes as few as 12 months of full-time study to complete, including a capstone clinical immersion experience. Distance learners take courses in 15-week formats before presenting their capstone projects at a two-day on-campus immersion.
- Campus: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Program Length: 27 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,017 per credit hour
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Developing evidence-based practice; information technology and data-driven decision making; quality improvement in healthcare; capstone experience
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of South Alabama
An early adopter of online bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing (MSN), and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees, USA's School of Nursing has developed multiple pathways for distance learners to earn a DNP completely online:
- The MSN-to-DNP for advanced practice nurses takes 5-6 semesters to complete. Advanced practice nurses wishing to add a new specialty area may need 10 semesters to finish all requirements.
- The MSN-to-DNP program for clinical nurse leaders admits MSN-holders with an advanced concentration in leadership who want to focus on the area of executive nursing administration.
- The BSN-to-DNP pathway allows students who have completed their bachelor's to earn both their MSN and DNP in 10-12 semesters.
Distance learners may fulfill clinical practice requirements near their place of residence.
- Campus: Mobile, Alabama
- Program Length: 36 credits for MSN-to-DNP; 42 credits for MSN-to-DNP bridge program in executive nursing administration; 69-87 credits for BSN-to-DNP
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $594 per credit
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence-based practice and quality improvement; healthcare policy and finance; organizational and system leadership; DNP project progression
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Part of the UWM system, this public research institution hosts the state's largest online education division, offering over 40 online certificates and degrees. UWM's post-master's doctor of nursing practice (DNP) ranks in the top 15% of the U.S. News & World Report listing of graduate nursing programs.
The DNP degree provides graduates with clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills to enter roles in direct patient care and indirect, patient-focused care. Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, midwife, or anesthetist specialty certification. The curriculum consists of 11 online courses and a 460-hour leadership immersion experience in a community or clinical placement.
- Campus: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Program Length: 32 credits
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,060 per credit for residents; $1,899 per credit for nonresidents
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare organization and system leadership for advanced practice; information systems for clinical decision making; outcomes and quality management; translational and implementation science
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Montana State University
MSU's College of Nursing emphasizes serving underrepresented populations through its participation in the Caring for Our Own initiative. The program prepares Native American and Alaska Native nursing students for practice in their communities and the Rural Ready Nurse Practitioner Program.
The university's online doctor of nursing (DNP) programs consist of a post-master's DNP for advanced practice registered nurses and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)-to-DNP with either a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner specialty area. Both pathways focus on preparing graduates for clinical and leadership roles in Montana's rural and frontier areas.
Degree seekers take all courses asynchronously and synchronously through video conferencing. Distance learners must also travel to Bozeman for annual on-campus residencies.
- Campus: Bozeman, Montana
- Program Length: 43 credit hours for master of science in nursing (MSN)-to-DNP; 85 credits for BSN-to-DNP
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $405 per credit for Montana residents; $1,227 per credit for out-of-state students
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare informatics; advanced nursing leadership and roles; vulnerability and healthcare in diverse communities; professional paper and project
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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University of Colorado Colorado Springs
One of four members of the University of Colorado system, UCCS administers 50 undergraduate, 24 master's, and seven doctoral degrees.
Students may pursue two pathways to a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. The online post-master's DNP, the terminal degree in advanced practice nursing, admits master of science in nursing (MSN) holders with active registered nurse licenses and nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialty certifications. Entrance to the online post bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)-to-DNP requires a bachelor's in nursing and a current RN license. The post-BSN pathway consists of core MSN courses, primary care nurse practitioner courses, and the DNP core.
Built on a practice scholar model, both online DNP programs emphasize the creation and delivery of culturally competent, ethical, and evidence-based, patient-centered care.
- Campus: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Program Length: 33 credits for the post-master's DNP; 70 credits for the BSN-to-DNP
- Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,063 per credit for Colorado residents; $1,609 per credit for out-of-state students
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced healthcare policy, ethics, and law; population-based healthcare for improving the nation's health; inferential statistics; organizational leadership and quality improvement
- School Website: Tuition | Financial Aid
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Applying to an Online DNP Program
Some DNP programs require incoming students to hold a master's at the beginning of the degree, while others offer doctoral tracks that accomodate learners with a bachelor's degree. Generally speaking, applicants should possess a high GPA; many schools set the minimum GPA requirement at 3.0.
In addition, candidates typically need a registered nursing license and work experience. Applicants should submit a resume, personal statement, and recommendation letters. Some schools require GRE or MAT scores, while others put more emphasis on an applicant's work experience.
Finally, prospective students should expect to participate in an interview with faculty members. The interview stage usually occurs later in the admission process and helps both students and faculty determine program fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to complete a DNP program?
Students who start their DNP programs with a bachelor's degree could spend 3-4 years pursuing their doctoral degree. Learners with master's degrees may be able to finish more quickly, within 2-3 years, or in some cases even one year. Additionally, degree-seekers who enroll part time may take longer than four years to graduate.
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What is accreditation and why is it important?
When searching for a DNP program, accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider. Accredited programs meet strict industry standards and guarantee that students receive a valuable education. Prospective DNP students should look for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
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What can I do with a DNP?
A DNP can lead to a variety of fulfilling careers in healthcare. Some graduates go on to work in healthcare settings as advanced practice nurses or nurse leaders and administrators. Others might use their doctoral degrees to become professors at universities. Professionals with DNPs may also become clinical researchers or healthcare lobbyists.
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What's the difference between a DNP and a Ph.D. in nursing?
A DNP focuses on nursing practice, ensuring excellent patient care, while a Ph.D. in nursing concentrates on research. Therefore, many DNP graduates work in high-level jobs within healthcare facilities. They might lead nursing teams or evaluate nursing practices at a hospital. A Ph.D. graduate may go into academia to conduct research and teach college-level courses. However, these categories are not set in stone, and nurses with doctorates are qualified to pursue many positions.