Top 10 Fast & Affordable Online MSN to FNP Programs 2025

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), also called nurse practitioners, are registered nurses (RNs) who have additional education and licensure that allows them to do many of the same things doctors can do, like perform checkups and prescribe medicine (depending on your state).

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are primary care providers for patients of all ages. To become an FNP, you'll need to complete a graduate program, like a Master of Science (MSN) to FNP program, and become licensed. Keep reading to discover affordable and accelerated MSN to FNPs online.

How Do You Go From MSN to FNP?

The way to go from MSN to FNP will depend on one primary factor: whether or not you've earned an MSN in nursing practice yet.

Those who hold a valid registered nurse license but have not earned an MSN have two options. They can earn an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in family nursing practice. These programs generally require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), but some will accept students with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

If you've already earned an MSN and want to further your education so you can expand your practice into family nursing, you also have two options. The first is a post-master's certificate in FNP, and the second is a DNP. Certificates take less time, but many employers prefer to hire candidates with a DNP.

Can You Pursue an MSN to FNP Online?

It is possible pursue an MSN to FNP online and get your education in family nursing practice online � for the most part. Generally, these types of programs offer coursework online but require you to complete in-person clinical experiences.

How Long Does It Take To Go From MSN to FNP?

How long it takes to go from MSN to FNP depends on what pathway you choose, as well as the program you pick and whether you study full-time or part-time.

Adding an FNP specialty to your MSN usually requires extra credit hours, so these degrees typically take two and a half to three years if you have your BSN. However, some schools offer programs that take two years or less.

A DNP can take three or four years for a BSN holder. Those with an MSN degree may be able to shave a year off if the school allows it.

MSN to FNP certificate programs usually take about two years to complete. However, like with MSN degrees, some schools offer faster options.

How Much Does an Online MSN to FNP Program Cost?

Graduate nursing programs can range in price from a few hundred dollars per credit hour to over $1,000 per credit. The total for your program will vary based on several factors:

• what school you choose
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• what program you're taking
• how many credit hours are required
• what financial aid you qualify for

Many schools offer financial aid to nursing students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.

Fastest and Cheapest MSN to FNP Programs Online

Several colleges and universities in the U.S. offer affordable online FNP programs that take two years or less to complete. We've highlighted some of these programs below.

1. Albany State University

Albany State University (ASU) is a public historically Black university (HBCU) in Albany, GA. It offers an online MSN family nurse practitioner program for RNs with a BSN.

The program includes courses on advanced health assessment, family primary care, and advanced pathophysiology. The program requires 44 credit hours and takes five to six consecutive semesters to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $308 per credit
• Program length: Five to six semesters (two years)
• Financial aid: ASU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Columbus State University

At Columbus State University, students can earn a master's degree in family nursing practice in just under two years. The program requires 44 credits and includes courses on health promotion across the lifespan, advanced pharmacology, and evidence-based practice.

Columbus State, a public university, is located in Columbus, GA. Its FNP degree features fully online coursework and clinical practice in a setting local to you.

• Estimated tuition cost: $340 per credit
• Program length: Five semesters (two years)
• Financial aid: Columbus State accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), offers both an MSN in FNP and a graduate FNP certificate. UNR is a public research university in Reno.

The MSN takes five consecutive semesters, or about 20 months, to complete. The certificate offers two options: a 17-credit option for certified APRNS and a 33-credit option for those with MSNs in a different field of nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $344.25 per credit
• Program length: Five semesters (20 months) for the MSN, two to four semesters for the certificate
• Financial aid: UNR offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and CCNE

4. New England Institute of Technology

The FNP MSN at the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) is a flexible online program that takes just two years to complete. Courses cover physical assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and primary care across the lifespan.

NEIT, located in East Greenwich, RI, is a private, nonprofit university. The MSN program here requires 66 quarter credits and one on-campus immersion experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $375 per credit
• Program length: Six quarters (two years)
• Financial aid: NEIT offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and ACEN

5. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University (A State) is a public research institution in Jonesboro, AR. It offers both an MSN in FNP for BSN holders and an FNP certificate for APRNs, and both are offered online.

The MSN requires 41.5 credit hours and takes as little as 24 months to complete. The certificate is 21.5 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 16 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $380 per credit hour
• Program length: 24 months for the MSN, 16 months for the certificate
• Financial aid: A State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and ACEN

6. Georgia Southwestern State University

Students at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) can earn an MSN and a graduate certificate in FNP online. Both cover topics like health care delivery and primary care across the lifespan and include clinical practicums.

GSW, a public university, is located in Americus, GA. The MSN takes 22 months to complete, and the certificate takes about 20 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit
• Program length: 22 months for the MSN, 20 months for the certificate
• Financial aid: GSW accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

7. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) offers a post-master's graduate certificate in family nursing practice. FSU is a public research university in Tallahassee, FL.

The online certificate teaches advanced patient care skills and requires clinical hours. The 25-credit program takes a little over a year to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $444.26 per credit (in-state); $1,138.80 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Four semesters (16 months)
• Financial aid: FSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

8. University of Central Missouri

The master's degree program in nursing at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) offers a family nurse practitioner track in a hybrid format. Offered through the School of Nursing, students complete practicum hours and gain experience in a full range of specialties, including women's health, pediatrics, gerontology, and more.

UCM, located in Warrensburg, MO, is a public university. The FNP MSN here takes about two years to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $445 per credit
• Program length: Two years
• Financial aid: UCM offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: HLC and CCNE

9. State University of New York at Brockport

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport is a public institution in Brockport, NY. It offers an online MSN and certificate in FNP.

The MSN requires 42 credits and takes four semesters, while the certificate requires 16 credits for APRNs. Both offer online coursework with in-person clinical experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $471 per credit (in-state); $565 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Four semesters (two years) for the MSN and two to three semesters for the certificate
• Financial aid: SUNY Brockport accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and CCNE

10. Nicholls State University

Through Nicholls State University, students can earn an online master's in family nursing practice. This is a 42-credit program that takes five semesters to complete.

Nicholls State, a public university, is located in Thibodaux, LA. Its MSN includes courses in advanced health assessment, primary care for diverse populations, and advanced pathophysiology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $475 per credit
• Program length: Five semesters (20 months)
• Financial aid: Nicholls State accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

How We Rank Schools

To choose the advanced practice nursing programs for this list, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All institutions are regionally accredited, and all nursing programs are either ACEN or CCNE-accredited.
• Affordability: Every school charges less than $500 per credit to in-state students.
• Program length: All programs can be completed in two years or less.
• Program reputation: All schools are nonprofit and offer high-quality healthcare programs.

Career Paths as a Family Nurse Practitioner

Most nurse practitioners who put in the time or effort to complete an FNP program and obtain national certification go on to work in primary care settings within family practice, like clinics. Their job is to take care of patients of all ages, helping them with health problems and doing standard wellness checkups.

According ot the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nurse practitioners in the U.S. is $129,210. Roles for nurse practitioners are expected to increase by 46% over the next decade.

APRNs may also decide to go into nursing administration, nursing education, public health, or other roles in the healthcare system. However, those who focus on family nursing practice are more likely to go into clinical care.

FAQs About Fast and Cheap MSN to FNP Programs Online

Completing an FNP program allows you to expand your practice. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about FNP programs so you can determine if this is a good choice for you.

Is an Accelerated MSN to FNP Worth It?

For many students, an accelerated MSN to FNP is worth it. These programs allow you to fast-track your career path and start working as a family nurse practitioner sooner.

Are Online MSN to FNP Programs Respected?

Online nursing programs, including MSN to FNP programs, are very highly respected. In fact, nursing programs are some of the most common online graduate degrees out there. They still teach students key nursing skills while also providing hands-on opportunities to help them hone their decision-making and critical thinking competencies.

Is 40 Too Old for Family Nurse Practitioner School?

Many nurses don't become nurse practitioners until later in life. There is no maximum age for nursing school, and 40 is a great time to be looking to further your career.

How Much Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Make?

According to the BLS, nurse practitioners in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $129,210. However, salary will vary by where you live and the type of healthcare setting you work in.

Discover More Online Nursing Programs

Find the perfect online nursing program for you by exploring the affordable and accelerated programs on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.