10 Cheapest Online FNP Certificate Programs in 2025

If you're a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you may be interested in pursuing career advancement. Particularly, you'd like to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) by earning a post-master's certificate.

Keep reading as we explore online FNP certificate programs you can pursue affordably. We'll also talk about what these programs entail and answer some questions you may have.

What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate?

A family nurse practitioner certificate is a graduate-level credential designed for students holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). It is a professional certification that allows graduates to provide primary care for patients throughout the lifespan.

Some nurses pursue FNP specializations while working toward their master's or doctoral degrees. However, if you hold a degree with another specialization or are looking to add a professional credential to your resume after earning a graduate degree, an FNP certificate may be ideal for you.

These programs commonly range from 18 to 36 credit hours, depending on the specific program, your previous level of education, and other professional certifications you may have. Coursework may cover various topics such as advanced health assessment, pediatric and adolescent healthcare, and adult gerontology patient care.

Can I Earn an FNP Certificate Online?

Yes, it is possible to become a certified family nurse practitioner by completing an online graduate certificate program. Many schools offer these programs online and on a flexible schedule to meet the needs of busy healthcare providers.

Some programs offer 100% online coursework, while others offer a hybrid approach with some on-campus components. Both online and hybrid programs require hands-on training through clinical experiences, which students can often complete in their workplaces or other primary care settings in their communities.

How Much Does an Online FNP Certificate Cost?

Different schools charge different tuition rates, and most charge by the credit hour. This means students will pay a specific rate for the number of courses they take.

Many programs charge total tuition rates ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. The schools featured in this article offer some of the lowest rates available, with total tuition costs ranging from around $5,400 to $14,310.

How Long Is an Online Post-Master's FNP Certification Program?

Generally speaking, FNP certificates require anywhere from 18 to 36 credit hours, though some may require more or less. You'll also have to complete a set number of clinical hours while working through the program; these requirements will also vary from school to school.

Most FNP certificate programs take about two to three years to complete. Some accelerated programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months, while students on a part-time schedule may take three years or longer to graduate.

Cheapest FNP Certificate Programs Online

If you've completed a graduate program in nursing and are looking to take your career to the next level, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some of the most affordable family nurse practitioner certificate programs online and the schools that offer them.

1. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a public school with its main campus in Statesboro, GA. It offers one of the most affordable online FNP certificate programs in the country.

All students in this 19-credit program pay the same low tuition rate. Though coursework is completed online, all clinical components must be completed in Georgia or South Carolina, so students residing outside of these states must be available to travel or temporarily relocate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,396 total
• Financial aid: Various scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment opportunities are available to help students cover costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno is a public school in the University of Nevada System. Learners with APRN certification can pursue an affordable FNP graduate certificate online.

The program consists of just 17 credit hours and can provide advanced standing in the school's DNP program. A 33-credit, non-APRN option is also available, but it costs significantly more due to the credit hour requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: as little as $6,893.50 total
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships, though federal and state financial aid is not available for this program.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is a public school in Las Cruces, NM. Its 18-credit post master's FNP program provides 100% online coursework and affordable tuition rates.

This program helps prepare students to provide high-quality nursing care, helping them increase their value in the healthcare industry. Coursework is flexible and typically takes about a year to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,999.20 total
• Financial aid: Grants and loans are available, and the school also offers various scholarships and accepts external scholarship funds.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public school in Jonesboro, AR. It provides a flexible online FNP certificate that students can complete within 16 months.

Students can choose from three yearly start dates and enjoy personalized attention from world-class faculty. Students take core courses online and complete six clinical courses to help them prepare for their future careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,170 total
• Financial aid: The program is not eligible for financial aid but may accept scholarships from outside sources.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Georgia College and State University

Georgia College and State University is a public school in Milledgeville, GA. It offers several post master's nursing certificate programs, including one for aspiring FNPs.

The program requires 22 to 31 total credit hours, depending on whether you've taken specific supporting courses in previous education programs. Students complete coursework online and demonstrate their understanding through hands-on practicum experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: As little as $8,404 total
• Financial aid: Students can apply for scholarships, and various state and federal aid options are also available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, TX. This large public school offers various online programs, including a post-master's FNP certificate.

Students complete 36 total credit hours as part of this program. Residents of Texas pay affordable tuition rates of around $280, though it's important to note that out-of-state learners are charged higher rates.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,086.48 total
• Financial aid: Students can obtain grants, scholarships, and loans to help them cover the costs of their certificate program.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Angelo State University

Angelo State University is another public school in Texas. Located in San Angelo, it offers a 100% online FNP programs for APRN-certified nurses.

Students in this program master evidence-based practice through 25 credit hours of nursing courses and clinical experiences. Students typically complete clinical requirements in their local communities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,429 total
• Financial aid: Students can earn scholarships and other forms of aid to help them pay for school.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is located in Florence, AL. This public school provides a post master's FNP program with start dates each summer and fall.

The program requires at least 23 credit hours of online coursework and 500 hours of direct patient care. Students must hold current RN licensure in any state where they plan to complete clinical experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,385 total
• Financial aid: A variety of internal and external scholarships are available for students in the school of nursing.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Florida State University

Florida State University is a public school in Tallahassee, FL. Its online post master's FNP program consists of 26 credit hours.

Students must hold at least a master's degree and have completed several prerequisites prior to program admission. Most courses are synchronous, allowing students the flexibility to study from anywhere while helping them stay on track.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,550.76
• Financial aid: An array of scholarships and tuition assistance programs is available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online school in Utah. The WGU FNP program provides self-paced courses and ultimate flexibility.

The WGU FNP charges tuition per six-month term and allows students to take as many courses as they want per term. Though it typically takes students about one year to complete the program, those studying at a faster rate can potentially save big on their education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,310
• Financial aid: An array of scholarships, tuition assistance, discounts, and federal aid options are available.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU

How We Rank Schools

We strive to include only top programs in our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the certification programs above:

• Accreditation: All schools are institutionally accredited, and the nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Affordability: All of the programs feature affordable tuition under $15,000.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for providing top-notch education programs to help students improve their decision-making and patient care skills.

What To Expect From an Affordable Online FNP Certificate

No two post-master's FNP programs are exactly the same, and the number of courses you'll have to take will largely depend on your previous training and experience. The amount of time it takes to complete your graduate nursing certificate will depend on how many courses you have to take and whether you study part-time or full-time.

An FNP post master's certificate may cover a variety of different topics through online coursework and in-person clinical placements. Common topics may include:

• advanced pathophysiology
• advanced pharmacology
• women's health
• disease prevention and wellness across the lifespan
• health promotion

Students in online programs often benefit from generous transfer credit policies, flexible coursework, and frequent yearly start dates. These features can make education more accessible for those with current RN licenses and careers to pursue advanced nursing opportunities.

FAQs About Low-Cost FNP Certificates

If you still have questions about enrolling in an affordable FNP nursing program, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is an Online FNP Certificate Worth It?

Depending on your career goals and background, getting a post master's FNP certificate can be well worth the time and money invested. If you already hold a master's degree and want to transition to an FNP career, you can get a certificate faster and more affordably than you can get a DNP. This added credential can also help you pursue job growth in various roles, potentially helping you qualify for a higher salary.

What Can You Do With an FNP Certificate?

There are numerous career paths you can pursue with an FNP certificate. Some common healthcare systems that employ these advanced practice nursing professionals include:

• primary care facilities
• community health centers
• public health departments
• school health facilities
• telehealth providers

How Much Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), family nurse practitioners and other advanced nursing specialists can earn considerable salaries for their expertise. The national average salary for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is $132,050 per year; however, the highest 10% of earners can make well over $200,000 per year.

What Fees Are There for Online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Grad Programs?

All certificate and degree programs charge fees that are typically separate from tuition costs. These may include:

• technology fees
• department fees
• graduation fees
• health insurance fees
• course fees

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Programs?

Exact requirements can vary from school to school, but there is a lot of overlap in the expected academic standards. Common admission requirements may include:

• a graduate-level nursing degree from a CCNE-accredited institution
• official transcripts demonstrating minimum GPA (usually 3.0)
• RN licensure
• APRN certification
• completion of prerequisite courses
• letters of recommendation

Discover Online Certificate Programs

If you're ready to pursue enrollment in an affordable FNP program, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact the schools directly to learn more about their programs and to choose the right option for you.