PhD in Nursing & Online DNP Programs Affordable & Cheap
Cheapest BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP & PhD Options — 2026
Last Verified: September 2026
To bring PhD in Nursing and Online DNP Programs affordable and Cheap here at Best Online Doctoral Programs we compiled the verified information using official university tuition pages, the CCNE (ccneaccreditation.org) and ACEN (acenursing.org) accreditation directories, and published 2025–2026 tuition schedules. Tuition changes at least once a year at most schools — always confirm the current rate directly with the program before applying.
Researched & reviewed by Adan Abbasi— Visit Author Page
Cost is one of the major factors for which qualified nurses do not pursue a doctoral degree in nursing. Between for example BSN to DNP program alone can cost you $60,000 at a private university and can be done under US$20,000 at an accredited public university. And if you are a nurse holding an MSN degree then this cost can be reduced drastically to under US$10,000. If you are searching for Online DNP programs affordable enough to match the budget of working nurse or want to explore your options and compare the cheapest online DNP programs against affordable PhD in Nursing, then you must consider several factors that can affect the cost of any online nursing doctoral program.
To make your research easy here at best online doctoral programs we offer you the opportunity to explore some of the best accredited Nursing Schools offering affordable nursing doctoral programs, factor that affect the cost, as well the real numbers rather than marketing claims.
For you, we cover different entry pathways – Affordable BSN to DNP, Cheapest MSN to DNP, in expensive RN to DNP and most affordable PhD in Nursing Program online because “affordable” means different and depends on your starting point. It is straight forward to understand that a 29 Credit Post Master’s DNP and 75 Credit BSN to DNP cannot be available in the same price. Even the per credit cost is identical.
🔍 New to the DNP vs. PhD decision?
This page focuses specifically on cost. For the full breakdown of career paths, timelines, and clinical requirements, see the Nursing PhD & DNP Online Programs guide first - Best Online Nursing Doctoral Programs
Table of Contents
What Makes Online DNP Programs Affordable? Key Cost Factors Explained
It is very important for you to know and understand the key factors that make PhD or Online DNP Programs Affordable or expensive. Here we focus on four key factors that affect the cost more than anything.
Entry point
Entry Point is the most important and decisive cost factor. If you are MSN degree holder than you are eligible for a post master’s DNP program that usually requires 29-36 credit as your MSN coursework and clinical hours already count. On the other hand, BSN to DNP programs often span up to 60-80 credits as this route also covers the full master’s coursework. In simple words no matter how low a per-credit rate, it can still cost you more if you are entering from a bachelors.
Public vs. private, and residency
Another factor of your choosing as most of the public universities charge between $326 to $672 per credit for online nursing doctoral coursework. Whereas private universities cost between $800 to $ 1700 per credit for the same credentials. Many of the public nursing schools also offer identical online rates regardless of home state – that is why it highly recommended that you always check this before assuming out of state tuition applies.
Format: dissertation vs. Capstone:
Another factor that makes Online DNP Programs affordable is no dissertation format. Typically, DNP programs replace research dissertation with a practice-based capstone, making DNP programs shorter and cheaper than a PhD in Nursing.
Program length and pacing
Accelerated or Fastest models make Online DNP Programs affordable as compared to full-term programs. For example, a fast, 8 week-term structure with rolling admission (like Wichita State’s or UT Arlington’s), not only compresses the completion time but also reduces the overall cost of the program.
⚠️ Important Note — Total Cost, Not Per-Credit Rate
Always multiply credits × per credit rate, then add fees. A 29-credit program at $ $412/credit totals $11943. A 75-credit program at $440/credit totals $33,000 — nearly four times more, despite a similar-looking sticker price. This single calculation is the most common mistake nurses make when comparing "cheap" DNP programs.
Cheapest Online BSN to DNP Programs — Verified September 2026
If you are BSN degree holder and want directly to doctoral program in nursing without doing master's but in low cost, then below are some of the accredited options available for you as these programs meets your search of Online DNP Programs that are most affordable.
| University | Location | Cost | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University | Tennessee, US | $672/credit in-state (verify current rate) | CCNE | No GRE required; BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP tracks |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL, US | $435/credit in-state; $609/credit OOS (2025-26 schedule) | CCNE | BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways |
| University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) | Alabama, US | Verify current per-credit rate | CCNE | Separate institution from University of South Alabama; 100% online |
| Fort Hays State University | Kansas, US | 75 credits, hybrid — verify current rate | CCNE | Only KS, NE, and OK residents currently eligible |
| Chatham University | Pittsburgh, PA, US | Verify on official site; scholarships available | CCNE | 48 credits; low-residency online model |
| University of Cincinnati | Ohio, US | Min. 75 credits — verify current per-credit rate | CCNE | Offers both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP |
| Texas Woman’s University | Texas, US | Redesigned program — 40 credit hours; verify current rate | ACEN | 540 practicum hours; Dallas & Houston centers |
📌 Note on These Figures
Figures above reflect tuition only. They typically exclude mandatory technology fees, clinical-placement or malpractice-insurance fees, and graduation fees, which can add roughly $500–$2,000 to the total. Always request a full, itemized cost breakdown from admissions before comparing schools side by side.
Best Affordable BSN to DNP Programs Online — What to Verify Before You Apply
- Confirm whether the published rate is per-credit or per-semester, and whether it changes after year one.
- Ask directly whether your state of residence is eligible — several of the schools above restrict enrollment by state.
- Confirm the total credit count for your specific specialization track — FNP, PMHNP, and executive tracks often carry different credit loads at the same school.
Cheapest Online MSN to DNP Programs — Verified September-2026
If you are a nurse holding an MSN degree, then you are eligible for the fastest route of post master’s DNP program in the least expensive cost, as most of your graduate course work and clinical hours count toward the 1000 – hour CCNE/ACEN requirement and the fastest factor discussed earlier applied to the cost of your Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.
| University | Cost | Credits | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University | $421.35/credit combined rate ($367.92 base + $53.43 nursing program fee); ~$13,061-$14,000+ total with fees | 31 credits | CCNE | Small per-credit infrastructure/tech fees ($22.33/credit) also apply |
| Fort Hays State University | $485.98/credit (Kansas Board of Regents-approved online DNP rate) | Min. 30 credits | CCNE | Flat rate applies equally to in-state and out-of-state students — no OOS surcharge |
| University of Alabama | $505.00/credit combined rate ($480 base + $25 Capstone College of Nursing fee); $17,675-$18,180 total | 35-36 credits | CCNE | Flat rate applies to in-state and out-of-state online students |
| Indiana State University | $462/credit in-state; $610/credit eligible OOS online/Midwest Consortium; $954/credit standard OOS | 36-39 credits | ACEN | In-state total $16,632-$18,018; eligible OOS online total $21,960-$23,790; no dissertation |
| East Tennessee State University | $672/credit TN resident; $835.50/credit OOS online-only eRate; $1,513/credit standard OOS | 32-35 credits | CCNE | TN resident total $21,504-$23,520; OOS eRate total $26,736-$29,242 |
📌 Note on These Figures
As with the BSN-entry table above, these rates are tuition only. Post-master's programs sometimes carry a one-time doctoral-project or dissertation-support fee not reflected in the per-credit rate — ask admissions specifically about this before finalizing your comparison.
💡 Post-Master's DNP Programs — Why This Is Usually the Cheapest Route Overall
Because a post-master's DNP needs roughly half the credits of a BSN-entry program, it is almost always the least expensive path to the degree in absolute dollar terms — even at schools that charge a slightly higher per-credit rate. If you're an MSN-prepared nurse comparing cheapest online MSN to DNP programs, start here before looking at BSN-entry options.
For the fuller comparison of program speed by entry point, see the Fastest Online DNP Programs page, which breaks down exactly which post-master's tracks finish in 12–15 months.
Most Affordable PhD in Nursing Programs Online — Verified September 2026
A dissertation requirement is always required for PhD in Nursing, so it is expensive as compared to DNP programs, but still the per credit cost offered by the Public Universities is usually cheaper as compared to Nursing PhD programs offered by the private universities. In addition, more scholarships and funding opportunities are available for the PhD Programs in Nursing as compared to Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs. For your review, we present some of the most affordable accredited research track options below.
| University | Cost | Credits / Length | Accreditation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | $500/credit, no college or infrastructure fees | 63 credits; 3-4 yrs | CCNE | Joint program with University of Alabama in Huntsville; one of the lowest verified per-credit PhD rates among public research universities |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $578.12/credit | 48-60 credits; 4 yrs | CCNE | First fully-online Nursing Leadership PhD; NFLP loan forgiveness up to 85% available |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) | $681.30/credit flat online rate (residency-independent), 2026-27 academic year | BS-to-PhD 77 credits ($52,460); MS-to-PhD 59 credits ($40,197); Post-clinical-doctorate 48 credits ($32,702) | CCNE (Sinclair School of Nursing) | Flat, residency-independent rate; blended delivery with required campus visits |
📌 Note on These Figures
These totals reflect tuition only and do not include research assistantship offsets, teaching-assistant stipends, or grant-funded tuition waivers, which many PhD students — especially full-time, on-campus-adjacent candidates — successfully negotiate. Ask each program directly what assistantship or funding opportunities exist for online or part-time doctoral students specifically, since funding is often reserved for full-time cohorts
⚠️ Why PhD Totals Look Higher Than DNP Totals
Even at a comparable per-credit rate, a PhD in Nursing almost always costs more in total than a DNP, because the dissertation timeline adds one to three additional years of tuition, fees, and often a research-methods sequence the DNP capstone doesn't require. If overall cost is your primary concern rather than a research career, the DNP is usually the more affordable degree — see the side-by-side breakdown on the Nursing PhD & DNP Online Programs page.
Internationally, the lowest-cost PhD in Nursing options remain outside the US entirely — German public universities charge no tuition, and many Nordic doctoral positions function as paid employment rather than a tuition-based enrollment. These are covered by country below.
How Speed and "No Dissertation" Affect What You Actually Pay
As we discussed earlier, No Dissertation and accelerated routes directly lower the cost of nursing doctorates. And the reasons are:
- No dissertation lowers cost structurally. DNP programs with capstone or applied project are designed to be completed within specific credit standards, while traditional PhD in Nursing requiring dissertation usually add the extra cost of independent research and committee reviews as these requirements carry own tuition and fees charges with additional one to three extra years cost.
- Fewer terms mean more affordable tuition cost despite the fact that per credit cost is the same. That is the reason 8 week-terms (Wichita State, UT Arlington) MSN to DNP programs online are considered the fastest and cheapest options.
- You must also understand that it is not necessary that the fastest Online Program is affordable too, or the cheapest DNP Online programs are not always the fastest. It is highly recommended that you check and verify both cost and completion time independently instead of assuming one predicts the other.
For a clear understanding of the capstone-versus-dissertation trade-off, you. explore our No Dissertation DNP Online page. For a complete breakdown of which programs finish fastest by entry point, see the Fastest Online DNP Programs page.
Affordable DNP & PhD in Nursing Programs by Country
Many have the misconception that nursing doctorates are only available in the USA. There are inexpensive DNP Online of fully funded nursing doctorate online options offered by the accredited universities of other countries too.
United States
Though the Nursing doctorates are available outside USA too, USA offers widest accredited options without any doubts. Including Wichita State University $11943 total post-master’s DNP to $70,000+ private BSN-to-DNP programs. In the USA, public universities offer more affordable online DNP programs, but it is also recommended that you should verify state-residency eligibility before applying.
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is another country offering less expensive nursing doctorate programs, featuring supervision led models rather than coursework heavy doctorates. For domestic students, these programs become more affordable with access to UKRI funding that reduces or sometimes eliminates the net cost. For international students UK Nursing doctorate programs can cost £21,000–£30,000/year.
Canada
PhD in Nursing in Canada featured because of its funding options – full-time students of PhD in Nursing schools in Canada like University of Toronto and University of British Columbia receives multi-year funding packages that reduces the tuition fees significantly. Although the published international fees are around CAD 22,000–30,000/year.
Australia
For Domestic Students Australia’s Research Training Program (RTP) makes a PhD in nursing almost tuition free as well for international students there are competitive scholarships options available with a faster 3–4-year research intensive structure.
Germany
For affordability there is no comparison for Germany’s Cheapest PhD in Nursing Programs – Public universities in Germany offer completely tuition free Nursing PhD programs with a nominal per semester administrative fees (roughly €150–300). In addition, many of the doctoral students also get employment as paid research assistants.
Two More Affordable Options Worth Knowing
- South Africa (UNISA): In international Online PhD in Nursing affordable options one of the most accredited names is of University of South Africa(UNISA) offering most affordable distance learning PhD in Nursing program. The program is regulated by SANC and specifically designed to meet the requirements of distance learners.
- Ireland: More international affordable option worth to discuss are Ireland’s universities Trinity College Dublin and NUI Galway. Both are regulated by NMBI backed by IRC/HRB funded positions making the Nursing PhD programs cheap and affordable for successful applicants.
For the full global comparison across additional countries — Explore our Online PhD and Doctorate Comparison by Country Page
⚠️ Note — Currency and Funding Eligibility
Figures above are shown in each country's local currency and are not directly comparable without converting at current exchange rates. More importantly, funding eligibility (UKRI, RTP, DAAD, IRC/HRB) frequently differs for domestic versus international applicants — in several countries, the headline affordability only applies to one group. Always confirm your own eligibility category directly with the university before assuming a funded rate applies to you.
Which are the most Affordable Online DNP & PhD in Nursing Programs? — At a Glance
For your review and comparison, we listed some of the most affordable Online DNP and PhD Programs summing up all the pathways we discussed on this page earlier.
| Category | Most Affordable Verified Option | Approx. Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest post-master’s DNP | Wichita State University | $421.35/credit; ~$13,061-$14,000+ total (31 credits) |
| Cheapest BSN-to-DNP | University of South Alabama | $435/credit in-state |
| Cheapest PhD in Nursing (per credit) | University of Alabama | $500/credit |
| Cheapest globally (tuition-free) | German public universities | Admin fee only (~€150-300/semester) |
| Best funded option (domestic) | Australian public universities (RTP) | Tuition-free for eligible domestic students |
⚠️ Accreditation Verification — Non-Negotiable
Every program listed above should carry CCNE or ACEN program-level nursing accreditation in the US, or the equivalent national nursing regulator abroad (NMBI in Ireland, SANC in South Africa, TEQSA in Australia). A low price is not a substitute for accreditation — verify independently at ccneaccreditation.org or acenursing.org before enrolling in any program on this page.
Scholarships and Funding for Affordable DNP & PhD Programs
Here is the Good News, that even the verified cheapest programs DNP Online and DNP programs cost can be reduced further, by different scholarships and funding options available for example employer tuition assistance (up to
Even the cheapest verified DNP program can often be reduced further. Employer tuition assistance (up to $5,250/year tax-free in the US) can reduce the significant online nursing doctoral of a program like Wichita State's. As well, many of the hospital systems offer more than the federal minimum. National Nursing Organization like (AACN, ANA, AANP also maintain scholarship databases, and it is highly recommended that you should check those sources before committing to any nursing online doctoral program based on a sticker price alone.
For the full breakdown of funding sources, application tips, and country-specific scholarship programs, see the Scholarships & Funding for Online Doctorate Programs page.
Explore More: Related Doctoral Programs and Resources
Best Online Doctoral Programs covers doctoral programs across all major disciplines, countries, and career goals. Use the links below to explore related resources:
By Special Interest
Fastest PhD and Doctorate Online →
One Year Online Doctorate and PhD →
No Dissertation Online Doctorate Programs →
Cheapest Online PhD & Doctorate Programs →
Scholarship and Funding for Online Doctoral Programs →
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is the cheapest online DNP program right now?
Among verified, accredited options, Wichita State University’s post-master’s DNP ($11943 total for 29 credits) is consistently cited as one of the lowest total-cost accredited online DNP programs in the US. For BSN-entry students, the University of South Alabama’s $435/credit in-state rate is among the most competitive.
Are cheap DNP programs less rigorous or less accredited?
Not if you verify accreditation first. An affordable price reflects lower institutional overhead or public-university subsidy — not lower academic rigor. Every program on this page should hold CCNE or ACEN program-level accreditation regardless of cost.
Is a PhD in Nursing cheaper than a DNP?
Usually not in total dollars, even at a similar per-credit rate, because the PhD’s dissertation stage adds one to three years of additional tuition and fees that the DNP’s practice capstone doesn’t require. Internationally, however, publicly funded PhD positions in Germany, Sweden, and Australia can be considerably cheaper — or effectively free — compared to any US DNP program.
What's the difference between cheapest MSN to DNP and cheapest BSN to DNP programs?
An MSN-to-DNP (post-master’s) program typically requires 29–36 credits because your prior graduate coursework and clinical hours count toward the DNP. A BSN-to-DNP program embeds a full master’s inside the doctorate and often runs 60–80 credits. Even at the same per-credit rate, the BSN-entry route usually costs two to three times more in total.
Can an affordable DNP program also be fast and dissertation-free?
Often, yes — these three qualities tend to travel together, since a shorter, capstone-based, 8-week-term structure reduces total tuition automatically. Wichita State, University of Alabama, and UT Arlington’s post-master’s tracks are frequently cited across all three categories.
Which country has the most affordable PhD in Nursing overall?
Germany, for pure cost — public universities charge no tuition and many doctoral candidates hold paid research positions. Australia is the strongest option for domestic students specifically, thanks to RTP funding that makes many PhDs effectively tuition-free.
Do out-of-state students pay more for online DNP programs?
It depends entirely on the school. Some public universities (like Fort Hays State’s MSN-to-DNP) charge a single flat rate regardless of residency; others charge significantly more for out-of-state students (University of South Alabama charges roughly double for out-of-state online students). Always confirm this directly.
📋 Editorial Information
Written and Researched by: Adan Abbasi
Last Updated: September 2026
Our Editorial Policy
📋 Editorial Note — Content Accuracy & Review
This page was compiled using official university tuition and admissions pages, the CCNE and ACEN accreditation directories, and third-party nursing-education data aggregators, cross-checked where possible against each institution’s own published rates. Tuition, accreditation status, and state-eligibility rules change frequently and without notice. If you spot outdated information, please use the site contact form to let us know.
Sources referenced in this revision
Accreditation Directories
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) — ccneaccreditation.org
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) — acenursing.org
Official University Sources (verified directly)
- Wichita State University — official DNP program page, wichita.edu/academics/oal/online_programs/dnp.php
- East Tennessee State University — official ETSU-TTU joint DNP page, oupub.etsu.edu/online/graduate-degrees/etsu-ttu-nursing-dnp.php
- University of South Alabama — official College of Nursing DNP page and 2025-26 tuition schedule, southalabama.edu
Other University Figures (official admissions/tuition pages — verify current rate directly on each school’s site)
Fort Hays State University, University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), University of Cincinnati, Texas Woman’s University, Indiana State University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Missouri
Cross-Verification / Data Aggregation
- Peterson’s Online School Profiles — petersons.com
- Institution-reported figures cross-checked against nursing-education data aggregator sites where an official page wasn’t directly available
Disclaimer
The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute academic, financial, or career advice. Inclusion of any university does not constitute an endorsement, ranking, or guarantee of admission, program quality, or outcomes. Tuition figures are estimates based on publicly available 2025–2026 data and are subject to change without notice — always verify current fees directly with the institution. Accreditation must be verified independently through official accrediting-body directories. Program availability and state-eligibility rules vary and should be confirmed directly with each school before enrolling.
Ready to Find Your Program?
Explore the specified sections of Best Online Doctoral Programs categorized by speed, cost, subject, country, and dissertation requirements. Every program listed is accredited, verified, and updated for the 2026 academic year.