How Much is NP School (& How Do I Pay for It)?

Making the decision to go back to school to earn your degree as a nurse practitioner is a great first step on your NP journey! So now that you’ve made that decision and are super excited to get started, what are the other things to consider? One of the biggest questions you may have right now is, “So, how much is NP school going to cost—and how do I pay for it?”

In this post, we’ll break down the average costs of NP programs across different degree routes (MSN vs DNP) and also an overview of student loan options. There are some big changes coming up in 2026 for student loans, so make sure you know what’s available!

How much does NP school cost?

There’s no straightforward answer to that question. There are many variables when it comes to the cost of different NP programs. You’ll need to consider if you will be completing an MSN program, BSN to DNP program, or a post-master’s certificate program. The cost will also significantly differ between public and private institutions, with private non-profit institutions traditionally having the highest cost.

The following information is from NurseJournal.org which gathered data from the National Center for Education Statistics:

💸 For MSN level NP programs (BSN to MSN, RN to MSN), you can expect costs to range from about $25,000 to $35,000 on average per year. MSN programs can be completed in 2–4 years depending on part-time or full-time study.

💸 If you’ll be including doctoral studies (DNP) in your NP journey, the cost of those courses tend to be higher. The average cost across DNP programs is usually around $28,000 to $43,000 per year. If completing a BSN to DNP degree, it may take 3–6 years depending on the program outline.

Before you get sticker shock by those numbers, there are some important things to consider. When looking at programs, check whether it’s in-person or online and how that would meet your needs. You’ll also want to look at additional fees associated with the program. Some programs carry higher student fees to cover on-campus intensives, textbooks, and equipment. Be sure to ask questions about total cost, not just tuition when looking at programs.

Lastly, you’ll want to choose a program that has high board certification pass rates. The cost of the program isn’t going to matter if the institution doesn’t prepare you well for your NP board exam and future clinical practice!

How do I pay for NP school?

Federal Student Loans

Now that you have a better idea of the cost of NP programs, let’s go over some options for federal student loans. With the current administration, changes will be coming to the types of student loan options that will take effect on July 1, 2026.

💸 If you plan to pursue your NP education before July 1, 2026, your federal student loan options as a graduate student include Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

⭐ Max borrowing limit is $20,500 per year
⭐ Fixed interest rate
⭐ Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is dispersed (current rate for July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026 is 7.94%)

Grad PLUS Loans

⭐ Can borrow up to the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, etc) after maxing out other financial aid options
⭐ Fixed interest rate
⭐ Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is dispersed (current rate for July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026 is 8.94%)
⭐ Has higher origination fees compared to direct unsubsidized loans

Both require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Changes to Federal Student Loans (after July 1, 2026)

After July 1, 2026, the biggest changes for borrowers will be limits on total amounts borrowed the elimination of Grad PLUS loans. The total borrowing cap for graduate students will decrease to $100,000, and for professional students, it will be $200,000.

Unfortunately, the Department of Education has proposed that NPs do not fall under the “professional degree” category when it comes to federal loan borrowing. Thus, the cap for new borrowers seeking federal student loans for NP school after July 1, 2026 will be $20,500 annually, $100,000 total limit.

As for the Grad PLUS loans going away, they likely will still be available for a few years after 2026, but borrowers should consider other means of funding if possible.

When reviewing federal student loan options, also make sure to look over the repayment plans. After 2026, the repayment options will be much more limited and will only include a standard repayment plan (fixed monthly payments over a window of 10–25 years) or the repayment assistance program (income-based repayment plan). Borrowers that might be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) will only qualify if they are enrolled in the repayment assistance program, which is an important new rule to be aware of.  

Private Student Loan Options

With the changes coming to federal student loans, more borrowers may seek private student loan options to help finance their education. Local, community-based banks and larger, national banks and loan companies (SoFi, Ascent, College Ave) can offer options.

However, with private student loans, there tends to be a greater emphasis on credit score. A lower credit score or poor credit history will likely require a co-signer and come with a higher interest rate. Be sure to shop around!

Grants & Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are a great option to help offset some of the cost of an NP program. Neither have to be repaid, so that will be one less thing to worry about!

Federal scholarship programs include the National Health Service Corp (NHSC) and the NURSE Corp Scholarship Program through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Both options provide funding for tuition, but do require service to designated populations or employers, typically to serve underserved areas in return. The service commitment may vary based on amount awarded and there may be restrictions on the types of programs that potential borrowers are able to attend. These scholarships can be a great opportunity, but like any other type of financial commitment, but sure to read the fine print!

We also recommend looking at professional nursing organizations and see what they have available. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) offer scholarships for graduate nursing students.

Also, check out state-level nursing organizations and even healthcare companies like the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship. The NP program itself may have scholarship opportunities! The graduate admissions counselor at the institution should be able to provide more specific guidance. 

Final Thoughts

The cost of higher education and the options for loans and repayment can be really overwhelming! To recap the main points:

⭐ Understand what type of NP program (MSN or DNP) you want
⭐ “Shop” around for prices at different programs
⭐ Look at the total cost (including all fees)
⭐ Know your federal and private student loan options
⭐ Look into grants and scholarships – every little bit helps!

If you find you’re still stuck, reach out to the admissions office of the program(s) you’re interested in. They have professionals that help current and prospective students navigate the cost of different programs and will be a great resource for you.

No matter what, be proud of what you will accomplish and keep chasing those dreams!

Preparing for NP school and not sure what the curriculum entails? Check out this other post demystifying the NP school curriculum!