Best Online DNP Programs in 2026: Accredited Degrees for Nursing Leaders

Key Takeaways:

• Online DNP programs are the terminal practice degree in nursing, preparing advanced practice nurses for leadership, policy, and direct patient care roles.
• All programs on this list require a master’s degree for admission, are CCNE- or ACEN-accredited, and are available fully or mostly online.
• Estimated total costs range from under $9,000 to around $30,000, making accredited DNP education more accessible than many students expect.

If you are an advanced practice nurse ready to take the next step in your career, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) could be the degree that gets you there. The DNP is the terminal practice-focused degree in nursing, meaning it is the highest credential designed for clinicians and leaders who work directly with patients and healthcare systems. Unlike a research-oriented PhD, a DNP emphasizes evidence-based practice, organizational leadership, and healthcare policy.

GetEducated makes it easier to compare accredited online DNP programs by cost, format, and specialization.

Top Accredited Online DNP Programs for 2026

From post-MSN completion tracks to executive leadership specializations, these programs span a range of nursing focus areas. Here is what you need to know about each one.

1. Liberty University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Liberty University’s online DNP is a CCNE-accredited post-master’s program built around evidence-based practice and nursing leadership. It is structured for MSN-prepared nurses who want to reach the highest level of clinical and administrative practice.

• Estimated Cost: $25,490
• Credits: 41
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

The program offers a strong faith-informed curriculum alongside practical leadership training. Visit Liberty University’s tuition page for current pricing.

2. Grand Canyon University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Grand Canyon University offers a CCNE-accredited online DNP program that focuses on systems-level thinking and evidence-based quality improvement. Designed for working nurses, the curriculum helps graduates translate research into real-world healthcare solutions.

• Estimated Cost: $29,255
• Credits: 39
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

GCU regularly ranks among the larger online nursing programs in the country. See GCU’s tuition page for updated fees.

3. Carlow University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Carlow University’s online DNP is one of the most compact options on this list at just 28 credits. This institution-paced program focuses on applying nursing science to organizational and clinical challenges at the systems level.

• Estimated Cost: $30,350
• Credits: 28
• Format: 100% Online, Institution-Paced
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

Fewer required credits can mean a faster path to completion. Check Carlow’s DNP tuition page for specifics.

4. Missouri State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Missouri State University offers one of the most affordable online DNP programs in the country, with a flat tuition rate regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. The CCNE-accredited program is designed for MSN-prepared nurses focused on healthcare leadership and quality improvement.

• Estimated Cost: $8,961
• Credits: 29
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.2 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

The price point here is exceptional for a doctoral program. Visit Missouri State’s tuition and fees page to confirm current rates.

5. University of Central Arkansas: Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN)

The University of Central Arkansas offers a CCNE-accredited Post-MSN DNP that bridges your master’s preparation with doctoral-level nursing scholarship. The program is mostly online with institution-paced scheduling.

• Estimated Cost: $10,400
• Credits: 32
• Format: Mostly Online, Institution-Paced
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

A strong value in the South for nurses seeking doctoral credentials. See the UCA tuition calculator for individualized cost estimates.

6. New Mexico State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

New Mexico State University’s online DNP prepares nurses for advanced roles through a CCNE-accredited curriculum. The mostly online format with institution-paced delivery makes it manageable alongside a clinical career.

• Estimated Cost: $11,934
• Credits: 29
• Format: Mostly Online, Institution-Paced
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

NMSU’s program is a great fit for nurses in the Southwest seeking an affordable doctorate. Head to NMSU’s online DNP page for details.

7. Wichita State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice / Individual/Family

Wichita State University’s CCNE-accredited DNP with an Individual/Family focus prepares nurses to work at the intersection of direct care and organizational leadership. The fully online format is designed for nurses who cannot step away from the workforce.

• Estimated Cost: $11,976
• Credits: 29
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.2 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

This program’s focus on the individual and family sets it apart from more general DNP tracks. See Wichita State’s tuition and fees page for rates.

8. Georgia Southern University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Georgia Southern University’s mostly online DNP program is CCNE-accredited and positions graduates to lead clinical quality and systems change efforts. The 37-credit curriculum delivers a thorough grounding in evidence-based nursing leadership.

• Estimated Cost: $15,263
• Credits: 37
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

Georgia Southern brings strong clinical partnerships and research infrastructure.

9. Alcorn State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice / Family Nurse Practitioner

Alcorn State University’s DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus combines advanced clinical practice preparation with doctoral-level scholarship. The mostly online format includes a GRE requirement for admission.

• Estimated Cost: $15,560
• Credits: 35
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE required

The FNP specialization makes this a strong option for nurses focused on primary care. Visit Alcorn State’s bursar office for tuition details.

10. University of North Georgia: Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of North Georgia offers an ACEN-accredited online DNP for MSN-prepared nurses. ACEN, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, is one of the two nationally recognized bodies for nursing program accreditation, alongside CCNE. The mostly online format spans 38 credits.

• Estimated Cost: $15,750
• Credits: 38
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.2 GPA
• Accreditation: ACEN

A solid option for Georgia nurses who want to stay close to home or take advantage of in-state pricing. See UNG’s tuition and fee charts for current rates.

11. Pittsburg State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Pittsburg State University offers a 100% online, institution-paced DNP program at a competitive total cost. The 32-credit program is structured for MSN-prepared nurses ready to step into advanced leadership or clinical roles.

• Estimated Cost: $16,672
• Credits: 32
• Format: 100% Online, Institution-Paced
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA

Pittsburg State provides a no-frills, affordable path to the terminal nursing practice degree.

12. Augusta University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Augusta University’s CCNE-accredited online DNP trains nurses to lead healthcare organizations and drive policy-level change. At 37 credits, the mostly online program delivers a comprehensive doctoral curriculum without uprooting your career.

• Estimated Cost: $16,761
• Credits: 37
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

Augusta University is part of the University System of Georgia, which brings a strong academic infrastructure to the program. See Augusta University’s online tuition page for pricing.

13. The University of Alabama: Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of Alabama’s CCNE-accredited DNP program is offered mostly online and prepares nurses for executive and systems-level leadership. The 40-credit program allows working nurses to pursue doctoral credentials while staying in practice.

• Estimated Cost: $16,800
• Credits: 40
• Format: Mostly Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

Alabama has a respected nursing program with deep clinical partnerships throughout the state. Check UA’s distance education tuition page for details.

14. Northwestern State University of Louisiana: Doctor of Nursing Practice / Advanced Practice Leadership

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a CCNE-accredited DNP with a focus on advanced practice leadership. The 38-credit, fully online program is well-suited for MSN-prepared nurses moving into leadership or policy roles.

• Estimated Cost: $18,050
• Credits: 38
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Accreditation: CCNE

The Advanced Practice Leadership focus is a strong differentiator for nurses targeting administrative or policy careers.

15. Arkansas State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Rounding out the list is Arkansas State University’s online DNP, a 41-credit program built for MSN-prepared nurses ready to advance their practice and leadership capacity.

• Estimated Cost: $18,075
• Credits: 41
• Admission: Master’s degree required; minimum 3.0 GPA

Arkansas State has a long track record in online nursing education.

Best Online DNP Programs FAQ

Choosing a doctoral nursing program comes with a lot of questions. Here are clear answers to the questions prospective students ask most often.

What is a DNP degree, and how does it differ from a nursing PhD?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused terminal degree for nurses who want to apply research to real-world clinical and leadership settings. A nursing PhD, by contrast, emphasizes original research and academic scholarship. If your goal is to lead teams, influence healthcare policy, or advance patient care at a systems level, the DNP is typically the more direct path.

What do online DNP programs typically pay after graduation?

Earning potential depends heavily on your specialization and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earned a median annual wage of $132,050 in May 2024, and employment in the field is projected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average across all occupations. DNP-prepared nurses in executive or specialized roles often earn above that median figure.

Do I need an MSN to apply to an online DNP program?

Most of the programs on this list require a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) for admission. This is known as a post-master’s or MSN-to-DNP pathway. Some schools offer BSN-to-DNP tracks that allow bachelor’s-prepared nurses to complete both degrees in one program, though those programs typically require more total credits and time. All 15 programs on this list are post-master’s options.

What accreditation should an online DNP program have?

Look for programs accredited by either CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). These are the two nationally recognized accrediting bodies for nursing education. Accreditation confirms that a program meets established quality standards and is essential for licensure eligibility in many states. Nearly all programs on this list carry CCNE accreditation, while one carries ACEN accreditation.

How long does it take to complete an online DNP program?

Most post-master’s online DNP programs take two to three years to complete, depending on credit load and whether you enroll full or part-time. Credit requirements across the programs on this list range from 28 to 41 credits. You can explore more options through GetEducated’s directory of online nursing doctorate programs to compare timelines side by side.

Ready to Find Your Online DNP Program?

Earning a DNP online is one of the most meaningful steps a practicing nurse can take. Whether you are drawn to executive leadership, family practice, or systems-level quality improvement, there is an accredited program on this list that fits your goals without breaking the bank. Browse GetEducated’s full directory of online doctorate nursing programs to compare costs, read verified student reviews, and find the right fit for where your career is headed.