Top BSN to DNP Programs Online: No GRE Needed
Want to take your nursing career to new heights with an online BSN to DNP program? You’re making a smart choice. The numbers speak for themselves – DNP students achieve impressive first-time pass rates of 94-100% on board exams, and their APRN certification exam pass rate stands at 99%.
Your base salary as a DNP-prepared nurse will average around $116,000. Specialized roles pay even better. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) make about $131,570 yearly, while Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn a median salary of $223,210. Most online BSN to DNP programs don’t require GRE scores, which makes advanced education more available to everyone.
These programs prepare you to lead clinical teams in healthcare organizations of all sizes. You’ll be ready for leadership roles in businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. The top online BSN to DNP nursing programs give you the flexibility and quality you need to succeed – whether you want more independence, leadership roles, or better pay.
1. Georgetown University
Georgetown University stands out as a top choice for nurses looking to pursue their BSN to DNP degree online. The Berkley School of Nursing delivers a distance-based program grounded in Jesuit values. You’ll learn to make healthcare more accessible while building advanced leadership skills.
Top Features
The BSN to DNP program gives you flexible options that fit your career path. You can finish the full-time program in just 33 months or take the part-time route over eleven 15-week terms. Both options blend master’s and doctoral-level coursework to prepare you for APRN certification.
This CCNE-accredited program needs 69-74 credits based on your specialty. The curriculum focuses on ethical leadership and an all-encompassing approach to healthcare, reflecting Georgetown’s cura personalis principle — caring for the whole person.
Students get hands-on experience through more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice. You’ll also join two to three Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs) on campus to practice with peers under faculty guidance.
Georgetown offers four specialized tracks for BSN to DNP students:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Well-known university with national recognition
- No GRE needed for admission
- Live, engaging online classes with small student-to-faculty ratios (typically 12:1)
- Round-the-clock technical support and complete student services
- WeWork spaces available worldwide for studying and collaboration
- Prime location in Washington, DC for policy and leadership connections
Cons:
- Higher tuition than some competitor programs
- AG-ACNP track needs at least one year of full-time ICU, emergency, or acute care experience
- Travel costs for required on-campus intensives
- Few scholarship options for nursing students
Pricing
Program costs vary based on credit hours and enrollment status:
| Program Type | Tuition Per Credit | Total Estimated Cost |
| Full-Time (Example) | $2,358 | $42,444 (first two terms) |
| Half-Time (Example) | $2,358 | $30,654 (first two terms) |
Extra costs include a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit, student activities fees ($18 per semester), books, supplies, and travel expenses for campus visits. Georgetown doesn’t offer specific nursing scholarships right now, but students can apply for federal unsubsidized loans and check with their employers about tuition reimbursement.
Best For
Georgetown’s program suits nurses who want a values-based education focused on ethical leadership. The university’s location makes it perfect for professionals who aim to shape healthcare policy from “the epicenter of policy-shaping and legislative action”.
Nurses pursuing certification in women’s health, family practice, or acute care will find great value here. After graduation, you can take board certification exams in your specialty area. Georgetown attracts nurses who value shared learning in small classes and want a prestigious school known for academic excellence.
2. Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers one of the most affordable BSN to DNP programs online. The student-centered approach combines quality education with flexibility. Students can get their master’s degree through an MSN exit option while working toward their doctorate.
Top Features
The Post-BSN to DNP program at Georgia Southern lets you choose from four nurse practitioner tracks that match your career goals:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
The program runs mostly online with just two campus visits per term. You can access most content on your own schedule through a mix of live and recorded sessions. The full DNP pathway needs 77 credit hours, but the MSN exit option gives you more flexibility.
You can get your MSN degree after completing specialty courses. This qualifies you for national certification, and you have four years to come back and finish your DNP. Your career advances right away while keeping your doctoral options open.
Students complete clinical practicums with qualified preceptors within 250 miles of Georgia Southern’s Statesboro Campus in Georgia. This gives you hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE needed for admission
- 99% APRN certification exam pass rate
- Lowest tuition among similar programs
- Same tuition rate for all students whatever their residency
- DNP curriculum meets board certification and licensure requirements in all 50 states
- Four years to return and finish DNP after MSN exit
Cons:
- Fall cohort admission only
- Students find their own clinical preceptors
- Live and recorded formats need careful schedule planning
- One year of full-time RN clinical nursing experience needed before Advanced Health Assessment
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track needs one year of critical care experience in the last three years
Pricing
Georgia Southern’s tuition rates are among the most competitive:
| Student Type | Per Credit Hour | Estimated Total Program Cost |
| All Students | $5,816 (annual) | $23,204 (total program) |
The program costs less because Georgia Southern is a public institution committed to making advanced nursing education available. The same rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students, which removes a common financial barrier for distance learners.
Best For
Budget-conscious nurses who want quality education will find great value here. The program works well for those who need flexibility, thanks to the MSN exit option.
The program suits nurses living within 250 miles of the Statesboro Campus or those who can travel to Georgia for clinical experiences. Nurses already working in critical care settings will find the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track a natural fit.
Not sure about committing to a full DNP? The flexible exit option lets you earn your MSN, get certified, move up in your career, and then decide about completing the DNP later.
The program serves nurses looking to specialize in family practice, psychiatric/mental health, or adult-gerontology care. Each track’s curriculum meets national certification requirements.
3. Kent State University
Kent State University provides an advanced 100% online DNP program that helps nurses take on leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. The BSN to DNP pathway will give you expertise in evidence-based clinical practice at both foundational and specialized levels.
Top Features
The BSN to DNP program at Kent State shines with several specialized concentrations:
- Executive Nurse (for highest level healthcare administration)
- Nurse Administration and Executive Leadership (for entry to executive leadership positions)
- Practice Leadership (for advanced practice and clinical experts leading teams)
- Seven clinical tracks including Adult-Gerontology, Family, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specializations
Students take online core courses, attend in-person practice role sessions, and complete practicum experiences in their local community. The program requires 72-81 credits based on your chosen track. Core courses help you build evidence-based practice skills, develop leadership abilities, and gain clinical expertise. You’ll learn to improve health outcomes by turning scientific evidence into clinical interventions.
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings recognized Kent State’s program nationally, showing their commitment to quality distance education.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE requirement for admission
- 100% online format to fit your schedule
- CCNE accreditation will give a quality guarantee
- National recognition for online education excellence
- Graduate in as few as five semesters
- Second-lowest per-credit tuition compared to similar DNP programs
Cons:
- Highly specialized curriculum might limit broad application
- Limited transfer credit acceptance compared to similar programs
- You must complete an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course
- Meeting the 3.0 GPA requirement could challenge some applicants
- Must complete minimum 500 practicum hours (more for post-BSN students)
Pricing
The program offers competitive rates that make advanced nursing education available:
| Student Type | Estimated Cost |
| All Students | $19,400 approximate total tuition |
| Per Credit | $12,483 (62% acceptance rate) |
Students should budget for textbooks, technology fees, and travel costs for any required in-person components. Notwithstanding that, Kent State remains one of the more affordable options among similar programs.
Best For
Nurses who want to become skilled at leadership and technology in complex healthcare settings will find this program valuable. Working professionals who just need flexible scheduling options benefit from its extensive online format.
The Executive Nurse concentration prepares nurses for top healthcare administration roles. The Practice Leadership concentration helps those who want to lead interprofessional teams focused on evidence-based practice and quality improvement.
Graduates can pursue rewarding careers as medical and health services managers (average $104,280), nurse practitioners (average $124,680), or nursing instructors (average $75,470). Kent State’s reputation for nursing education excellence combined with growing opportunities for DNP-prepared nurses makes this program a smart career investment.
4. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has become a leader in nursing education with its complete BSN to DNP online programs that combine academic excellence with practical experience. NSU’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing creates pathways to prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings of all types.
Top Features
NSU has several BSN to DNP concentrations, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Each program needs 75 total credits and over 1,000 clinical practice hours – 500 hours in the MSN portion and another 500 hours in the DNP portion.
The programs use a hybrid learning model that combines online coursework with face-to-face sessions. The Executive Leadership track can be completed fully online. All doctoral students take part in Virtual Intensive days during each project course that last 1-2 days.
The curriculum has specialized coursework in Nursing Decision-Making in Complex Health Systems, Fiscal Management, Healthcare Informatics, and Business Economics of Healthcare. Students learn from experienced faculty who work in different healthcare environments and get real-life insights while working with advanced healthcare technology.
Students can apply by August 14 for fall admission and December 1 for winter admission through NursingCAS.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE requirement for admission
- Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expert nursing faculty with extensive clinical experience
- An integrated path that merges MSN and DNP studies
- Modern simulation labs and facilities
Cons:
- Higher tuition than some public university options
- Hybrid NP tracks need campus attendance
- Heavy schedule with 75 credits to complete
- Students need 3.0 GPA for admission
- Some students report organizational challenges
Pricing
| Program Type | Cost Per Credit | Estimated Total |
| BSN to DNP (All Tracks) | $835 | $62,625-$65,100 |
| Executive Leadership | N/A | $58,581-$65,100 |
U.S. residents pay a $50 application fee and required fees of $57.
Best For
NSU’s programs suit nurses who want specialized clinical expertise in adult-gerontology acute care, family practice, or psychiatric-mental health. The hybrid format of NP tracks works best for students in Florida or those who can travel to campus.
The Executive Leadership track fits professionals who want administrative positions in healthcare systems. The program’s focus on turning research into evidence-based practice helps nurses interested in both clinical practice and leadership roles.
NSU’s blend of online convenience and hands-on experience suits working professionals who need flexibility but value in-person skill development. Graduates can take advanced roles as nurse practitioners, educators, executives, or researchers.
5. Ohio State University
Ohio State University’s College of Nursing stands out among BSN to DNP programs online. The college ranks #9 out of 159 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice according to U.S. News & World Report. Their specialty programs shine even brighter with #5 rankings in both DNP Leadership and DNP Nurse Practitioner: Family.
Top Features
Students can choose from ten specialty tracks in the BSN to DNP program, with options for both online and campus learning. You can study these specialties remotely:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The program combines scheduled online classes with no campus visits needed for DNP core courses. Students earn both MSN and DNP degrees and become certified in advanced practice specialties. Most specialties let you complete clinical practicums locally, though Nurse Anesthesia students must use Ohio-based clinical sites.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE needed
- Strong peer assessment score of 4.2 out of 5
- High 73.9% acceptance rate
- Complete DNP coursework online
- Transfer up to 9 credits
Cons:
- Campus visits required for some specialties
- Fixed class schedules limit flexibility
- Out-of-state students pay more
- Not available in all states
- Extra campus requirements for Nurse Anesthesia
Ohio State University Pricing
| Fee Type | In-State | Out-of-State |
| Tuition (per credit) | $972.50 | $2,775.00 |
| General Fee | $239.04 | Per Credit Hour (1-7 credit hours) |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 | $200.00 |
| Program Fee | $1,249 | Full-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) |
Nurse Anesthesia students pay an extra specialty program fee of $5,000 each semester.
Best For
This program shines for nurses who want deep clinical expertise through specialized tracks. Students looking for a top-ranked institution’s credentials will find great value here. Ohio residents benefit from lower tuition rates, but out-of-state students still have solid distance learning options.
Healthcare professionals aiming for leadership roles will thrive in this program. Students interested in family practice, psychiatric/mental health, or neonatal care get strong specialized training. The live online format works best for students who value direct interaction with faculty despite learning from a distance.
6. Regis College
Regis College stands out as a pioneer in the Boston area’s DNP education. The college offers BSN to DNP programs online that combine flexibility with excellent education. Students can complete their doctorate in just 40 months without taking the GRE.
Top Features
The online BSN to DNP program at Regis College offers six specialized nurse practitioner tracks:
- Pediatric (PNP)
- Family (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health (WHNP)
- Adult Gerontology – Primary Care (AGPCNP)
- Adult Gerontology – Acute Care (AGACNP)
Students can start the program at three different times throughout the year. The curriculum helps you build expertise in patient care, policies, and research methods. Graduates are ready to take on leadership roles in healthcare.
The program’s credentials speak for themselves. It holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The National League for Nursing recognized Regis as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education from 2008-2020.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE/GMAT needed for admission
- All coursework available online
- Listed among Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
- Three yearly start dates for better flexibility
- Accepts transfer credits
Cons:
- Tuition costs more than public schools
- Limited support for clinical placement arrangements
- Program requires 76-79 credits
- Some students report communication issues
- Preferred admission needs minimum 3.0 GPA
Pricing
| Program Details | Cost |
| Credit Hours | 76-79 credits |
| Cost Per Credit | $1,425 |
| Total Tuition (76 Credits) | $108,300 |
| Total Tuition (79 Credits) | $112,575 |
Students should plan for additional fees including graduation ($300), technology service and support ($580), and possible student health insurance.
Best For
Nurses aiming for top healthcare positions will find great value in this program. The flexible online format works well for busy professionals who want quality education.
The program’s strong reputation and rankings make it attractive to career-focused nurses. Six specialized tracks give students clear paths toward their chosen practice areas.
The job market looks promising. Nurse practitioners can expect 45% employment growth between 2019-2029. DNP-prepared nurses earned a median salary of $103,662 in 2021, making Regis College’s program a smart career investment.
7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a fully online BSN to DNP program. You’ll learn to apply evidence-based research in clinical practice, spot healthcare delivery issues, and launch quality improvement initiatives.
Top Features
UCCS delivers a completely online Doctor of Nursing Practice program without any campus visits. Students must complete 70 graduate-level credits and can choose from these BSN to DNP tracks:
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The program combines live and self-paced learning formats. Students complete a quality-improvement capstone project that includes a paper, poster, and presentation. Small class sizes ensure you get individual attention with faculty-to-student ratios of 1:15 overall and 1:6 for capstone projects.
Students can finish the online DNP program in three years, based on their course load. This CCNE-accredited program focuses on ethical, safe, culturally sensitive, and budget-friendly healthcare delivery.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE needed for admission
- Complete online format without campus visits
- Program covers transgender health
- Online and campus programs share the same faculty
- Students from 15 western states pay reduced tuition
Cons:
- Students must maintain a B grade (84%) or better in all courses
- Program must be completed within seven years
- Extra costs for certification, liability insurance, and background checks
- High faculty standards for scholarly projects
- Limited nursing-specific financial aid
Pricing
| Student Type | Cost Per Credit | Approximate Total |
| In-State | $900 | $63,000 |
| Out-of-State | $974 | $68,180 |
| Western States* | $900 | $63,000 |
*Students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. Pacific Territories can get reduced tuition.
Best For
UCCS stands out for working nurses who want a flexible yet thorough doctoral program. The small faculty-to-student ratio of 1:15 makes it perfect for those who value close faculty interaction. Western state residents benefit from access to in-state tuition rates.
The program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles, leadership positions, C-suite opportunities, and clinical research. With nurse practitioners seeing 40% projected job growth through 2031, this degree sets you up for success in healthcare leadership.
8. University of Missouri-Kansas City
UMKC stands at the vanguard of advanced nursing education with the region’s first Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The university graduated its original DNP class in 2008. The School of Nursing and Health Studies ranks among the nation’s top online graduate nursing programs. It secured position #47 out of 159 in Best Nursing Schools: DNP with a peer assessment score of 3.1.
Top Features
UMKC’s 100% online BSN to DNP program has multiple specialty tracks:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Primary/Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Students experience a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning with minimal campus residencies. They complete evidence-based practice projects at partner sites and develop clinical expertise through practicum hours in their chosen specialization. The program’s certification pass rates are impressive, ranging from 88-100% across specialties.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE requirement
- Same affordable tuition whatever your residency
- Ranked in top 5% of DNP programs nationwide
- Faculty-to-student ratio of 1:15 generally and 1:6 for capstone projects
- Flexible part-time options
Cons:
- Campus residencies required for some components
- DNP project needs substantial scholarly work
- Schedule planning essential for both synchronous and asynchronous formats
- Seven-year time limit for degree completion
Pricing
| Student Type | Cost Per Credit | Estimated Total (31 credits) |
| All Students | $922.75 | $28,605.25 |
Total costs include nursing graduate tuition ($779.50), simulation lab fee ($84.75), and online course fee ($58.50) per credit hour.
Best For
Nurses aiming for healthcare leadership positions will find UMKC’s program valuable. The program works well especially when you have a busy career but value structured learning. A 99% certification rate makes it excellent for students who want strong exam preparation with their doctoral education. Graduates move into advanced practice, leadership roles, or healthcare policy advocacy positions.
9. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota (UND) has delivered excellent nursing education for over 100 years. Their BSN to DNP programs combine quality training with affordable pricing. The College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines welcomes nurses who want to advance their careers, with no GRE requirements.
Top Features
The online DNP program helps BSN-educated nurses become family nurse practitioners through an 83-credit curriculum. Students can complete most coursework at their own pace. The program focuses on population health, evidence-based research, and informatics. Students get hands-on experience during two campus visits. The program’s impressive 97% NCLEX first-time pass rate speaks volumes, and students can graduate in eight semesters.
Multiple specialization options include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Leadership tracks
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same tuition rates whatever your residence
- Strong online support for students
- CCNE accreditation guarantees quality standards
Cons:
- You must visit campus twice for clinical work
- Some states have program restrictions
- You need to finish within seven years
Pricing
The 2025/2026 cost per credit is $939.66 ($862.39 tuition plus $77.27 fees). You won’t pay fees beyond 12 credits each semester.
Best For
UND creates healthcare leaders. Graduates learn to manage patient populations, develop health policies, and shape healthcare procedures. The program is perfect for nurses who want leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
10. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh ranks 12th (tie) among Best Nursing Schools for DNP programs. Their exceptional BSN to DNP programs feature multiple specialty tracks that set them apart from other schools. The School of Nursing stands out with its nationally recognized specializations and flexible distance learning options.
Top Features
Pitt’s BSN to DNP program offers six nurse practitioner concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family (Individual Across the Lifespan)
- Neonatal
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health
The program shines with its specialty rankings. The Nurse Anesthesia program ranks #2 nationally, while the Psychiatric Mental Health track holds the #5 position. CCNE accreditation runs through 2034, which ensures program stability for years to come.
Students can choose from three concentrations for distance learning: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, and Family NP. Online students attend virtual classes and connect with professors and classmates at the Pittsburgh campus.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No GRE requirement for admission
- Online students pay in-state tuition rates
- High certification exam pass rates
- Top-ranked specialty programs
Cons:
- Online programs require a master’s in the same focus
- Students must pass a comprehensive examination
- Tuition rates exceed some competitors
Pricing
| Student Type | Cost Per Credit | Fees Per Term |
| Pennsylvania Residents | $1,280 | $815 full-time |
| Out-of-State | $1,595 | $815 full-time |
Best For
Pitt’s program serves nurses who want to advance into specialized practice roles, especially in psychiatric mental health or nurse anesthesia. Students seeking credentials from a prestigious institution will find great value here. The program fits well with nurses who have a master’s degree in their specialty area and want to earn their doctorate.
Next Steps
A BSN to DNP online program can change your nursing career path by a lot. These programs give you amazing flexibility and don’t require GRE scores that often stop qualified nurses from moving ahead. This piece shows you ten top-rated schools that offer detailed paths to doctoral-level nursing expertise. Each school has its own strengths and special focus areas.
The money you’ll make with a DNP tells its own story. DNP-prepared nurses make six-figure salaries, and those in specialized roles like nurse anesthesia earn more than $220,000 each year. The programs give you more than just money – you’ll gain advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and research expertise you need for top healthcare positions.
Of course, picking the right program needs careful thought. Tuition costs vary between schools, but Georgia Southern University and University of North Dakota offer budget-friendly options whatever your residence status. On top of that, program formats are different – some need you to visit campus now and then while others, like University of Colorado, run fully online. Your success depends on finding a program that fits your life situation.
You should think over your specialization options too. You might want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Specialist, or Executive Leader – there are many paths to match your career goals. Each featured university shows excellence in specific areas, so you can pick one that’s best at teaching what you want to learn.
DNP graduates find jobs faster than ever, with nurse practitioner positions set to grow more than 40% through 2031. This high demand, plus certification exam pass rates of 94-100%, means your advanced education will pay off throughout your career.
The time is right to move toward your DNP. Schools have different application deadlines, but many offer several start dates each year, so you can start when it works best for you. While the coursework is challenging, a DNP’s career opportunities make the effort worth it without doubt.