Real Costs of NP School in California: 2026 Student Price Guide

The price tags for NP schools in California might make you do a double take. DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs cost about $95,828 and Family Nurse Practitioner programs run up to about $86,163. This investment could pay off well since NPs earn a mean salary of $158,130 per year.

MSN-NP programs in California cost between $20,000 and $60,000. The good news is that programs under $35,973 are reasonable for the 2025-26 academic year. Online programs give you more flexibility, and some BSN Online programs charge $780 per credit hour. Students looking for budget-friendly online nurse practitioner programs should know that MSN programs take about two years to finish, while DNP programs need four or more years. This time difference substantially affects your total NP school costs.

This guide breaks down what you’ll actually pay for different nursing paths in California in 2026. You’ll find everything you need to make smart choices about investing in your nursing education.

DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program Costs

DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs cost more than other advanced nursing paths. The program length and specialized clinical training drive these costs up. Students need to look beyond just tuition to understand what they’re getting into financially.

Tuition and fees

California’s DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs show big differences between public and private schools. UC Davis charges $51,066 for tuition and fees in the 2025-2026 academic year. This represents just one part of what students pay. Other California schools charge different amounts—USC’s DNP-NA program costs $2,467 per credit hour. Students end up paying about $199,827 for the full 81-unit program.

Oakland’s Samuel Merritt University asks for a $350 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot. Most competitive nursing programs do this. Students also pay around $80 to the Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS).

Students need to budget for these mandatory fees beyond tuition:

• Document Fee: One-time $150 lifetime fee for new students
• International Student Administrative Fee: $138 per quarter for international students
• UC Graduate and Professional Council Fee: $3 for fall quarter, $2 for winter quarter, and $2 for spring quarter
• Candidacy Fee: One-time fee of $90 for PhD students or $55 for Master’s students
• Clinical Fees: Approximately $600 per clinical course
• AANA Membership: $200-300 annually
• Certification Exams: Self-Evaluation Exam ($250-285 each) taken twice during the program

Living expenses

Living expenses make up much of what DNP-NA students spend. UC Davis’s 2025-2026 budget sets aside $14,111 just for housing. Living near California nursing schools costs a lot. A one-bedroom apartment averages $2,445, a two-bedroom costs $2,993, and a room rental runs about $1,294.

DNP-NA students must also budget for:

• Phone, Internet, Utilities: $2,917 annually
• Groceries: $8,959 annually
• Personal Expenses: $2,829 annually
• Transportation: $4,087 annually
• Health Insurance: $9,544 annually (mandatory at most universities)

Clinical rotations happen at different sites. This means extra travel and sometimes temporary housing. Students should set aside about $8,500 for travel to clinical sites, conferences, and lodging. Loma Linda University includes housing costs in their program fees when clinical sites are more than 75 miles from campus.

Estimated cost

A DNP Nurse Anesthesia program in California typically costs between $138,000 and $200,000 over three years. UC Davis’s first-year costs reach $95,828, with similar expenses in later years. USC’s program tuition alone hits $199,827. Books ($1,500-$2,000), AANA membership ($300), NBCRNA exams ($285 per exam), and other required fees add to this total.

Private schools usually cost more than public ones. Samuel Merritt University in Oakland charges $165,500 while California State University Fullerton’s DNAP program runs $94,340.

Students should remember these often-missed costs:

• Board certification review programs: $461 for APEX Anesthesia Review (4-year subscription)
• Evaluation systems: $180 per year for Medatrax Evaluation
• Life support certifications: $360 for ACLS, BLS, and PALS
• Technology requirements: $2,000 for computer and supplies

These detailed figures show why nurse anesthesia programs cost more than other nursing degrees. The high earning potential of CRNAs makes this investment worthwhile, but students must plan their finances carefully.

Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Program Costs

A Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) degree requires a big financial commitment that changes quite a bit among California institutions. You’ll need to understand the full cost picture to plan your career-advancing investment well.

Tuition and fees

Program costs at California FNP DNP programs change based on their structure, type, and length. UC Davis sets their first-year DNP FNP program cost at $43,104, followed by $41,446 in year 2 and $39,852 in year 3. UCLA’s Post BS-DNP program costs $45,440 for 2025-2026, rising to $48,692 in 2026-2027, and $51,855 in 2027-2028.

Private universities typically charge more. The University of San Diego’s 78-unit BSN to DNP FNP program costs about $1,800 per unit, adding up to $140,400. Their MSN to DNP pathway needs just 34 units, bringing the total to $61,200.

Credit-hour prices differ among schools. Some programs use different rates for core and specialized classes. West Coast University charges $700 per credit for MSN core courses but raises it to $810 per credit for APRN core courses starting Summer II 2025. WesternU’s rate sits at $1,078 per credit hour plus $829 in clinical fees.

Students must pay these mandatory fees beyond tuition:

• Technology fees: $600-$4,000 depending on program length
• Clinical/program fees: $1,658-$4,300
• Student body fees: Typically $40 per year
• Graduation fees: Approximately $350
• CPR certification: $90
• Clinical log systems (Typhon): $100
• FNP review courses: $900

Living expenses

Living costs make up much of your total educational investment. UC Davis students pay about $14,111 yearly for housing, with an extra $2,917 for phone, internet, and utilities. CSULB’s data shows housing and food costs range from $11,836 when living with parents to $22,752 for off-campus housing.

Food expenses change based on where you live. UC Davis budgets $8,959 yearly for groceries. Students who live at home spend less, as shown in West Coast University’s estimates: $2,496-$2,616 for those with parents versus $8,328-$8,728 for independent living.

Transportation costs remain high whatever your living situation. UC Davis sets aside $4,087 yearly, while WesternU lists a lower $1,200. CSULB estimates range from $1,252 for students with parents to $1,990 for off-campus residents.

Personal costs cover everything from clothes to entertainment. UC Davis allocates $2,829 yearly, split between medical/dental/optical ($790), clothing/toiletries ($1,155), and fun activities ($884). WesternU’s estimate runs higher at $7,469 yearly.

Health insurance is required at most schools. UC Davis charges $9,544 yearly, while UCLA sets it at $4,713.

Total estimated cost

California FNP DNP programs typically cost between $150,000 and $200,000 for three years. UC Davis’s first-year total reaches $86,163 for the 12-month option or $65,458 for 9 months. Years two and three cost $83,754 and $80,908 respectively.

UCLA’s estimates run lower at $65,216 for off-campus students and $53,357 for commuters. Public schools like CSULB offer more affordable options around $38,432 yearly for tuition, fees, and living costs.

Your program’s length affects the total cost. WesternU’s standard three-year FNP DNP programs charge $27,570 (first year), $26,243 (second year), and $21,203 (third year) in tuition and fees, not counting living costs. Faster programs might save money by cutting down living expenses.

Remember to add loan fees of about $1,500-$1,800 yearly. You’ll also need money for licensure exams, clinical supplies, and professional memberships throughout your studies.

ZipRecruiter reports California FNP DNP graduates earn $121,098 on average yearly. This salary potential helps justify the upfront investment.

Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) Costs

Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) gives non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders a unique way to enter nursing. The program’s cost structure is different from traditional nursing programs. Students changing careers can benefit from this accelerated option. You should know MEPN’s financial requirements to see if this educational investment lines up with your career goals.

Tuition and fees

California MEPN programs have different tuition structures at each school. The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) charges about $52,886 for California residents and $65,131 for non-residents during the 2025-26 academic year. These amounts cover mandatory university fees but don’t include course materials and clinical supplies.

Students at the University of San Diego pay about $1,725 per unit. The 61-unit program costs around $105,225 total. The first year’s pre-licensure portion costs $60,375, and the second year’s master’s portion runs $44,850.

Samuel Merritt University asks for a non-refundable $500 deposit when you’re accepted, which goes toward your tuition. The program takes five semesters and costs $17,880 per semester. Students pay approximately $89,400 for the entire program.

Students must also pay these extra fees:

• Application fees: $70-120 per application
• Registration fees: $1,250-1,850 per academic year
• Technology/lab fees: $500-750 per semester
• Clinical placement fees: $400-650 per clinical course
• ATI testing package: $600-750 (one-time fee)
• Professional liability insurance: $25-50 per semester
• Background check and drug screening: $120-175 (original screening)

Students need to buy nursing equipment too. Stethoscopes ($100-300), scrubs ($150-300), and diagnostic kits ($150-250) bring total supply costs to about $400-850.

Living expenses

Living expenses make up much of your MEPN program costs. A one-bedroom apartment near major California nursing schools costs $2,200-3,100 monthly. Shared living spaces run $1,100-1,600. UCLA estimates students pay $18,612 yearly for off-campus housing. UCSF students budget about $21,600 annually for San Francisco area housing.

Food costs depend on where and how you live. Most universities suggest $5,400-7,800 yearly for groceries and eating out. UC Davis budgets $8,959 annually while California State University suggests $5,742.

Your distance from campus and clinical sites determines transportation costs. Major California cities offer student discounts on public transit at $100-175 monthly. Car owners should plan for parking permits ($800-1,200 yearly), fuel, insurance, and maintenance. The total runs roughly $3,600-5,400 each year.

Personal expenses cover everything from clothes to entertainment. California universities recommend $2,800-3,600 yearly for these costs.

All but one of these institutions require health insurance. Premiums cost $4,500-6,200 yearly unless you have similar coverage elsewhere.

Total estimated cost

A California MEPN program typically costs between $120,000-180,000 total. This amount changes based on program length, school type, and living setup.

California residents at UC programs pay about $85,000-95,000 yearly for tuition, fees, and living costs. Non-residents pay substantially more at $100,000-110,000 annually.

Private schools like University of San Diego and Samuel Merritt University cost $75,000-85,000 yearly. Their tuition might be higher than public schools, but they often give better financial aid packages to help with costs.

Program length plays a big role in total costs. Full-time MEPN programs take 15-24 months. Longer programs mean more living expenses. The 15-month accelerated programs can save you $15,000-25,000 in living costs compared to 24-month options, even with similar tuition.

MEPN students can get federal loans (graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 yearly in Direct Unsubsidized Loans), scholarships, and work-study jobs. About 65% of MEPN students receive school aid averaging $12,000-18,000 yearly.

MEPN graduates in California usually start at $90,000-110,000 annually, which makes this investment worth considering despite the high upfront costs.

PhD in Nursing Program Costs

PhD in Nursing programs stand apart from other nursing graduate degrees. They come with substantial funding opportunities that alter the financial map. Research-focused degrees need a different investment approach than practice-oriented nursing programs. This is especially true for students in California who want to pursue doctoral education.

Tuition and fees

PhD programs have a big advantage over practice-oriented degrees – they usually come with substantial financial support. UCSF pays full in-state tuition and fees for students’ first three years of PhD study. Students starting in fall 2024 receive a $22,000 stipend for 2024-2025 and $18,000 for each of the next two years. Out-of-state students get even better support at first, with their entire out-of-state tuition covered in the first year.

The University of San Diego has two PhD tracks with different costs. The MSN to PhD program needs 48 units at $1,800 per unit, which comes to $86,400. Students in the BSN to PhD Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track complete 80 units, totaling $144,000.

UC institutions give doctoral candidates a big break on tuition after they advance to candidacy. The yearly Nonresident Supplemental Tuition ($15,102) drops to $0 for up to three calendar years after advancement. Students then pay quarterly nonresident charges of $5,034.

Living expenses

Living costs are a major concern for doctoral nursing students. UC Davis says PhD students spend about $10,586 yearly on housing. Other living costs at UC Davis break down this way:

• Phone, Internet, Utilities: $2,187
• Groceries: $6,711
• Personal expenses: $2,130
• Transportation: $3,065
• Health insurance: $7,992

The University of San Diego estimates higher housing costs in Southern California at $22,166 per year. Books and supplies ($1,080) and personal expenses ($5,052) reflect San Diego’s higher cost of living.

UCLA’s 2024-2025 estimates fall somewhere in between. Housing and meals cost $26,091, books and supplies run $1,817, transportation costs $3,465, and personal expenses total $2,920. Health insurance adds $6,632 to yearly expenses.

Most doctoral programs last 4-5 years, with coursework taking up the first 2-3 years. Living expenses often become a bigger financial concern than tuition for many PhD students.

Total estimated cost

PhD nursing programs have unique cost calculations because they offer much more funding than other nursing graduate paths. UC Davis puts the 9-month total at $48,744 for PhD students, plus $15,102 for non-California residents. UCLA shows similar numbers with a resident total of $56,483.

Programs without stipend support cost more. The University of San Diego’s MSN to PhD pathway costs about $114,698 total – $86,400 for tuition plus $28,298 for living expenses.

PhD students have an edge over those in practice-focused programs. They can often get extra funding through teaching assistantships, research positions, and external fellowships. Many programs also drop out-of-state tuition differences after the first year.

Getting a PhD in nursing needs careful money planning. Your location, program choice, and extra funding options will shape your total investment. The good news is these degrees remain within reach thanks to their unique funding structures.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Costs

Nurses who want to specialize in psychiatric care can get a PMHNP certificate. These post-master’s programs take less time than full degrees but you still need to plan your finances carefully.

Certificate tuition and fees

The cost of PMHNP certificate programs in California changes a lot depending on the school and how long the program runs. Fresno State University is one of the cheapest options at $600 per unit for their 21-unit program, which comes to $12,600. On the flip side, West Coast University charges $810 per credit (starting Summer II 2025) for their 32-credit program – that’s $25,920 just for tuition.

Each school needs different numbers of credits. You’ll need 28 units at Vanguard University at $745 per unit. Most online programs ask for anywhere between 18-34 credit hours.

The tuition isn’t all you’ll pay. Here are other fees you can’t avoid:

• Technology fees: $2,000 at West Coast University
• Clinical program fees: $3,300 at West Coast University
• Supplies and licensure prep: $2,300 at West Coast University
• Application fees: Usually $70-120 per application

Program length is important too. PMHNP certificates take anywhere from 12 months at Norwich University to 24 months at Georgia College. Programs with clinical rotations often take longer, which means you’ll pay more in living expenses.

Living expenses

Living costs make up much of what you’ll spend, especially since many students keep working while studying. West Coast University says food and housing costs run $2,496-$2,616 yearly if you live with parents, but jump to $8,328-$8,728 if you live on your own.

Getting around costs about $1,728-$1,776 yearly whatever your living situation. Personal expenses add about $5,656 each year, and federal student loan fees add another $220.

Where you live makes a big difference in cost. West Coast University estimates total indirect costs at $10,100-$10,268 yearly for students living with parents, compared to $15,932-$16,380 for those living off-campus.

Total estimated cost

In California, the total cost ranges from $12,600 at Fresno State to $33,520 at West Coast University. This big difference comes from varying credit requirements and per-credit costs.

Across the country, online PMHNP certificate programs cost between $15,000-$40,000, with most around $27,500. You can find better deals at places like New Mexico State University ($8,881) and Norwich University ($14,850).

How long your program takes affects the total cost. Norwich University’s one-year program (18 credits) costs less than Georgia College’s two-year program (32 credits), mainly because you pay less in living expenses.

To figure out your total cost, add up:

• Total tuition based on credits
• Required fees (technology, clinical placement)
• Living expenses for the whole program
• Certification exam costs
• Ongoing CEU costs after certification

A PMHNP certificate is a focused way for nurses to expand their practice. While it costs less than a full graduate degree, you’ll need to plan your finances carefully and think about both education costs and living expenses during your studies.

Physician Assistant Program Costs (for comparison)

PA programs give you a great way to compare costs as you review nursing education paths. Both professions deliver advanced healthcare services, but their educational costs differ in several ways.

Tuition and fees

The standard 27-month PA programs in California cost $95,165 for residents and $103,660 for non-residents. These prices have jumped 5.33% yearly in the last five years. Private schools charge about $91,639 whatever your residency status. Public schools are easier on the wallet at $56,718 for residents.

Let’s look at specific California programs. University of the Pacific’s 27-month program costs $141,666 (based on 7 semesters at current rates). That’s almost twice what you’d pay at some public schools. California Baptist University’s 2025-26 program runs $63,684 per year, adding up to $127,368 for the whole program.

Students also need to pay these mandatory fees:

• Program fees: $769-1,375 per semester
• Technology fees: $300-365 per term
• Clinical placement fees: $40-80 per semester
• Malpractice insurance: $40 per term

The original costs include application fees ($184 for your first application, $61 for each extra program) and seat deposits between $150-1,000.

Living expenses

Housing costs in California are a big expense. West Coast University estimates $12,432 yearly for housing and food if you live off-campus. Students living with parents spend much less at $3,728.

Transportation costs vary based on where your clinical rotations take place. California Baptist University sets aside $2,000 just for clinical site transportation. Personal transportation usually costs between $2,584-5,584.

West Coast University estimates $8,448 yearly for personal expenses. Students must buy scrubs ($200), diagnostic equipment ($1,100), and pay for certifications ($505 for BLS/ACLS/PALS).

Total estimated cost

The complete cost of PA education varies widely between schools. California Baptist University’s total program cost reaches $157,362 including personal expenses. USC’s program tops out at $228,207 with all fees included.

PA students graduate with hefty loans, averaging $112,500 – more than double what students in other fields typically borrow. The numbers show that 85% of PA students need loans to finish their education.

The cost situation looks challenging. Private school extra costs alone shot up 139% in 2022 to $4,672. Clinical rotations don’t offer much relief either. Students living off-campus face indirect costs of $33,684 each year during this phase.

These numbers help put your California nursing education investment options in perspective.

Online vs. On-Campus NP Program Cost Differences

Your choice between virtual and physical classroom experiences for NP education will shape your financial journey in several ways.

Online NP program tuition comparison

Online NP programs cost $400 to $800 per credit hour, which can save you money compared to traditional programs. Students pay $225 to $800 for in-state tuition and $570 to $1,300 for out-of-state rates per credit hour.

Western Governors University stands out as California’s most budget-friendly online option with a total cost of $14,000-$15,000 for a 36-credit MSN. CSU Dominguez Hills ($18,000-$20,000) and CSU Fullerton ($21,000-$24,000) also provide affordable alternatives.

California’s tuition rates can reach $1,570-$2,890 per credit hour at some institutions. Elite private universities charge $100,000 or more for complete programs.

Living cost differences

Online learning’s real financial benefit comes from eliminating extra expenses. Students who choose virtual programs don’t need to relocate, commute, or pay campus-based fees.

Programs with similar tuition structures become more affordable without housing, meal plans, and daily transportation costs. Distance learning options are a great way to get top-tier nursing education without location restrictions.

Best value for online NP programs

Quality education and student support combined with affordability create the best value programs. Here are the top choices:

• Programs that give in-state tuition rates to all online students whatever their location
• Public universities like CSU Dominguez Hills that offer competitive rates
• Schools that let you keep working while studying through flexible schedules
• Programs with quick completion times that help reduce educational costs

These options create an available path for RNs who want to advance their careers without taking on excessive debt.

Get Started

The cost of nursing education programs in California depends on both your immediate expenses and future returns. Your investment can vary greatly based on the type of program, school, and how classes are delivered. Nurse Anesthesia DNP programs come with the highest price tag at $138,000-$200,000. Many students find this substantial investment worthwhile due to the high earning potential.

Family Nurse Practitioner programs strike a balance with DNP pathways costing $150,000-$200,000. These programs lead to careers with yearly salaries over $121,000. MEPN programs give career-changers a unique entry point with total costs between $120,000-$180,000. PhD programs are different because their funding structure often includes stipends and tuition waivers that cut down out-of-pocket costs substantially.

On top of that, certificate options like Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are a focused way to specialize at lower costs ($12,600-$33,520). These appeal to practicing nurses who want to expand their expertise. The rise of online learning has made education more accessible. Distance programs help you save money through zero commuting costs, flexible housing options, and sometimes lower tuition rates.

Your total educational investment goes beyond tuition. Living expenses often match or exceed direct educational costs. Housing, transportation, and healthcare are big budget items in any program type, especially in California’s expensive cities.

These numbers might look overwhelming, but nursing education is a powerful career investment. Advanced practice roles’ salary differences typically help graduates recover their educational costs within a few years. Many financial aid options, loan forgiveness programs, and employer’s tuition benefits can cut your out-of-pocket expenses substantially.

Success comes from choosing a program that combines quality education with reasonable costs and lines up with your career goals and budget. A full picture of your finances before enrollment will help ensure your educational investment brings meaningful professional and personal returns throughout your nursing career.