10 Cheapest Nurse Practitioner Programs in California

Want to find budget-friendly NP programs in California without sacrificing your career growth? Your timing couldn’t be better. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects California’s nurse practitioner jobs to surge 45% from 2022 to 2032—a rate that towers above the national average.

California NPs earn the highest salaries nationwide, with 2023’s median reaching $164,050 annually. The upfront costs can be steep though. Budget-conscious students should target MSN-NP programs under $35,649 and DNP-NP programs below $57,710 for the 2024-25 academic year. Several quality California NP programs offer excellent education at reasonable rates.

The most affordable online nurse practitioner programs let you advance your career with maximum flexibility. Registered nurses in the Greater Los Angeles area can tap into the full potential of these budget-friendly online options. California NPs earn $128,589 on average. Your career paths will expand rapidly—from hospitals and private practices to community clinics and urgent care centers.

This guide outlines the 10 most budget-friendly nurse practitioner programs in California for 2026. It helps you make a smart choice that combines quality education with financial wisdom.

1. Concordia University-Irvine

Concordia University-Irvine offers one of California’s most affordable np programs with a hands-on approach to advanced nursing education. This private, Christian institution earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as a “Top Performer on Social Mobility,” making it an excellent choice for nurses looking to advance their careers.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program shapes skilled and caring nursing professionals into healthcare leaders. California needs more healthcare workers, and the state leads the nation with the highest number of hired nurse practitioners and highest average annual wage nationwide. The job market looks promising as advanced practice nursing positions will grow by 40% by 2031.

Students learn to advocate for patients ethically and take an all-encompassing approach to care. The program requires a BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a valid California RN license.

Tuition and fees

The MSN-FNP program costs less than many other California np programs:

• $795.00 per unit
• 48 total program units (total program cost: $38,160)
• $50.00 application fee
• $100.00 Health Assessment Lab Fee (one course)
• $60.00 Graduate Student Success Fee per semester
• Additional graduation fee (varies)

Students can work with financial aid counselors to explore payment plans and financing options.

Program format and duration

Working nurses can balance their studies through:

• 36-month completion time (9 semesters)
• 8-week courses taken one at a time
• Hybrid format combining online learning with in-person components
• Fully online asynchronous theory courses
• Two on-campus intensive sessions for hands-on practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs
• First cohort begins March 2025

Students start with MSN core courses before moving to FNP specialization coursework.

Clinical requirements

The program includes 750 clinical training hours in various healthcare settings. Students gain experience in:

• Pediatrics, childbearing patients, and family care
• Adult and older adult care
• Behavioral health and acute care
• Population health and wellness promotion

Clinical placement coordinators help each student find preceptors throughout Southern California, focusing on Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties.

Accreditation and certification prep

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has granted regional accreditation to Concordia University Irvine. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited the university’s other nursing programs. The ABSN program received a 10-year CCNE accreditation in 2014.

MSN-FNP program graduates earn their MSN degree and can apply for FNP certification, ready to succeed in California’s expanding healthcare field.

2. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University stands out as one of the most affordable NP programs in California. The school takes a faith-based approach to advanced nursing education. APU’s School of Nursing has earned national recognition by preparing nurses who provide compassionate, high-quality care in healthcare settings.

Program overview

APU’s Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) specialty prepares registered nurses to become healthcare providers for patients of all ages in primary care settings. The program focuses on scholarly inquiry, ethical patient advocacy, and integrated care approaches. The curriculum blends theory, research, and practical experiences that develop professional nursing skills while reflecting the School’s mission.

The program gives graduates the skills to:

• Express a Christian worldview in healthcare practice
• Take part in scholarly inquiry and critical thinking
• Use evidence-based research to promote health and prevent disease
• Direct legal, political, ethical, and financial factors in healthcare

Tuition and fees

APU’s pricing remains competitive among NP programs in California:

• $895.00 per unit
• 47 total program units (total program cost: $42,065)
• $600.00 nursing clinical fee per semester (has malpractice insurance)
• $275.00 graduate nursing advanced practice lab fee per course
• Other fees may apply for specific nursing courses

Students can access various financial aid options. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program forgives up to 85% of loans when graduates take teaching positions.

Program format and duration

Working professionals can benefit from the program’s flexible structure:

• Traditional MSN-FNP track takes 3-4 years to complete
• Students attend on-campus meetings, supervised clinical practice, and online classes
• Both live and self-paced online components are available
• Students progress from core courses to advanced practice specialization

Students must have at least one year of nursing experience and live in Southern California for the APRN program.

Clinical requirements

The clinical training is thorough:

• 750+ clinical hours in healthcare settings of all types
• Complete documentation needs include RN licensure, CPR certification, TB screening, and immunizations
• All clinical placements require background checks
• Clinical experiences can fit around work schedules

Accreditation and certification prep

The program maintains prestigious accreditations:

• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) provides regional accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits nursing programs
• California Board of Registered Nursing approves the program

Graduates can apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing for nurse practitioner certification and pursue national FNP certification through examination.

3. California State University-Dominguez Hills

CSU Dominguez Hills stands out as a budget-friendly public university choice for nurses who want advanced practice credentials through its Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. This state institution gives students an affordable path to nurse practitioner certification while delivering high-quality education.

Program overview

The FNP program at CSU Dominguez Hills prepares BSN-qualified registered nurses to work in outpatient, primary care settings. Students learn to care for families throughout their lives—from pregnancy through older adulthood. The curriculum focuses on detailed patient care, health promotion, and disease management that meets the needs of patients of all backgrounds in various healthcare settings.

Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and two years of RN experience to qualify for admission. This requirement ensures they have enough clinical background before moving to specialized practice. Graduates become well-equipped to meet California’s growing need for primary care providers.

Tuition and fees

Budget-minded students will value CSU Dominguez Hills’ public university pricing structure:

• Total program cost: $18,000-$20,000
• Per-unit graduate tuition: $743 per credit hour
• Full-time graduate students (6.1+ units): $4,491.23 per semester
• Part-time graduate students (0-6.0 units): $2,895.23 per semester

These rates make CSU Dominguez Hills one of the most affordable NP programs in California, especially when compared to private schools. Students from outside California pay an extra $420 per unit.

Program format and duration

The program combines flexibility with thorough preparation:

• 48 semester units total
• 3-4 year completion timeline
• Online/hybrid delivery format
• Fall and spring admission cycles

Students experience a hybrid format with online didactic courses, synchronous virtual meetings, and 1-3 campus visits each semester. This relaxed structure works well for working nurses, but many FNP students find it challenging to maintain full-time employment during the program.

Clinical requirements

The clinical training program consists of:

• 576 total clinical practice hours (144 hours × 4 semesters)
• Clinical placements in primary care ambulatory settings
• Preceptorship under nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, or physicians
• Students must have an unencumbered California RN license, complete health screenings/immunizations, and get site/preceptor approval

The university helps find preceptors within 100 miles of a student’s home. Students can also ask for approval of clinical sites closer to where they live.

Accreditation and certification prep

The FNP program maintains strong credentials that help graduates succeed:

• California Board of Registered Nursing approved academic program
• Graduates can apply for California BRN nurse practitioner certification and furnishing numbers
• Students get ready for national certification exams through both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

This affordable nurse practitioner program gives graduates the qualifications they need to pursue growing career opportunities in California’s healthcare world.

4. California State University-Channel Islands

CSU Channel Islands stands out among California’s public universities with its growing pathway for nurses seeking advanced credentials. The nursing program ranks 11th best in California among 126 nursing schools, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.

Program overview

CSUCI’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program features two concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Educator. Nurses who already hold an MSN degree can pursue Post-Master’s certificates in both specializations. The FNP specialty teaches graduates to deliver primary care services to patients of all ages. CSUCI serves as the only university offering these programs throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, meeting a vital regional need for advanced nursing education.

Tuition and fees

Students looking to save money will appreciate CSUCI’s competitive pricing among np programs in California:

• MSN FNP (46 units): $725 per unit, adding up to $33,350
• Post-Master’s FNP (30 units): $725 per unit, totaling $21,750
• Extra costs include: University application ($70), Nursing CAS application ($80), books and supplies (varies), graduation application ($50), and intent to enroll fee ($250)
• Lab fees ($120 for NRS 525) and EXXAT Prism access ($210 plus $39 yearly)

CSUCI charges the same tuition for both California residents and non-residents. Certificate programs don’t qualify for financial aid.

Program format and duration

The program offers a flexible structure that works well for busy professionals:

• Hybrid format combines online courses in 8-week sessions
• Two one-week campus intensive courses in summer (FNP students only take the second intensive)
• Post-Master’s FNP Certificate takes 21 months to finish
• Most coursework follows an asynchronous weekly online format

Clinical requirements

Students need to complete hands-on training that includes:

• 540 practicum hours in primary care settings
• EXXAT system manages clinical documentation
• CastleBranch guide helps with clinical requirements
• Students receive preceptor handbooks for guidance

Accreditation and certification prep

The MSN program’s credentials ensure graduate success:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation
• Graduates can take American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national FNP certification exams
• Program leads to California FNP licensure
• Students learn quality improvement, safety, and evidence-based practice

CSU Channel Islands offers a detailed yet affordable path to advanced nursing practice. The program ranks among California’s most cost-effective np programs while maintaining high educational standards.

5. University of California-Irvine

UC Irvine stands out as a leading public research university for np programs in California. The university provides a doctoral degree path that nurses can take to earn advanced practice credentials.

Program overview

UC Irvine’s Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) concentration runs as a three-year hybrid program for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses. The program’s curriculum helps advanced practice registered nurses become experts in primary care for patients of all backgrounds. Students develop their clinical skills and train with other healthcare professionals each quarter on campus. This approach creates highly skilled Family Nurse Practitioners ready to work in complex ambulatory care settings.

Tuition and fees

Students benefit from public university rates that cost less than many private schools:

• Program fee: $9,735 per quarter ($38,940 per year)
• Student Services Access Fee: $27 per quarter
• Total fees per year: $39,048
• Total program cost: approximately $116,760 for in-state students

UC Irvine’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides various funding options.

Program format and duration

The program combines flexibility with thorough preparation:

• Three-year program timeline
• Hybrid format that blends online and on-campus learning
• Weekly online synchronous courses
• Three on-campus intensives: Prolog (beginning), Intersession (midway), and Epilog (conclusion)
• Extra campus visits for clinical skills assessments

Students must live in California while completing their academic and clinical requirements.

Clinical requirements

The hands-on training includes:

• 720 direct patient care hours
• 1020 total clinical hours
• Clinical rotations in California with UCI DNP faculty-approved preceptors
• Students can suggest preceptors they’ve worked with before

Accreditation and certification prep

The program holds key credentials that ensure student success:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation for DNP Program
• California Board of Registered Nursing approval
• FNP board certification preparation

Graduates leave ready to tackle complex healthcare delivery challenges with quality improvement skills and evidence-based practice expertise.

6. Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science has a unique FNP program that blends diversity and hands-on preparation. Students learn to serve underserved communities effectively. The program stands out as one of California’s most affordable NP options.

Program overview

The MSN-FNP program at Charles R Drew University teaches advanced practice nurses to provide care throughout a patient’s life. Students learn to meet healthcare needs in underserved populations. The curriculum goes beyond traditional teaching methods and puts students right in diverse healthcare settings. Each student’s unique background helps shape them into caring healthcare professionals. Students can take national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) after graduation.

Tuition and fees

Budget-conscious students should know these costs:

• Graduate program cost: $54,180 total
• Application fee: $55 for U.S. residents
• FAFSA financial aid options available
• California Dream Act Application works for undocumented students

Program format and duration

Working professionals will appreciate this flexible structure:

• 51 credit hours total
• 16-month executive-style program
• Hybrid format mixes online and on-campus learning
• Weekend intensive sessions each month cover theory
• Face-to-face and web-enhanced teaching fills out each semester
• Start in Summer, Spring, or Fall

Clinical requirements

The clinical training is comprehensive:

• 645 total clinical hours
• Clinical courses provide immersion experiences
• Faculty-approved, in-person precepted clinical settings
• Clinical rotations at various sites including Los Angeles Downtown Medical Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center, and Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada

Accreditation and certification prep

The program’s credentials ensure graduate success:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation
• California Board of Nursing approval
• Readiness for ANCC certification (FNP-BC credential)
• Preparation for AANP certification (NP-C credential)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the university

The program takes an all-encompassing approach to FNP practice. Students learn everything from health promotion to disease prevention.

7. Pacific College

Pacific College has been training nursing professionals in Costa Mesa, California since 1993. The college stands out as one of the most affordable np programs in California. This private institution offers multiple nursing pathways, with its MSN-FNP program being particularly notable for future nurse practitioners.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program helps students develop essential knowledge and skills to deliver nursing care in primary care settings, including underserved areas. Students learn to provide advanced clinical care to patients of all ages and their families. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to build complete clinical abilities. Students focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and managing chronic illnesses.

Graduates can work as:

• Family Nurse Practitioners in healthcare settings of all types
• Clinical nurse leaders
• Healthcare educators
• Practitioners in community health organizations

Tuition and fees

The program offers competitive rates for students looking at affordable np programs in California:

• MSN-FNP program costs $26,800 total
• Students complete 40 total credits
• Students must pay for application fees, physical examination, background check, and required immunizations

Program format and duration

Working professionals can benefit from the program’s flexible structure:

• Students graduate in 24 months
• Coursework happens online
• Students complete clinical experiences at local primary care facilities
• Admission requires a 3.00 GPA

Clinical requirements

The hands-on training component features:

• Clinical experiences with preceptor supervision in primary care settings
• CastleBranch system tracks clinical compliance documents
• Students need negative drug screens, clear background checks, personal health insurance, CPR certification, and specific immunizations
• Each clinical semester starts with mandatory practicum/clinical information sessions

Accreditation and certification prep

The program maintains high standards through:

• WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) institutional accreditation
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation for the Master’s nursing program
• California Board of Registered Nursing approval
• Students prepare for national certification exams through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

The program’s focus on rural and underserved populations matches California’s growing demand for primary care providers. The state expects 56% growth in NP employment between 2020 and 2030.

8. Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences has been a leader in online nursing education since 1997. The university ranks among the 25-year-old yet affordable NP programs in California. Their College of Graduate Nursing launched the country’s first web-based family nurse practitioner program and continues this groundbreaking approach today.

Program overview

The Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner (PM-FNP) program helps nurses with master’s degrees get FNP certification in two years. Students learn through a curriculum that values human-centered patient care. Employers highly respect the program’s graduates.

Tuition and fees

Students pay $1,129 per credit unit with $829 clinical fees. First-year ENP student costs reach approximately $15,426, which includes student body fees ($40) and completion fees ($180). Qualifying students can access federal loans and institutional scholarships.

Program format and duration

The FNP certificate takes six semesters through a hybrid format. Students combine online learning with intensive campus-based seminars. This structure works well for nurses who need to balance their education with career and family responsibilities.

Clinical requirements

FNP-track students must complete 675 precepted clinical hours in their communities. Clinical experiences focus on ambulatory primary care settings that cover geriatric, adult, pediatric, obstetric, and gynecologic populations. Students gain experience at multiple sites to get diverse exposure to practice patterns and specialties.

Accreditation and certification prep

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits all nursing programs. On top of that, the university has regional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The California Board of Registered Nursing approves these programs, which ensures they meet all statutory requirements.

9. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco stands out as a distinctive choice for nursing professionals who seek advanced certification. Their Jesuit mission emphasizes social justice and ethical responsibility.

Program overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program features specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). These degrees focus on improving healthcare outcomes for both individuals and populations while advancing the nursing profession. Students gain specialized expertise in evidence-based clinical practice and learn to collaborate across healthcare disciplines.

Tuition and fees

Graduate tuition runs $1,680 per credit, bringing the total program investment to approximately $38,160 for required coursework. Students must also budget for an $80 application fee, yearly health insurance at $4,168, and other program-specific fees. Notwithstanding that, students can access significant financial aid options, including Dean’s Graduate Scholarships that range from $200-$400 in the first year.

Program format and duration

The program uses a hybrid model that blends online learning with in-person teaching weekends. Classes meet Fridays (8am-9pm) and Saturdays (8am-5pm). Program length varies based on your entry point – BSN holders need 4-4.5 years, while Master’s degree holders can finish in 2-3 years. Students can complete FNP certificates in just one year.

Clinical requirements

FNP students must complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours, while DNP-FNP students need 1,000 total hours. PMHNP students complete 540 clinical hours, and can transfer 90 hours from their advanced physical examination clinical.

Accreditation and certification prep

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits these programs, which also have California Board of Registered Nursing approval. The university’s nursing programs maintain high professional standards and prepare graduates for national certification through ANCC or AANP.

10. Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University stands out as one of California’s best programs for future nurse practitioners. The university ranks #1 in California for helping graduates find jobs and leads the pack in early-career salaries.

Program overview

The MSN-FNP program packs 49 semester units that help you become a family-oriented primary care provider for multicultural and underserved populations. Students earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree and become eligible for state and national certification. The program’s curriculum matches the guidelines set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Samuel Merritt’s DNP-FNP program needs 65 semester units to complete.

Tuition and fees

The total cost of the MSN-FNP program runs about $81,000 ($1,654 per credit). Students need to pay an $80 application fee through NursingCAS and put down a $350 non-refundable tuition deposit. The university’s graduates have an impressive track record with loan default rates below 1%. Students can get financial help through:

• $10,000 “Advance Your Practice” Scholarship
• Various merit-based and need-based scholarships

Program format and duration

The MSN-FNP program gives you these options:

• Full-time path: 20 months (5 semesters)
• Part-time path: 24 months (6 semesters)
• Online classes with clinical placements near you
• Two required on-campus intensives at Sacramento campus

Clinical requirements

The program includes three semesters of hands-on clinical experience that add up to 630 hours minimum. Students rotate through primary care, women’s health, and pediatrics in multicultural and underserved communities. Each student works with experienced preceptors (MD, DO, PA or NP) who guide them throughout their training. The university works with students to find suitable clinical sites.

Accreditation and certification prep

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits the program. The MSN program holds CCNE accreditation through 2031. After graduation, students can take state licensure and national certification exams through ANCC or AANP.

Choose an Affordable NP Program Today

Looking for an affordable nurse practitioner program is a vital step to advance your career in California’s healthcare world. This piece shows you many budget-friendly options across the state. Public institutions like CSU Dominguez Hills cost around $20,000, while private universities offer complete education under $45,000.

California’s job outlook for nurse practitioners makes this investment worth every penny. The projected 45% employment growth through 2032 is a big deal as it means that job opportunities will be plentiful. The median annual salary of $164,000 promises great returns throughout your career.

Each program has its own advantages. Public universities usually have the lowest tuition rates. Private institutions give you more flexible scheduling options. On top of that, program formats come in different styles. You’ll find mostly online coursework with some campus visits, or hybrid models that work well for professionals with jobs.

Clinical requirements stay the same in all programs. The required hours range from 540 to 1,020 based on your degree level. All these programs have proper accreditation and prepare you for national certification exams.

Your final choice depends on more than just cost. Think about the program’s location, schedule flexibility, specialization options, and help with clinical placements. Whatever program you pick, finishing your nurse practitioner education in California opens doors to excellent career opportunities in healthcare settings of all types.

Now is the perfect time to take your nursing career forward. These affordable options let you reshape your professional path without drowning in debt. Start your journey today – check the application deadlines for your favorite programs and take that first step toward becoming a California nurse practitioner.