15 Best DNP Programs in California for 2026

Choosing the best DNP program in California might seem daunting since your future career depends on making the right choice. The 2025 U.S. News rankings are now available and can help you narrow down your options based on significant factors like tuition costs, school size, and acceptance rates.

California’s doctoral nursing pathways are plentiful, but programs vary in their educational quality and career opportunities. Loma Linda University School of Nursing has earned recognition as one of California’s top DNP programs. The institution’s strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership training makes it stand out. It offers flexible hybrid formats that work well for both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses.

This detailed guide will help you explore the 15 best DNP programs California has to offer. You’ll learn about each program’s specializations, teaching formats, and pricing structures. The right program is your first step toward achieving your professional goals, whether you want to advance your clinical expertise or move into healthcare leadership.

Loma Linda University School of Nursing

Ranked #52 in Best Nursing Schools for DNP programs by U.S. News, Loma Linda University School of Nursing earned an impressive 68 overall score and 3.2 peer assessment rating. This Christian-centered institution accepts only 18.9% of applicants, making it one of California’s most selective DNP programs.

Specializations

BSN-prepared nurses looking for doctoral education will find several specialization options. The program lets students choose from various concentrations:

• Clinical tracks including Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult-Gerontology or Pediatrics)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Nurse Practitioner tracks spanning multiple populations:
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology (both acute and primary care)
  • Pediatric (both acute and primary care)
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Leadership track

Tracks and format

LLU created a flexible hybrid learning model that works well for professionals. Students can complete the BSN to DNP program in just 3 years, and some concentrations offer part-time options. Nurses who already hold an MSN can choose between clinical or leadership focus in the MSN to DNP track.

The program structure has:

• Core courses that combine 2-10 days on-campus each quarter with online learning
• Clinical experiences reaching about 1,000 hours
• DNP project work that students can complete at their workplace

The curriculum weaves Christian leadership and ethics throughout, reflecting the university’s whole-person care philosophy.

Pricing

Students pay $947 per credit for the DNP program at Loma Linda University, though some tracks might cost between $850-$870 per unit. Additional costs include:

• $875 quarterly fees (LLUH employees might qualify for waivers)
• $420-$435 per clinical course
• Around $400 each quarter for books and supplies

The program currently serves 229 students, with a student population that’s 73.4% female and 26.6% male.

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

UCSF’s DNP program stands as the first of its kind in the University of California system. U.S. News & World Report ranks it #17 among Best Nursing Schools for DNP. This prestigious institution has earned its place among California’s top DNP programs.

Program highlights

The program welcomes more students than similar institutions with a 75% acceptance rate. Student demographics show 80.9% female and 17.8% male enrollment, with 1.3% identifying as other genders. A total of 113 DNP students receive personalized attention from internationally recognized faculty. These experts have shaped healthcare throughout the United States through their research and breakthroughs.

UCSF receives some of the highest research funding from the National Institutes of Health among nursing schools nationwide. This support helps deliver innovative technology and clinical practice to students.

Clinical and leadership tracks

Students can choose between two paths:

• BSN Entry to DNP — Advanced Nursing Focus: An 11-quarter hybrid program that combines online and in-person instruction
• Post-Master’s Entry to DNP — Leadership Focus: A seven-quarter hybrid program created for nurses with master’s degrees

BSN-prepared students have access to several nationally ranked specialties. These include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (tied for 5th), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (tied for 3rd), Family Nurse Practitioner (tied for 8th), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ranked 2nd nationally).

Students train at leading institutions like UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Stanford Health Care, and Kaiser Permanente. The DNP quality improvement project serves as the life-blood of both paths. Students tackle real-life healthcare practice issues through this project.

Tuition and fees

California residents in the Post-BSN DNP track pay a total annual cost of $50,766. Non-residents pay an extra $12,245, bringing their total to $63,011. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership track costs $44,799 per year.

Students have several financial support options. UC employees with regular status in eligible positions might qualify for a two-thirds reduction in student services fees and tuition. This applies to enrollment up to 12 units per quarter and remains available through spring 2031.

University of San Diego – Hahn School of Nursing

U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing #52 among DNP programs for 2025. The school earned a 3.3 peer assessment score. With a 79.2% acceptance rate, USD offers one of the more available top DNP programs in California.

Curriculum and focus

USD’s Doctor of Nursing Practice helps nurses reach their highest level of expertise and apply science to clinical practice. The program focuses on evidence-based practice, better healthcare quality, and patient-centered care. Students learn to lead teams, apply research to patient care, and create improved healthcare systems.

The curriculum changes by track but has these core courses:

• Population health
• Advanced pathophysiology and health assessment
• Pharmacology
• Evidence-based practice foundations
• Health policy and advocacy

Students make a big impact through their DNP scholarly project. They find a clinical problem, create an evidence-based solution with translational science, and review the results.

Hybrid learning model

Students in USD’s BSN to DNP program need to attend campus classes at least two days each week. Clinical practicums need extra days, though some courses combine smoothly with online learning. The program offers these options:

• BSN to DNP: 78-83 units, takes three years full-time or 4-5 years part-time
• Post-Master’s DNP: 34 units, with flexible scheduling

Faculty advisors work one-on-one with students to create and complete their evidence-based projects. Students complete about 1,000 clinical hours during their program.

Cost structure

USD charges $1,800 per credit for DNP courses, whether you’re from California or not. So, total program costs depend on your track:

• MSN to DNP: $61,200 (34 units)
• BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner: $140,400 (78 units)
• BSN to DNP Dual Pediatric/Family NP: $147,600 (82 units)
• BSN to DNP Dual Adult-Gerontology/Family NP: $145,800 (81 units)
• BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health NP: $140,400 (78 units)

Students should also plan for required fees around $626 plus regular expenses like books, supplies, and living costs.

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University ranks #134 (tie) among 159 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice according to U.S. News & World Report. This makes it a great choice for students looking at DNP programs in California.

Program strengths

The APU Doctor of Nursing Practice program stands on a strong scientific foundation. Students learn evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and organizational analysis. The well-laid-out curriculum gets nurses ready for advanced practice in today’s complex healthcare environment. The program has earned accreditation from both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the WASC Senior College and University Commission. It lines up perfectly with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.

Students take core courses in wellness promotion theory, statistical analysis, social ethics, epidemiology, program evaluation, translational research, informatics, spirituality and health, and organizational leadership.

Delivery format

Students can complete most coursework online asynchronously, with some online synchronous meetings and events. Working nurse leaders will appreciate this low-residency option that helps them balance their life, work, and studies. The program takes six semesters (two years) to complete 39 units.

Students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical residency. Those with APRN qualifications can transfer up to 500 clinical hours from previous programs. The program requires occasional campus visits for one or two-day intensive experiences.

Tuition

Each unit costs $1,160, bringing the total program cost to about $45,240. A typical 3-unit course runs $3,480. Students should also plan for these additional costs:

• Graduate Nursing Advanced Practice Lab Fee: $275 per course
• Nursing Clinical Fee: $600 per semester (includes malpractice insurance)
• Application fee: $45 for U.S. residents

APU welcomes all qualified candidates with a 100% acceptance rate. The university’s graduate nursing program has 1,127 students from diverse backgrounds.

California State University, Fullerton

CSU Fullerton stands out among DNP programs in California. The university offers a flexible learning approach that working professionals will appreciate. Students complete the program through online formats with occasional in-person tutorials over five semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall, and spring).

Program overview

Cal State Fullerton’s post-master’s DNP program blends synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Students can maintain their work schedules while pursuing doctoral education. The two-year curriculum spans a summer term between each academic year. Students need to keep their Fridays free throughout the program. The program’s cornerstone is its three-semester integrative clinical scholarship experience in clinical practice. Here, students create a scholarly doctoral product like a pilot study, translational research, or quality improvement project.

Specializations

Students can choose between two distinct tracks based on their career goals:

• Direct Care Track: Nurses with APRN certification can advance into specialized clinical practice roles
• Indirect Care Track: Nurses develop leadership skills for executive positions

The university also offers a post-baccalaureate-to-DNP degree in Nurse Anesthesia. The faculty’s expertise covers anesthesia, clinical nurse specialist, management/administration, midwifery, various nurse practitioner specialties, and public health nursing.

Affordability

Cal State Fullerton’s estimated annual in-state tuition is $17,478. This makes it a considerably more affordable choice among California’s DNP programs. The university’s undergraduate tuition ($7,470) sits 32% below the national average for public, four-year colleges ($11,011).

Financial aid is accessible to 59.2% of students as of fall 2024. The university gave out about $337 million in loans, grants, and scholarships during 2023-24. Doctoral students can qualify for financial aid by submitting their FAFSA application (school code: 001137).

University of California, Irvine

UC Irvine’s Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing stands out as the University of California system’s first and only Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program. The school ranks #61 (tie) among Best Nursing Schools for DNP, with a solid overall score of 66 and peer assessment score of 3.2. This makes it an attractive choice for nurses looking to advance their careers.

Program features

The school offers two detailed tracks through a hybrid learning platform:

• BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner: A three-year, 98-unit program with 1,020 clinical practice hours
• Post-Master’s DNP: A two-year, 53-unit program with 540 clinical practice hours

Both tracks employ a flexible structure that combines online learning sessions with on-campus intensives. The program has an 84% acceptance rate and maintains 60 DNP students. The FNP concentration equips graduates to practice independently with patients of all ages, with a focus on preventive care, urgent treatment, and chronic disease management.

Research and leadership focus

Students complete a DNP Scholarly Project instead of a dissertation to show their mastery of evidence-based practice in their specialty. This project includes:

• Presenting proposals to a DNP Scholarly Project Team
• Implementing approved projects in clinical settings
• Presenting final work to university and community guests
• Creating a publication-ready manuscript

The curriculum helps students learn about organizational leadership, research methods, healthcare policy, interprofessional practice, and population health. The program puts special emphasis on community and population health to make healthcare more accessible.

Cost

The program fee was $9,735 per quarter plus a $27 student services access fee. Students paid $38,940 annually plus $108 in access fees. Different sources show varying costs – some list annual in-state tuition at $12,264, while others report $40,996 per year.

Total costs differ by track:

• 3-year/11-quarter DNP-FNP program: About $103,650 (including fees)
• 2-year/7-quarter Post-Master’s DNP: About $66,470 (including fees)

The program gives back roughly 9.3% of tuition as financial aid, with students receiving an average of $3,672 by year 4.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program has climbed 15 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings to position #27 nationally recently, emerging as one of the fastest-rising DNP programs in California.

Academic excellence

The three-year Post Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UCLA prepares registered nurses for advanced practice leadership roles. The curriculum covers organizational leadership, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Students can select from four specialties:

• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The program’s current enrollment stands at 32 students with a 90.9% acceptance rate.

Clinical immersion

Clinical experiences are the foundations of UCLA’s program, especially through the scholarly project requirement. Students work with faculty and clinical mentors to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative, culturally competent, evidence-based projects. The program begins with a two-day immersion that introduces students to program requirements and campus resources before their first quarter.

Tuition and financial aid

The tuition and fees amounted to $29,950, with additional costs varying by living situation. Off-campus students’ total cost of attendance reached $65,216, while commuter students paid $53,357. The UCLA School of Nursing ended up distributing over 600 scholarships to more than 250 students for the 2022-2023 academic year.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University runs a faith-based DNP program that ranks between #143-158 out of 159 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice. The program accepts 70% of applicants and keeps a small group of 30 DNP students.

Program mission and values

The MSN-to-DNP program prepares graduates to take on independent leadership roles through interdisciplinary, indirect care, practice-focused experience. Students learn to create community-based solutions with other professionals to tackle complex health issues that affect underserved populations both locally and globally. CBU’s mission combines a biblical worldview with professional education. The university aims to produce “competent, responsible, caring and professional nurses prepared to serve locally, nationally and globally; revering the human dignity of all persons created in the image of God”.

Online format

The program delivers content through online instruction that students can complete at their own pace, along with scheduled in-person residencies. Students gather on campus monthly to collaborate and work on scholarly projects. Working professionals can easily manage the program schedule since it needs only 3-4 campus visits throughout the entire duration. The program’s systems leadership focus helps graduates drive organization-wide changes and manage planning, implementation, and outcome evaluation.

Pricing

The program charges $696 per unit for 36-45 units, plus a $1,033 program fee each semester. Students can expect to pay between $26,000 to $33,000 in tuition, with semester fees adding to the total cost. The same pricing applies to all students whatever their residency status.

California State University, Fresno

California State University, Fresno launched its DNP program as part of the Northern California Consortium. The program prepares nursing experts for advanced clinical roles and helps them learn evidence-based practices. Students benefit from dual accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Program structure

The DNP program at CSU Fresno runs on a cohort model that takes 21 months to complete with full-time study over five semesters. Students need to finish 37 doctoral units and complete a doctoral project. The program uses a virtual format with some in-person sessions, which makes it perfect for working professionals. Students work together through their courses to build skills in:

• Advanced clinical practice and leadership
• Evidence-based practice and translational research
• Healthcare policy and economics
• Curriculum development and teaching strategies

Community impact

CSU Fresno aims to prepare doctoral-level nurses who can lead healthcare changes throughout California. Graduates work in a variety of roles such as advanced healthcare stewards, nursing faculty, and shared leaders who improve healthcare systems. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 93% of students from the first three cohorts graduated, and 34% now teach at CSU or other higher education institutions.

Tuition

The 2025-2026 tuition costs $8,580 per semester with mandatory fees of $887.50, which adds up to $9,467.50 each semester. Summer sessions cost $8,354 with all fees included. Students from outside California pay $444 more per unit, which is a big deal as it means that non-residents pay much higher fees. CSU Fresno still offers one of the most affordable DNP programs in California. Many sources rank it as the #1 value for nursing practice doctoral degrees in the state.

California State University, Long Beach

California State University, Long Beach offers a complete BSN-DNP program that stands out with its multiple specializations and well-laid-out hybrid learning approach. The 72-semester unit program prepares students for advanced practice nursing roles in clinical settings of all types.

Curriculum

The DNP program helps graduates excel in evidence-based research, leadership, health policy, and advanced competencies in five nurse practitioner specializations:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
• Family Practice
• Pediatric Primary Care
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Life Span

The program structure has three main parts: 39 units of core courses, 24 units of clinical specialty courses, and 9 units for doctoral project work. Students work together on DNP projects that focus on better patient care through quality improvement initiatives or testing protocols.

Hybrid model

CSULB runs a 15-week hybrid format that blends synchronous and asynchronous learning effectively. Students benefit from both in-person sessions and online classes, which provides flexibility without compromising academic quality. The program requires at least 1,000 clinical hours over three years.

Cost

California residents pay about $19,022 per year in tuition. The total program cost comes to roughly $79,344. Students need to plan for extra costs like books ($1,590), transportation ($1,818-$1,990), and personal expenses ($3,286-$5,068) based on their living situation.

University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco ranks #57 (tie) among Best Nursing Schools for DNP programs nationwide and holds an overall score of 67 with a peer assessment score of 3.2. This private institution welcomes qualified candidates through its program that maintains an 84.3% acceptance rate.

Program strengths

The program features 34 full-time faculty members who serve a total DNP enrollment of 61 students, which creates an intimate learning environment with individual-specific attention. USF’s curriculum runs year-round as courses continue through fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students commend the program’s “rigorous and diverse learning environment” that shapes them into “competent healthcare professional leaders”. The program stands out for its dedication to serving rural and underserved populations.

Leadership and ethics focus

USF champions nursing advocacy and helps practitioners to “work at the top of their scope of practice”. The curriculum blends “knowledge in nursing, ethics, and medical sciences” to create improved patient care models. Faculty committee members guide students through an evidence-based quality improvement project. This project showcases their expertise in problem identification and practice enhancement. Graduates learn to “develop and evaluate effective strategies for managing ethical dilemmas” in healthcare settings of all types.

Tuition

The program charges $1,585 per credit plus required fees of $700. U.S. residents pay an $80 application fee. Graduate students’ AGSUSF fee comes to $40 each fall and spring semester. USF-sponsored health insurance costs $4,168 for students taking 6+ units unless they opt out. The School of Nursing’s scholarship options include Dean’s Graduate Scholarships that range from $200-$400 in the first year.

UMass Global

UMass Global, formerly known as Brandman University, provides DNP education through distance learning that works well for practicing nurses. The institution has built a strong reputation among California’s DNP programs with its well-laid-out yet adaptable format.

Online delivery

The program uses a cohort model where students learn mostly through asynchronous instruction. They can watch or listen to recorded lectures whenever it fits their schedule. Students only need to visit the Irvine campus seven times for immersion sessions. These brief campus visits let students participate in hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises. The degree takes just 20 months to complete.

Specializations

Students can choose from three nurse practitioner specializations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

BSN-DNP students must complete a clinical residency. Post-master’s students who add a clinical specialty need to finish a Clinical Scholarly Project. Each pathway focuses on leadership and evidence-based medicine to help improve patient outcomes.

Tuition

The cost varies depending on your program track:

• MSN to DNP: $1,185 per credit (33 credits), totaling $39,105
• BSN-DNP programs: $1,095 per credit (73 credits), approximately $79,935 plus fees

Graduate tuition averages $11,700 per year. Each program runs full-time over nine semesters. Students need to complete 1,020 clinical hours and have at least a 3.0 GPA to get admitted.

California State University, Sacramento

California State University, Sacramento plans to launch a BSN to DNP program in fall 2026, pending final Chancellor’s Office approval. This new addition to DNP programs in California will feature a convenient 3-year online format with a 3-day on-campus intensive each August.

Program overview

The university has suspended MSN program admissions while preparing for its doctoral offering. This upcoming program will help students become skilled at professional nursing practice and prepare them for leadership roles. Sacramento State joins other CSU campuses that have offered doctoral nursing education since 2012. Working nurses seeking career advancement will benefit from a curriculum that combines classroom and field experiences in advanced clinical concepts.

Community engagement

The university’s Community Engagement Center serves as the life-blood of the program through vital partnerships across the Sacramento region. The CEC, now 30 years old, connects students with local non-profits, schools, businesses, and government agencies. These strong relationships within Sacramento’s healthcare community give students valuable clinical placement opportunities and networking connections that lead to jobs after graduation.

Affordability

Sacramento State provides one of the most economical paths to DNP education in California. The program costs about $495 per unit, with total expenses ranging from $35,000 to $40,000 based on required units. The net cost after financial aid averages $11,596, which is a big deal as it means that it costs less than many competing programs. This combination of economical solutions and strong community ties makes CSU Sacramento an attractive choice for budget-conscious nursing professionals.

Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences led the way in hybrid nursing education by launching the nation’s first web-based nursing program. The DNP-Leadership track helps MSN-qualified nurses advance their careers in practice and system leadership roles in healthcare settings of all types.

Program features

Students enjoy a flexible hybrid/online curriculum they can complete at their own pace. The program requires two in-person intensive sessions at the Pomona campus – one at the start and another at the end, plus a virtual session halfway through. Students can complete their 1,000 practice hours and scholarly project in their local communities, which eliminates daily travel. WesternU goes beyond practice doctorates to offer specialized paths like the DNP/PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) program.

Clinical focus

The clinical experiences match the AACN’s 2021 essentials and help build level-two sub-competencies for doctoral scholars. Each student works with both a faculty advisor-team leader and practice partner in a collaborative triad approach. The program enables students to create scholarly projects that improve healthcare systems or change clinical practices. The degree plan takes into account any post-graduate clinical hours students have already completed.

Tuition

Students pay $1,078 per credit hour with clinical fees of $829 each semester. First-year DNP/Leadership students taking 17 units pay about $20,853 in total tuition and fees, while second-year costs reach $16,891. DNP/PMHNP students have different costs: first-year ($21,102), second-year ($26,243), and third-year ($20,125). Students should budget for books, supplies, living expenses, and loan fees.

National University

National University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership degree sets itself apart from other DNP programs in California. Students can start any week they choose, which makes enrollment a breeze.

Flexibility

The program takes just 30 months to complete and works around your schedule. Nurses can keep their day jobs while pursuing doctoral studies because the program adapts to their needs. The curriculum works well for adult learners who need to balance work, family, and education. This makes National University perfect for nurses who want to advance their careers without giving up their current positions.

Online format

Students complete the entire DNP program online, with distance learning as the main teaching method. The curriculum includes:

• Six core courses that last 8 weeks each
• Seven practice experience courses
• Four final courses that focus on DNP project implementation

The program requires between 570-1000 mentored practice hours. Students who need more clinical experience can get customized practice plans.

Pricing

The program costs $735 per unit plus a $145 course material fee for each course. Students pay about $36,645 for the complete 46-credit program. The good news is that many students can get scholarships and other funding options that help lower the total cost.

Join a California DNP Program Today

Your career goals, priorities, and budget will determine the best DNP program for you. California has an impressive selection of options. These range from research powerhouses like UCSF and UCLA to budget-friendly state universities and flexible online programs. Each school brings something special – specialized clinical tracks, hybrid learning approaches, or programs that focus on community needs.

Money is a vital part of your decision. The cost difference between programs is huge. CSU Sacramento costs about $11,596 after financial aid, while the University of San Diego’s BSN-DNP tracks can exceed $140,000. The good news is that most schools offer substantial financial aid packages to help with these costs.

The way programs are structured needs careful thought. Some universities focus on campus-based learning with deep clinical involvement. Others let you study mostly online with just a few campus visits required. Your learning style and schedule should guide this choice.

Programs of all types offer different specializations. Loma Linda University has many tracks including Clinical Nurse Specialist, CRNA, and various Nurse Practitioner paths. California Baptist University takes a different approach by focusing on leadership and improving healthcare systems.

Acceptance rates show big differences between schools. Loma Linda University accepts just 18.9% of applicants, while UCSF and UCLA are more available with 75% and 90.9% acceptance rates. These numbers help you plan your applications based on what suits you best.

To make your final choice, talk to program graduates, visit campuses if possible, and meet with faculty members. These direct connections are a great way to get information you won’t find in brochures. Note that picking your DNP program is more than just choosing a school – it shapes your nursing career path for years ahead.