Lehman College: Lowest In-State Tuition
Lehman's MS in Nursing has the lowest tuition on this list. In-state students pay a flat $5,545 for 12 credits, or $470 per credit below full time. Out-of-state students pay $855 per credit, still on the low end for NP programs. Choose the family or pediatric NP track, each 45 credits with a 3.0 GPA requirement. PNP students must pass the ANCC Pediatric Nurse Practitioner exam to graduate.
- Complete in three to five years
- CCNE accredited
- Requires an unencumbered NY RN license, one year of nursing experience, a 3.0 GPA, and Biostatistics in Health Research before enrollment
LIU Post: Part-Time FNP Cohort
LIU Post's MS FNP is a flexible part-time path to family nurse practitioner: 46 credits over seven semesters, including summers, plus 720 clinical hours in primary care under a preceptor. The lock-step cohort moves through the same courses together in diagnostics, advanced health assessment, and clinical reasoning, each with a matching practicum.
- CCNE accredited
- Graduates qualify for NY FNP licensure and national board certification
- Requires a current, unencumbered NY RN license, one year of clinical experience including recent acute care, two recommendation letters from an Adult or Family NP, MD, or DO, and a 3.0 GPA
University of Mount Saint Vincent: Holistic Focus
UMSV's MSN is a 42-credit part-time program with electives in holistic health and independent study. Graduates are prepared for FNP certification through the ANCC or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The school's nursing program dates to 1945.
- Complete in about 2.5 years
- Tuition $980 per credit plus fees
- Requires one year of nursing experience and a 3.0 GPA; fall admission only
University of Rochester: Seven Specialty Tracks
Rochester's NP program offers three start dates and hybrid courses for working nurses. The curriculum, updated in January 2025, features seven specialty tracks, including adult-gerontology acute and primary care, family, psychiatric mental health, neonatal, and pediatric acute and primary care.
- 92% certification pass rate
- 100% of graduates employed within one year
- Clinical placement support through a network of 600 preceptors
- Requires a 3.0 GPA, a NY nursing license, and one year of acute care experience (two years of NICU experience for pediatric and neonatal tracks)
Wagner College: Full or Part Time
Wagner's 45-credit FNP program runs in five or seven semesters depending on enrollment. Core courses cover advanced health assessment, family health nursing, nursing policy and research, and advanced pharmacology, followed by 17 credits in the FNP track.
- Flexible afternoon, evening, and weekend classes
- Graduate assistant positions available
- Requires a 3.2 undergraduate GPA, a NY RN license, and a $60 application fee; fall admission only
Applying to a New York NP Program
You need a current, unencumbered RN license and, for most programs, a 3.0 GPA. Expect to submit transcripts, recommendations, certifications, a personal essay, and proof of nursing experience. Most schools require an interview and a criminal background check. Some ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though many have dropped that requirement.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation tells you a program meets national standards for curriculum, faculty, and board pass rates. Attending an unaccredited school puts your financial aid, credit transfers, and eligibility to sit for boards at risk. The three accrediting bodies for NP programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Check a program's accreditation on the school's website. Every program listed here is accredited.
Paying for the Program
An NP program is a major investment, and tuition keeps rising. Start with the FAFSA, then look at nursing scholarships and grants. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, use it. Nurses in accredited NY programs can also apply to the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, which covers tuition and a monthly stipend in exchange for service in a shortage area after graduation.
Career Outlook
Nurse practitioner jobs are projected to grow 40% from 2024 to 2034, far above the 3% average for all occupations (BLS). The national median nurse practitioner wage is $129,210 (the median for the broader APRN group is $132,050); in New York the average runs higher, around $145,000. Family nurse practitioners are in particular demand in primary care, an underserved area. Pay varies by specialty and experience.
What to Compare Between Programs
Weigh admission requirements against your own GPA, license status, and experience. Check the specialization tracks, since each carries different course and clinical requirements. Look at clinical format and hours: New York requires 500 supervised clinical hours for NP students. Compare program length, online versus in-person format and whether online courses are live or recorded, plus the school's graduation rate and certification outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an NP program take after a BSN? One to two years full time, or three to four years part time.
How much do NPs earn in New York? About $145,000 a year on average (BLS, May 2024), above the national nurse practitioner median of $129,210.
What do I need to apply? A BSN at minimum and a current, unencumbered New York RN license. Some schools waive the experience requirement, but one to two years of nursing experience builds the clinical judgment the role demands.
Can NPs practice independently in New York? Yes, with experience. Under the Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act, NPs with more than 3,600 hours of qualifying practice have full practice authority and no longer need a written collaborative agreement with a physician. NPs with fewer than 3,600 hours practice under a collaborative relationship. Confirm current rules with the NYS Office of the Professions before you rely on them.
Does the program need to be accredited? Yes. Choose a program accredited by the CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA so your financial aid, credit transfers, and board eligibility are protected.