Top DNP Programs (2026)
We track 1000 DNP programs across 52 states. Average annual tuition is $28,325.
1000
Programs
52
States
91%
Avg NCLEX rate
$28,325
Avg tuition
Top Programs by NCLEX Pass Rate
Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
1
Millikin University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Decatur, IL•NCLEX 100%•$21,333
2
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
New Brunswick, NJ•NCLEX 100%•$22,348 in / $36,244 out
3
Saint Peter's University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Jersey City, NJ•NCLEX 100%•$15,260
4
The College of New Jersey — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Ewing, NJ•NCLEX 100%•$17,643
5
6
Florida Gulf Coast University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Fort Myers, FL•NCLEX 100%•$8,961 in / $31,216 out
7
Monmouth University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
West Long Branch, NJ•NCLEX 100%•$27,032
8
9
Appalachian State University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Boone, NC•NCLEX 100%•$8,380 in / $24,140 out
10
Abilene Christian University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Abilene, TX•NCLEX 100%•$24,174
11
St. Thomas University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Miami Gardens, FL•NCLEX 100%•$16,040
12
University of Florida — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Gainesville, FL•NCLEX 100%•$19,143
13
University of Alabama in Huntsville — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Huntsville, AL•NCLEX 100%•$11,686 in / $25,484 out
14
Marquette University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Milwaukee, WI•NCLEX 100%•$23,845
15
California State University-Long Beach — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Long Beach, CA•NCLEX 99.3%•$8,442 in / $17,946 out
16
East Carolina University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Greenville, NC•NCLEX 99%•$7,658 in / $20,807 out
17
East Carolina University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Greenville, NC•NCLEX 99%•$7,658 in / $20,807 out
18
Milwaukee School of Engineering — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Milwaukee, WI•NCLEX 98.5%•$23,418
19
University of San Diego — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Diego, CA•NCLEX 98.2%•$29,328
20
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Chapel Hill, NC•NCLEX 98%•$12,527 in / $30,819 out
21
Olivet Nazarene University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bourbonnais, IL•NCLEX 98%•$10,957
22
University of Pennsylvania — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Philadelphia, PA•NCLEX 98%•$198,312
23
University of Pennsylvania — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Philadelphia, PA•NCLEX 98%•$198,312
24
Viterbo University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
La Crosse, WI•NCLEX 97.1%•$10,080
25
Duke University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Durham, NC•NCLEX 97%•$197,415
26
Johns Hopkins University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Baltimore, MD•NCLEX 97%•$190,020
27
Johns Hopkins University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Baltimore, MD•NCLEX 97%•$190,020
28
University of North Carolina — BSN to DNP
Greensboro, NC•NCLEX 97%•$48,000
29
Duke University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Durham, NC•NCLEX 97%•$197,415
30
Duke University — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Durham, NC•NCLEX 97%•$197,415
Most Affordable Programs
Sorted by lowest available tuition.
Middle Georgia State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Macon, GA
$4,414 in / $13,324 out
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • San Antonio, TX
$4,464 in / $13,664 out
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • San Antonio, TX
$4,464 in / $13,664 out
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Gurabo, PR
$4,652
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • San Juan, PR
$4,652
Fort Hays State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Hays, KS
$4,696 in / $12,051 out
Aspen University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Phoenix, AZ
$5,085
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Alva, OK
$5,320 in / $10,324 out
Northeastern State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Tahlequah, OK
$5,552 in / $11,537 out
University of North Georgia
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Dahlonega, GA
$5,556 in / $17,904 out
Frequently Asked Questions
How many programs are covered?
This guide covers 1000 programs across 52 states.
What is the average NCLEX pass rate?
Based on programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate is 91%. The highest rate is 100% at Millikin University.
What is the most affordable program?
The most affordable option is Middle Georgia State University at $4,414.
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