Compare tuition, formats, clinical hours, and outcomes across Virginia's top-ranked NP programs to find your ideal fit.
Virginia’s nurse practitioner workforce reveals a state with deep urban-rural divides in healthcare access. More than 8,800 NPs are concentrated in the Richmond area, yet the southwestern coalfields and Eastern Shore rely heavily on telehealth and traveling providers. Across the state, 17 ranked schools now offer online, hybrid, and campus-based programs, many with family nurse practitioner tracks. Tuition varies by tens of thousands of dollars. Clinical placement support and first-time certification pass rates separate programs that accelerate careers from those that stall them. Recent 2024 legislation opens a path to full practice authority after three years; the choice of program has both immediate and long-term financial implications.
Virginia offers a range of NP pathways, from affordable rural-focused programs to comprehensive online options at large public universities. This ranking weighs tuition costs, net price, and graduate earnings alongside program flexibility and clinical training quality. Each school's institution-wide graduation rate and student-to-faculty ratio provide added context for prospective Virginia NP students.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Virginia's College at Wise | Wise, VA | $12,000 – $28,000/yr | Rural health budget-conscious nurses | |
UVA Wise offers a single, tightly focused Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner pathway that prioritizes in-state clinical placements and holistic primary care. In-state and out-of-state tuition is $8,352, with a net price of $9,210, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in the state. The institution-wide graduation rate is 47%, and median graduate debt is $16,750, while median earnings 10 years out stand at $45,325.
| |||||
| #2 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Multiple NP pathway seekers | |
George Mason University is a major NP hub in Northern Virginia, offering more advanced practice pathways than any other state school, including MSN, DNP, and post-master's options. In-state tuition is $17,964 and out-of-state $40,308, with a net price of $17,915. The university's graduation rate is 68%, median graduate debt is $19,500, and alumni median earnings 10 years post-enrollment reach $76,343, reflecting strong regional job opportunities.
| |||||
| #3 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | $13,000 – $34,000/yr | Distance learners needing pediatric NP | |
Old Dominion University is a distance-learning leader in Virginia, with online/hybrid NP programs in family, pediatric, neonatal, and psychiatric mental health, plus one of the state's only BSN-to-PNP tracks. In-state tuition is $15,390 and out-of-state $36,174, with a net price of $14,638. The institution's graduation rate is 46%, median graduate debt is $24,000, and 10-year median earnings are $54,914.
| |||||
| #4 | Radford University | Radford, VA | $15,000/yr (net price) | ||
Radford University's NP offerings, including online DNP and graduate certificate pathways in family and psychiatric mental health, are designed with a rural and Appalachian Virginia focus. In-state tuition is $13,762 and out-of-state $23,525, with a net price of $14,578. The institution-wide graduation rate is 49%, median debt is $24,000, and median 10-year earnings are $53,739.
| |||||
| #5 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | $22,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Virginia delivers a range of DNP and post-master's NP programs through a hybrid model with monthly on-campus sessions, tied to the UVA Health system and strongly emphasizing primary care for underserved areas. In-state tuition is $23,526 and out-of-state $37,628, with a net price of $21,565; the graduation rate is 96%, and median graduate debt is $17,500. Alumni median earnings 10 years out are $86,863, the highest in this ranking.
| |||||
| #6 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | ~$20,000/yr (est.) | ||
Regent University's hybrid and online NP programs, including MSN and DNP FNP and PMHNP pathways, leverage clinical partnerships with EVMS in Virginia Beach and a strong military/veteran focus. In-state and out-of-state tuition is $17,869, with a net price of $19,923. The graduation rate is 57%, median debt is $24,534, and median earnings 10 years post-entry are $44,498.
| |||||
| #7 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | $23,000/yr (net price) | ||
ECPI University offers a 100% online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program that can be completed in as few as 22 months, designed for working RNs seeking quick advancement. In-state and out-of-state tuition is $13,625, with a net price of $22,965. The institution's graduation rate is 43%, median debt is $20,000, and median 10-year earnings are $42,837.
| |||||
| #8 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | $23,000/yr | ||
James Madison University provides a hybrid DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner program with small cohorts and a unique joint MSN PMHNP pathway with Shenandoah University. In-state tuition is $13,464 and out-of-state $30,984, with a net price of $23,322. The graduation rate is 80%, median debt is $20,093, and median 10-year earnings are $69,954.
| |||||
| #9 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | $23,000/yr | ||
Virginia Commonwealth University delivers multiple hybrid DNP and graduate certificate NP tracks, backed by clinical placement support and training at the Magnet-designated VCU Medical Center. In-state tuition is $17,252 and out-of-state $32,470, with a net price of $23,433. The graduation rate is 63%, median debt is $21,500, and 10-year median earnings are $58,128.
| |||||
| #10 | Mary Baldwin University | Staunton, VA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Mary Baldwin University's hybrid DNP and MSN FNP tracks focus on rural and small-town Virginia, with a faith-based, student-centered approach. In-state and out-of-state tuition is $18,865, with a notably low net price of $12,756. The graduation rate is 39%, median debt is $26,586, and median 10-year earnings are $44,427.
| |||||
The five NP programs below rank as the most affordable in Virginia when sorted by average net price, which accounts for grants and scholarships. Published tuition figures can overstate costs, especially at schools with a high share of Pell Grant recipients: UVA Wise and Mary Baldwin both report Pell participation above 70%. Four of the schools are public institutions, but Mary Baldwin is private and still appears in the top five thanks to a net price of $12,756.
| School | Program | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Debt | Pell Grant Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UVA Wise | MSN – FNP | $8,352 | $8,352 | $9,210 | $16,750 | 71.2% |
| Mary Baldwin University | MSN – FNP | $18,865 | $18,865 | $12,756 | $26,586 | 71.5% |
| Radford University | PMHNP Certificate | $13,762 | $23,525 | $14,578 | $24,000 | 53.8% |
| Old Dominion University | MSN – FNP | $15,390 | $36,174 | $14,638 | $24,000 | 63.8% |
| George Mason University | PMHNP Certificate | $17,964 | $40,308 | $17,915 | $19,500 | 58.2% |
Fully online versus hybrid: the choice between maximum flexibility and periodic hands-on campus engagement shapes how you balance work, school, and clinical training. Virginia offers a mix of both, plus one traditional campus-based pathway, giving you real options to match your schedule and learning style.
Among the 17 NP programs in our directory, six are delivered fully online, ten use a hybrid model, and one remains campus-based. The fully online cohort includes ECPI University, Liberty University, South University-Richmond, South University-Virginia Beach, Shenandoah University, and Marymount University. Hybrid programs dominate the landscape: University of Virginia’s College at Wise, George Mason, Old Dominion, Radford, UVA, Regent, James Madison, VCU, Mary Baldwin, and Bluefield all blend online coursework with some in-person requirement. Averett University’s Emergency Nurse Practitioner track is currently the only fully campus-based option.
Hybrid programs pair asynchronous or synchronous online didactics with required in-person clinical rotations and, often, short on-campus intensives. For example, Regent University’s FNP asks for one residency, while Mary Baldwin schedules on-campus intensives amid remote classes. Old Dominion’s FNP is primarily online but mandates on-campus clinical sessions. These campus visits may be a few days per semester, allowing working RNs to plan ahead without relocating. The coursework hours flex around your shift schedule, but the hands-on components remain non-negotiable.
The short answer is yes, but with an asterisk. While several Virginia programs list themselves as fully online, the clinical practicum hours always happen in person at approved sites. ECPI University’s FNP, for instance, is 100% online for academics yet still requires supervised clinical experiences you arrange locally. Shenandoah University’s fully online FNP includes a mandatory campus immersion and weekly synchronous classes. So the degree is achievable without a daily commute to campus, but you cannot skip the face-to-face patient care component.
When evaluating FNP programs in Virginia, tuition and clinical hour requirements are just two factors to weigh alongside program length and whether the school helps arrange preceptors. The table below compares ten schools with available data to give you a starting point for side-by-side decisions.
| Institution | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Clinical Hours | Program Length | Preceptor Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia's College at Wise | $8,352 | $8,352 | 600 | 36 months (part-time) | Not specified |
| George Mason University | $17,964 | $40,308 | 600 | 24-36 months | Not specified |
| Old Dominion University | $15,390 | $36,174 | N/A | N/A | Not specified |
| Radford University | $13,762 | $23,525 | 540 | 48 months | Not specified |
| University of Virginia | $23,526 | $37,628 | 600 | 24-36 months | Not specified |
| Regent University | $17,869 | $17,869 | N/A | N/A | Not specified |
| ECPI University | $13,625 | $13,625 | N/A | 22 months | Not specified |
| James Madison University | $13,464 | $30,984 | 780 | N/A | Yes |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $17,252 | $32,470 | N/A | 24 months (part-time) | Yes |
| Mary Baldwin University | $18,865 | $18,865 | 600 | 20 months | Not specified |
GRE-required versus GRE-optional: that single variable can dramatically reshape your application strategy. While every program shares a core set of nursing credentials, the test-or-no-test decision channels applicants toward schools that align with their strengths and timelines.
The GRE requirement separates Virginia NP programs into two camps. George Mason, Radford, Shenandoah, and Liberty have all waived the GRE for MSN-FNP applicants. This eliminates a significant testing hurdle and shortens the application timeline. University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), by contrast, continue to require GRE scores. For applicants targeting those schools, planning to sit for the GRE General Test at least four months before the deadline is wise. Score expectations vary, but competitive candidates often present verbal and quantitative scores in the 50th percentile or higher. Because GRE waivers are not always permanent, always verify the current policy on the program’s admissions page.
The path from registered nurse to FNP typically takes two to three years of full-time study, or three to four years part-time. Most MSN-FNP curricula run 45 to 50 credits and include 600 to 1,000 clinical hours. For example, George Mason’s FNP track requires 600 clinical hours and can be completed online with local preceptorships, allowing working RNs to maintain employment. Part-time pacing is common: many students take two courses per semester and finish in about three and a half years.
For those starting with an ADN, RN-to-MSN bridge programs add roughly a year, making the total journey four years. Accelerated pathways exist at a few schools: some programs offer a fast-track option that lets highly disciplined students graduate in five to six semesters, provided they can handle a full course load and clinical rotations simultaneously.
A few Virginia programs lower the bar in specific areas to attract second-career nurses or those with non-traditional backgrounds. Radford University Carilion considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 if they post a 3.0 in the last 60 credits of their BSN. Liberty University’s online FNP program admits students with one year of RN experience and no GRE, and it offers multiple start dates per year to accelerate entry. Old Dominion University’s hybrid FNP program does not prescribe a minimum number of RN work years, focusing instead on an applicant’s overall portfolio and interview performance. These nuances can save a motivated applicant months or even a year, so it is worth scouring each school’s most recent admission guide for flexible GPA thresholds, experience exceptions, and rolling admissions schedules.
Virginia is a restricted practice state, but legislation in 2024 created a path to full practice authority after 3 years and 5,400 hours. Prescriptive authority requires a separate paper application.
A program's reputation on paper is less important than its ability to get you through the FNP certification exam on the first attempt. First-time pass rates on the ANCC or AANP exam reveal how well a school's curriculum and clinical training align with what the tests actually cover. Employers and credentialing bodies track these numbers; some graduate nursing programs even include them in accreditation reports.
If a program consistently struggles to prepare graduates for the certification exam, it may signal gaps in instruction, insufficient clinical hours, or weak exam-prep support. Conversely, high pass rates indicate that a school refines its content and provides strong student resources.
In 2025, the national first-time FNP certification pass rate was 81%, with more than 14,800 examinees, according to aggregated exam data.1 In recent years, rates have typically ranged between 75% and 87%.2 Virginia programs generally perform near or above that national mark, but school-level specifics vary. Some institutions post first-time pass rates above 90%, while a few dip closer to the lower end of the typical band.
Because pass rates can shift from year to year based on cohort size and curriculum updates, it's wise to ask for the latest multi-year averages rather than a single annual figure. A program that has maintained a consistent pass rate above 85% over three to five years demonstrates reliable exam readiness.
Most NP programs publish pass rates on their nursing school websites, often in a dedicated outcomes or accreditation section. Look for data labeled "ANCC" or "AANP FNP first-time pass rate." For a deeper check, review CCNE accreditation reports; these typically include aggregate pass rates and other outcome metrics. If a school does not readily share these numbers, ask an admissions counselor directly. Transparency is itself a good sign.
Prospective students comparing Virginia FNP programs should weigh pass rates alongside cost, clinical placement support, and specialty track offerings. A high pass rate alone doesn't guarantee the perfect fit, but it confirms that graduates consistently meet the national standard for practice readiness.
Did you know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8,860 nurse practitioners were employed in the Richmond, VA metro area as of May 2022, underscoring the strong local demand for advanced practice nursing.
Virginia’s nurse practitioners earn a median annual wage of $116,980, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.1 That places the Commonwealth comfortably above the national median of $129,210 for the profession, though the gap reflects regional cost-of-living differences and employer mix. A new graduate might see compensation rise sharply after the first year or two of experience, especially when moving from a generalist role to a specialty with higher demand.
The statewide figure masks wide variation by metro area. In fact, an NP’s location within Virginia can swing earnings by $20,000 or more, even for the same role and experience level. Understanding which markets pay above the state median and where employment is concentrated helps nurses target their job search.
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, which includes Northern Virginia, is both the highest-paying and the largest employer of NPs in the state. Median wages here typically exceed the national median, reflecting the federal and tech-heavy job base. The Richmond metro area offers mid-range pay, with a median hovering in the low $110,000s, while the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News region, home to a large military and healthcare corridor, shows a similar middle-tier range. Roanoke and Charlottesville represent smaller markets; Roanoke often lands below the state median, while Charlottesville’s pay can approach Richmond’s because of the University of Virginia Health System’s draw.
Employment totals underline where NPs are practicing most. Northern Virginia accounts for the lion’s share of NP jobs, with thousands of positions concentrated in hospital networks, private practices, and government facilities. Richmond and Hampton Roads each employ a sizable but smaller number, while the western and southern regions have thinner concentrations. For a new NP willing to relocate, job density can be as important as salary in evaluating a move.
Not all NP roles pay the same, even within a single metro. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) often start near the local median, while psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) tend to command a premium of 10-20% because of severe shortages in behavioral health. Acute care NPs (ACNPs) working in hospital ICUs or surgical services may also out-earn their primary care peers, especially with on-call or shift differentials. These patterns hold across Virginia metros, though the dollar difference is largest in high-cost Northern Virginia.
The Family Practice NP/PA Salary Guide consistently shows that urgent care and telemedicine roles push FNP pay above base rates, and that locum tenens assignments in underserved areas can boost income by picking up per diem shifts. When evaluating an offer, nurses should ask about productivity bonuses and call pay rather than just the base salary.
Virginia nurse practitioners earn a median annual wage of $120,130, but that figure varies widely by specialty and location. Choosing the right program determines how quickly you reach that earning potential, what debts you carry, and whether you pass certification on the first try. Use this checklist to weigh the factors that matter most.
Start with the practical constraints: Do you need a fully online format, or can you attend in person? Hybrid and online programs offer flexibility, but some require on-campus intensives several times per semester. Compare program length , post-BSN tracks average 2 to 3 years, while part-time or post-master's certificates can be shorter. Factor in your work schedule and family commitments.
Only consider programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but many FNP certification bodies prefer CCNE-accredited degrees. Graduating from an unaccredited school can block your eligibility for national certification and state licensure, so verify a program's status before applying.
Low published tuition is tempting, but if you must find your own preceptors, the real cost rises. Some programs handle clinical placement entirely, while others offer limited support or none. Scrambling for a qualified preceptor can add months to your timeline and lead to clinical sites hours from home. Ask each program directly: How many clinical hours are required, and does the school arrange preceptors, assist with site approvals, or leave the burden on you? The data table earlier in this guide shows clinical hour totals and preceptor support policies for Virginia's top programs: use it to compare the trade-offs.
A program's first-time pass rate on national exams like the ANCC or AANP is a direct measure of how well it prepares you. Low pass rates mean retakes, additional fees, and delayed employment. Cross-reference pass rates with program length: some accelerated tracks pack the same content into fewer months, which can be intense. Look for a balance that fits your learning pace.
Revisit the rankings and comparison table earlier in this guide. Note the net price after financial aid, not just the sticker tuition. Virginia programs range from under $30,000 to over $80,000 in total cost. Weigh that against the clinical support, pass rates, and flexibility. The program that looks cheapest on paper may cost more in lost time and stress if you struggle to assemble your clinical rotations.
Choosing the right nurse practitioner program involves weighing cost, timeline, and career goals. Below we answer the most common questions aspiring NPs in Virginia ask about salaries, online options, admissions, and practice authority.
Beyond the top-ranked schools, Virginia offers many other strong NP pathways across the state. The programs below include online, hybrid, and campus-based options with specialties ranging from family care to psychiatric mental health and emergency nurse practitioner. Each listing includes current net price estimates and format details to help you compare.
