Our list of popular online DNP programs features high-quality doctoral pathways for working nurses seeking to elevate their clinical practice and leadership impact, whether you're targeting roles in direct patient care, healthcare leadership, or academic settings.
Key Takeaways:
- Chamberlain University ranks #1 for popularity with 482 graduates from its DNP program, and it also leads in earnings, with a median salary of $138,574 among DNPs.
- Aspen University (#2 for popularity) stands out for its 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Liberty University is another popular choice, leading in online enrollment with over 48,000 distance learners.
Our rankings reflect the highest number of online DNP graduates per school, underscoring student trust and program scale. We also include authentic, firsthand insights based on thousands of student surveys we've collected. For more on our process, visit our methodology.
Most Popular Online DNP Programs 2025
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University | 482 | $13,280 | $148,937 | N/A | |
| Aspen University | 195 | $15,540 | N/A | 79% | |
| Capella University | 175 | $15,066 | $127,480 | 77% | |
| University of Florida | 109 | $19,931 | N/A | 92% | |
| Chatham University | 65 | $23,490 | $154,532 | 85% | |
| Purdue Global | 44 | $11,582 | N/A | 74% | |
| Old Dominion University | 44 | $5,778 | N/A | 89% | |
| Bradley University | 43 | $13,080 | N/A | 100% | |
| Quinnipiac University | 40 | $18,217 | $139,584 | 92% | |
| Liberty University | 36 | $11,421 | N/A | 75% | |
| Abilene Christian University | 36 | $15,678 | N/A | 95% | |
| University of Alabama | 34 | $7,700 | $140,861 | 95% | |
| Villanova University | 34 | $22,880 | N/A | 99% | |
| University of North Dakota | 21 | $15,086 | N/A | 94% | |
| New Mexico State University | 21 | $12,335 | N/A | 88% |
The Most Popular Online DNP Programs: What Our Data Reveals About Quality
If you're pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) online, it helps to know which programs students are choosing — and why. Our ranking of the most popular online DNP programs is based on a straightforward but telling metric: graduate volume.
The programs listed above produce significantly more DNP graduates per year than most of their peers, with the largest conferring nearly 500 DNP degrees annually.
We also want to pair the data around the number of successful graduates with other important metrics that gauge high quality, like how many of these programs report six-figure median salaries for graduates, with some exceeding $135,000.
There's also our student satisfaction data — based on over 75,000 reviews — and direct quotes from real online DNP students who have been in your shoes. These firsthand accounts illuminate what the numbers can’t: the mentorship, the support systems, and the moments when it all clicks into place.
Here’s what the data and the students have to say.
Why Popularity Should Matter to Online DNP Students
Large DNP programs like those at Chamberlain (482 graduates), Aspen (195), and Capella (175) stand out not just because of their scale but because of what that scale implies. High graduate numbers typically reflect:
Program stability and maturity: These schools have streamlined their practicum processes, course sequencing, and support infrastructure.
Community and connection: A larger graduate pool often means a stronger alumni network, which is valuable for mentoring and job placement.
Market trust: Students are voting with their enrollment and, more importantly, with successful completion.
In short, popularity serves as a proxy for scalability and trust. As "Doc," an anonymous 2017 graduate from Aspen, put it: “Exceptional all around including the faculty, course work, and student support services... I would recommend ASPEN to anyone. Go ASPEN U!!!!!!!!!!!”
Recommendation Rates That Speak for Themselves
Our recommendation rates come from over 75,000 verified student reviews collected across many years, providing a consistent measure of graduate satisfaction.
In fact, 10 of the 15 most popular DNP programs in our list received recommendation scores above 85%, and six surpassed 90%. That kind of consensus is a solid indication of quality online schools, where isolation can be a risk.
Take Villanova, for example, which holds a 97% recommendation rate from its students. One graduate, Kimberly Contegiacomo (2013), described the experience as deeply supportive: “Professors at Villanova are there for you... This was an essential component of the program because I was able to make strong connections.”
Similarly, Abilene Christian University earned praise from Stephanie Lovelady (2014), who emphasized how accessible and invested faculty were: “The hours and workload are heavy but it all meshes together to give an outstanding understanding of social systems. The faculty are 100% accessible approximately 90% of the time. These faculty want each student to succeed and care about their future.”
In demanding doctoral programs, especially online ones, the difference between persistence and burnout often comes down to one thing: consistent, human support from faculty.
Also at Abilene, Jill Ebarb (2018) highlighted a community built around more than just curriculum: “I have received not only an excellent education... but lifelong friends and mentors. I often was invited to professors’ homes where they mentored me in my career.”
These high recommendation scores signal to us institutional follow-through on academic promises.
Faculty Access and Mentorship Matter in Online DNPs
Across nearly every school in our analysis, one theme emerged clearly: access to responsive, experienced faculty is a major reason students stay the course.
At Aspen, several graduates mentioned direct access to instructors. A student who self-identified as "NG" (2017) shared that “every professor responded to me within 1–2 days by email and cell phone,” while another student, "Doc" (2017), noted that faculty were “extremely knowledgeable... and very supportive.”
For DNP students — especially those balancing full-time jobs and clinical placements — knowing that your instructors will actually respond to emails (and with insight, not canned replies) can make or break your doctoral journey.
At Chatham, the story is the same. Kayla Kuykendall (2016) praised the school for providing “opportunities for research and skill development since day one,” backed by faculty who “are so approachable and available.”
Even at large institutions like Purdue Global, students felt seen. Thomas H. (2020), a doctoral-level student, wrote, “The faculty are and have been magnificent... It has filled the gaps in my previous master’s degree and let me study when and where I can.”
Students also repeatedly highlighted how programs allowed them to apply what they learned directly to their professional lives. At Quinnipiac, Meg (2020) summed up her experience this way: “Clinical placements are great and lead to connections that are positive and impacting.”
Old Dominion’s clinical design also received praise for its flexibility and relevance. Sarah Rosbicki (2016) emphasized the program’s focus on learning over letter grades, saying, “The material we are learning is mostly useful in clinical practice.”
DNP students are already working professionals, so they need programs that fit their context, not generic theory divorced from daily practice. At this advanced level of nursing practice, an online DNP is about joining a professional community that equips you to lead, advocate, and transform healthcare, wherever you are.
Final Takeaways: Why These DNP Programs Stand Out
If you're pursuing a DNP online, your experience will hinge on more than just accreditation or curriculum design. (But, of course, all of the schools featured on our site are institutionally accredited.) It will come down to mentorship, community, and completion.
The nursing doctorates featured here rise to the top because they graduate the highest number of students, and not only that, but their students overwhelmingly recommend them and speak to strong relationships with faculty.
From 100% recommendation rates at Bradley to personalized mentorship at Aspen and Villanova, these schools show that popularity shows volume but also follow-through. Students chose these programs and left with more than a diploma. They also left with confidence, skills, and support that will carry them into advanced practice.
For DNP students already deep in clinical careers, that kind of trust and support is helpful when choosing the right program for your needs.
FAQs About Popular Online DNP Programs
What Is a DNP?
Earning an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) helps you qualify for the most clinically advanced roles in nursing. A DNP is a terminal nursing degree representing the most advanced clinical education a nurse can receive. You might take anywhere between one and four years to complete an online DNP degree depending on your previous education and experience.
As a DNP graduate, you might be eligible to work in both clinical and administrative leadership roles as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Clinical DNP graduates often become nurse practitioners (NP) or other types of APRNs who give advanced care in a specialized area. DNPs in leadership oversee multidisciplinary healthcare teams and programs and try to produce the best possible patient outcomes.
Is a DNP a Doctor?
The DNP is a clinical doctoral degree, but DNPs are not physicians and typically don't call themselves doctors. Some states have legislation prohibiting any medical professional who is not a medical doctor from referring to themselves as "doctor," regardless of their education level. This is meant to add transparency for patients, who may not understand the difference between a doctoral-prepared nurse and a medical doctor.
What Is the Difference Between a DNP and a PhD?
It can be tough to understand the difference between types of doctorates in any field. In nursing, a DNP is the patient-focused clinical doctorate that emphasizes giving direct care. A PhD is a research doctorate focused on asking questions and gathering data that clinical practice nurses can use in the field.
Can a DNP Prescribe Medication or Write Prescriptions?
Some DNPs can prescribe pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments. It's accurate to say that NPs can write prescriptions in all 50 states. But not all DNP graduates are NPs, who must pass a comprehensive exam. Even NPs may have restrictions on the types of substances they can prescribe in some states. They may also need to arrange with a physician to oversee their prescription authority in some states.
How To Choose an Online DNP Program?
There's a lot to consider when deciding what college you should go to for graduate school. The factors below aren't an exhaustive list, but they can help you start your research into doctoral degrees in nursing.
Accreditation
The first step is to make a list of institutionally accredited schools with programmatically accredited DNP offerings. The respected accrediting authorities in nursing are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Both and have searchable databases of accredited programs that can help you narrow your search to DNPs that have passed a thorough quality review.
Cost and Financial Aid
Many students filter candidate schools by cost once they find a list of accredited programs. Tuition is the largest portion of a program's cost but you also need to consider mandatory fees, books, and supplies. You can review our financial planning resources to learn about financial aid options, government versus private student loans, GI Bill education benefits, and more.
Read through our list of the most affordable online DNP programs for low-cost options. We also have a list of the most affordable online bachelor's programs in nursing if you're not at the doctoral level yet.
Full Time Vs. Part Time
Most DNP students are full-time nurses looking for programs that accommodate their work schedules. Many online DNP programs offer flexible part-time options. However, others require students to take a full-time course load.
Most schools offer asynchronous courses in their online programs. This means that classes have no live meetings. But keep in mind that as a clinical doctorate, a DNP requires you to work for hundreds of supervised hours in person at a healthcare facility.
Concentrations
Some DNP programs feature specialty concentrations so students can tailor their studies to the type of nursing they want to practice. See the section for examples of available concentrations.
Graduate Outcomes
Many colleges provide board certification exam pass rates and post-graduation employment rates for their DNP graduates. Ask an admissions officer at the school if you can't find these statistics on any of the program's web pages.
What Are the Differences Between BSN to DNP and BSN to PhD Nursing Programs?
If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you might choose a BSN to DNP program to help earn your doctorate faster. These programs don't skip the master's degree. Instead, you earn your Master of Science in Nursing along the way to your DNP. You may earn a doctorate in as little as three years with a full-time schedule or as many as four or five with a part-time course load.
Like any DNP, a BSN to DNP track focuses on teaching advanced clinical care skills. You'll take courses covering nursing outcomes management, health finance, and systems leadership. You'll also typically complete a capstone project or nursing rotation in an advanced practice area.
BSN to PhD Degree Programs
BSN to PhD nursing programs are research-focused degrees that require students to write a dissertation. Some programs also require students to complete an administrative, clinical, or nursing education specialty or declare a major and minor. Completing all of these requirements typically requires four to eight years of full-time study.
PhD-prepared nurses may potentially work as high-level administrators, educators, and researchers. Many of them work in academia but others find positions in healthcare administration or research and development for businesses.
What Specializations Are Available in a DNP Program?
Most DNP programs allow students to specialize in a focused practice area. We've listed some of the most common DNP concentrations for clinical APRNs below:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This specialty focuses on providing care to adults. Students take several classes that emphasize the needs of older patients.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
This training covers administering and overseeing anesthesia in a broad range of healthcare settings. These specialists are the highest paid nurses on average.
Family Nurse Practitioner
NPs in family practice manage health and wellness for patients of all ages. They usually work in primary care settings such as clinics and smaller offices.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal specialists care for newborns and infants. Part of their education emphasizes attending to premature and at-risk births.
Nurse Midwife
As experts in women's health, nurse midwives help pregnant patients before and after they give birth. They also assist with the birthing process itself.
Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | These professionals assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They may work in psychiatric care units or as specialists in more general medical settings.
And here are some non-APRN DNP specializations that you might choose:
Nurse Administrator
Administrators keep healthcare facilities running. They manage the nursing staff, monitor quality metrics, and oversee healthcare delivery systems in a clinical environment.
Nurse Educator
These specialists train the next generation of nurses. They teach students evidence-based practice methods and design ongoing education programs.
Nursing Informatics
Informatics is the use of technology and information systems to support patient care. Students in this specialty learn software and IT skills to help them set up and maintain health data for their employers.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a DNP Program?
Admission requirements differ by school, but most programs have similar standards. BSN to DNP candidates need a BSN with a sufficient GPA, which is usually 3.0 or higher. Applicants for other DNP programs usually need an MSN with a similar GPA threshold.
Each DNP program has certain prerequisite course requirements to ensure that doctoral students are prepared for the program. You might need to take some courses before beginning a DNP if your nursing degree didn't satisfy the requirements.
Beyond degrees, each applicant needs a current registered nurse (RN) credential. An RN designation ensures that the nurse has demonstrated their ability by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Most applicants have at least a few years of experience as an RN before pursuing their DNP.
Candidates typically submit reference letters from professors or managers who can discuss their academic, professional, and personal qualities. Most colleges also ask for a personal statement about the candidate's career goals. Some schools conduct interviews with prospective students.
What Can You Do with an Online DNP?
Most DNP graduates pursue advanced nursing careers that align with their interests and clinical experience. Some continue to work directly with patients as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), while others move into roles in healthcare leadership, education, or policy. Common work environments include hospitals, private practices, community clinics, research institutions, long-term care facilities, public health organizations, and government agencies.
Below are a few common career paths for DNP graduates:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs are APRNs who specialize in administering anesthesia and managing patient care before, during, and after procedures. This role requires extensive clinical experience and national certification. CRNAs are highly valued in many regions, especially where anesthesiologists are in short supply.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Clinical nurse specialists focus on a particular patient population or medical condition, such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care. They provide expert guidance to healthcare teams, improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, and often hold additional certifications in their area of expertise.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients, often serving as primary care providers. Many specialize in areas like family practice, psychiatric mental health, or women's health. NPs are essential to expanding access to care, particularly in underserved or rural communities.
Whether your goal is advanced clinical care or influencing healthcare systems from a leadership role, a DNP can open the door to a wide range of impactful career opportunities. If you’re exploring your next step, you might also consider whether a nurse practitioner degree or a new career direction aligns better with your professional goals.
A DNP's salary is typically higher than that of nurses with less advanced degrees. Working in a large practice or hospital will likely yield higher pay than in smaller clinics or practices. Keep in mind that salary depends heavily on location. For example, urban salaries tend to be higher than suburban or rural income.
If you're intrigued by the NP role, see our list of the best online nurse practitioner degree programs. You can also consider a career change if you feel burnt out on nursing and a DNP doesn't feel like the answer.
Student Reviews of Online DNP Programs
The Chamberlain DNP program is absolutely phenomenal! From the moment you begin, you can tell that the professors are not only knowledgeable but also incredibly responsive and deeply invested in their students. They genuinely care about your success and go above and beyond to ensure you have the resources, guidance, and support needed to thrive.
What truly sets this program apart is the dedicated faculty who provide timely feedback, insightful guidance, and unwavering encouragement. Whether it’s through... Read More
The curriculum is rigorous yet highly practical, seamlessly integrating advanced nursing concepts, leadership strategies, quality improvement initiatives, and healthcare policy analysis. Chamberlain ensures that students are well-equipped to make real-world impacts in healthcare, improving patient outcomes and transforming care delivery.
If you are looking for a DNP program that challenges, supports, and truly inspires you, Chamberlain is the perfect choice. It is an outstanding program that will help you elevate your career, strengthen your leadership skills, and empower you to drive meaningful change in your organization and the broader healthcare landscape. I highly recommend it to any nurse looking to advance their practice and make a lasting difference!
Review Date: 3/17/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am 30/70 on recommending the school. If you are a novice student, have little to no experience with professional teachers and academia, and like to be treated like an elementary school student when you hold the same if not more degrees than your professor? It’s perfect!! Otherwise I have not been impressed with my experience. Many of the faculty treat the students like undergraduates when we are peers to them. I have not had consistency in grading or teaching styles. I also have had a very bad... Read More
Review Date: 2/6/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Aspen was the perfect university for me - someone who worked full time, with a young one (1-3 years old), and who required the flexibility in both scheduling as well as payment options. My faculty mentor, Dr. Pearce, was AMAZINGLY supportive and one of the reasons why I’ve enjoyed my time at Aspen university so much. I’ve recommended this school to other colleagues and have recruited 2 more students to the DNP program.
However, I am very disappointed that they cancelled the 2025 graduation ceremony.... Read More
Review Date: 6/1/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I started Chamberlain University as an DNP student in October 2021. I have thoroughly enjoyed the program. The instructors are great and very supportive. Chamberlain offers their students many, many resources to ensure your experience is successful and rewarding. I would definitely recommend Chamberlain to anyone wanting to further their education.
Review Date: 3/31/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I received my BSN from Aspen and cannot say enough good things about it. I do not understand why it is nationally accredited because the course work was extremely hard and I earned my degree. I went on to get my MSN in Leadership and am now in the DNP program and very excited about having a Doctorate. I really can't say enough good things about this school. Online school gives you back the effort you put into it. My advisors have all been amazing and I have been able to advance my career and earning... Read More
Review Date: 1/27/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school does not hand hold and spoon feed. If you are looking for a school to do that for you then do not choose Aspen. It is mostly papers and discussion boards. The benefit of that is you focus your papers to the research and time you put into it. If you have weak writing skills or lack motivation to learn based on your self-initiative and need an instructor to do of for you, then you should seek a more structured program that is face to face. Online learning just can't do that for you. Aspen... Read More
Review Date: 8/16/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been extremely satisfied with the quality of the professors in the DNP program, I feel they are challenging while being extremely supportive. The level of academic rigor is high and the expectations are clearly explained. The online platform and resources are top-notch, I have colleagues in other online programs and the online resources and support are far less in other programs. I highly recommend Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Review Date: 12/4/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I finished the Chamberlain DNP program this year and so far, I am satisfied with the support that I received from the DNP faculty. There was a time when the program was challenging, but with the help of the professors, I got through it. Time management, discipline, and hard work is very important since all of the courses are online and supplement the things that you do not know by reading further.
Review Date: 12/28/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It was the best experience of my life. The professors are helpful, and make sure the student have the best experience. The professors were available 24/7, they did not mind to call them on their personal cell number. Dr. Taylor my faculty mentor is awesome lady. And without Dr. Daly and especially Dr. Copeland I would have not finished my degree.
Review Date: 1/1/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Chamberlain University DNP makes it possible to the pursue my dream. I cannot come this far without the love and supports from my professors. The professors are very supportive of their students. I had wonderful experience from the beginning to the end of my school year.
Review Date: 1/6/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Chamberlain DNP program is very organized. The level of support your receive from faculty and students makes a huge difference in the online setting. Staff is always available to you at any time if you have any concerns regarding your finance account, practicum or courses. I will recommend Chamberlain to any nurse who is driven to work hard and attain their degree. I am very pleased and proud of the knowldge i have acquired from attending Chamberlain University.
Review Date: 10/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The faculty and course content was appropriate. My problem was the system called Canvass. I reviewed the online Canvass tutorial but it was not helpful when it came to staying organized with the live program. Too much content was printed, the canvass view was cluttered and confusing to use. I am a hands on person and a little older than my cohorts and the online review was not helpful. Contacts to the IT department were not helpful either. Maybe more input from older students returning for their... Read More
Review Date: 1/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have had a really good experience with Chamberlain College. I have taken several courses and all but two of the professors have been uplifting, encouraging leaders who are there for you. I also appreciate that the program seems tailored to those working full time. Very good experience, glad I chose Chamberlain! CLHK
Review Date: 10/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
DNP is a challenging degree program. It requires hard work and a plan to finish. It can be achieved in under 3 years if you are determined and have the ability to attend full time. I like that fact that you can't remain a "FOREVER" student, you have to show progression towards finishing the degree.
Review Date: 5/14/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I completed my MSN with Capella University online and enjoyed it so much I am now currently working on my DNP through Capella.
Review Date: 4/13/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of San Francisco is a widely respected institution in one of the greatest cities in the United States. Their Doctor of Nursing program tracks are second to none. There are many options and flexibility which allows students to make the most of their graduate experience. The University of San Francisco's DNP program prepares their students to be competent healthcare professional leaders in a rigorous and diverse learning environment.
Review Date: 1/17/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Completing my doctorate degree at Frontier Nursing University was the best investment that I could make financially, professionally and academically. The campus is breath taking. You get the best of distance education with a brick and mortar feel of a traditional classroom. Classes while on campus are literally held in an historic barn. They have an innate grass-roots feel that really speaks to the heart and history of the profession and advancement of nursing! They have been at the forefront since... Read More
Review Date: 9/13/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No