3 Schools • 1 Online • 2 Mostly Online
Three Delaware schools offer eight FNP tracks, spanning the MSN, BSN-DNP, post-master’s certificate, and a combined certificate and DNP for MSN-prepared nurses. One program is fully online, and two are mostly online with occasional campus intensives or seminars. Estimated tuition runs from about $16K to $93K. Completion takes roughly 1 to 5 years, depending on track and full-time or part-time pace.
Highlights include:
- The University of Delaware’s MSN includes separate older adult, women’s health, and pediatric practicums
- Delaware State University adds a full special populations practicum to the standard lifespan rotations
- Wilmington University spreads disease management across a three-course Acute and Chronic Care sequence
Compare Delaware Family NP Programs
| School | Online Format | Campus Commitment | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
| Delaware State University | Online | None | $500 | MSN | Lowest per-credit cost |
| University of Delaware | Mostly Online | Occasional intensives; DNP 2–8 days per semester | $913–$1,149 | MSN, BSN-DNP, certificate | School-secured preceptors |
| Wilmington University | Mostly Online | Two seminars per year during practicums | $564–$749 | MSN, BSN-DNP, certificate, certificate + DNP | Lower-cost DNP |
CPC is derived and inclusive of mandatory per-credit fees, rounded to the nearest dollar; none of the three schools publishes a separate Delaware resident rate for these programs, and full rate breakdowns are on each school profile.
What’s the Best FNP Program for You?
Best MSN Value
Delaware State University’s MSN costs about $25K with mandatory fees and includes 765 practicum hours.
Best Doctoral Value
Wilmington University’s BSN-DNP runs $49K–$57K, well below the University of Delaware’s $85K–$93K.
Best Placement Support
The University of Delaware works to secure an initial preceptor for every NP student, the only stated placement model among Delaware schools.
Best for No Campus Travel
Delaware State University is the only in-state option with no required campus attendance, though it does not accept students from 14 states.
Best for Credential Flexibility
Wilmington University runs its MSN, certificate, and both DNP routes on one 750-hour practicum chain, so the endpoint changes without changing clinical training.
Most MSN Clinical Hours
The University of Delaware’s MSN carries 816 practicum hours, the highest MSN total in Delaware.
Delaware DNP FNP Programs
Two Delaware schools offer a doctoral FNP route, and both admit BSN-prepared nurses. Wilmington also enrolls MSN holders who are not yet FNPs through a combined certificate and DNP. The University of Delaware offers post-master’s DNP entry, but nurses seeking FNP certification must dual-enroll in the DNP and the FNP certificate. Compare these with other BSN-to-DNP FNP programs and MSN-to-DNP FNP programs.
| School | Estimated Tuition (resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| University of Delaware (BSN-DNP) | $85K–$93K | 3–5 years | 1,016–1,120 hrs |
| Wilmington University (BSN-DNP) | $49K–$57K | 3.5 years | 1,250 hrs |
| Wilmington University (Certificate + DNP) | $41K–$57K | Not clearly stated | 1,250 hrs |
DNP totals include indirect project and practice experience hours; direct patient care runs 784–816 hours at the University of Delaware and 750 at Wilmington.
- Lowest doctoral cost: Wilmington University — $49K–$57K, depending on which rate bills the FNP courses.
- Full-time option: University of Delaware — 3 years full-time, the school’s only full-time NP plan.
- Entry for MSN holders: Wilmington University — certificate + DNP accepts transfer of core APRN courses.
- Campus time: University of Delaware — 2 to 8 campus days per semester in Newark.
Delaware MSN FNP Programs
All three Delaware schools offer an MSN FNP, making it the state’s most widely available track. Delaware State holds ACEN accreditation with conditions, while the University of Delaware and Wilmington hold CCNE accreditation. Clinical loads fall between 750 and 816 hours at every school, above the common 600 to 700 hour range. See more online MSN FNP programs for options beyond Delaware.
| School | Estimated Tuition (resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| Delaware State University | $25K | 2.7 years | 765 hrs |
| University of Delaware | $44K | 3 years | 816 hrs |
| Wilmington University | $32K | 2 years | 750+ hrs |
- Lowest MSN cost: Delaware State University — $25K including registration, technology, and distance education fees.
- Shortest timeline: Wilmington University — about 2 years across six semesters.
- Fee-free pricing: University of Delaware — online students pay no university fees on top of tuition.
- Entry without a BSN: Delaware State University — RN-to-MSN pathway available.
Delaware Post-Graduate Certificate FNP Programs
Two schools offer a post-master’s FNP certificate, and both set each student’s coursework through a gap analysis. Neither shortens the clinical load for nurses who already hold APRN credentials, since both require at least 750 hours. Admission rules differ sharply, so confirm eligibility before comparing cost. Browse more post-graduate FNP certificate programs.
| School | Estimated Tuition (resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| University of Delaware | $22K–$37K | 1–2 years | 750+ hrs |
| Wilmington University | $16K–$24K | 1.7 years | 750+ hrs |
- Lowest certificate cost: Wilmington University — $16K when APRN core courses are already complete.
- Broader eligibility: Wilmington University — open to MSN or DNP holders, not only current NPs.
- Narrow entry: University of Delaware — current NPs and CNSs with a compact RN license, Spring start only for NPs.
National Online FNP Options
Delaware’s programs leave a few gaps. Delaware State does not accept students from 14 states, and the University of Delaware requires a Delaware or compact RN license for most tracks. Only UD states who arranges clinical placement, and no in-state DNP is free of campus time. Nurses near the state line can also compare programs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Those outside these boundaries, or who want a doctorate without travel, can compare national programs such as Walden University and Purdue Global. Both are CCNE-accredited and list online FNP pathways at the MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate levels.
FAQ
How many FNP programs are in Delaware?
Three schools offer eight FNP tracks. Delaware State University offers an MSN, the University of Delaware offers an MSN, BSN-DNP, and certificate, and Wilmington University offers an MSN, certificate, BSN-DNP, and combined certificate and DNP.
Are any Delaware FNP programs fully online?
Delaware State University is the only one with no required campus attendance. The University of Delaware’s MSN includes occasional intensives in Newark, and its BSN-DNP adds 2 to 8 campus days per semester. Wilmington practicum students attend two face-to-face seminars a year.
Which Delaware FNP program costs the least?
Delaware State University’s MSN is the lowest-cost degree at about $25K with fees. Among certificates, Wilmington starts lower at about $16K for nurses who have already completed APRN core courses.
Which Delaware schools offer a DNP with an FNP focus?
The University of Delaware and Wilmington University both offer a BSN-DNP, and both hold CCNE accreditation. Wilmington also offers a combined certificate and DNP for MSN-prepared nurses who are not yet FNPs.
Can I complete clinicals near home?
All three schools require an RN license valid in the state where clinicals take place. The University of Delaware allows sites in any state with faculty approval and a signed site agreement. Delaware State and Wilmington do not state whether they find preceptors, so ask before applying.
Can nurses outside Delaware enroll?
Yes, with limits. Delaware State does not accept students from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, or Washington. The University of Delaware generally requires a Delaware or compact RN license, and Wilmington lists a few states as not yet determined for FNP licensure alignment.