Wondering if Idaho is a strong state for a doctorate? Check out this handy DNP guide. It contains rankings of the best and most affordable DNP programs in Idaho, info on online & hybrid ID doctorates, and notes on BSN to DNP pathways. Want to dive into a specific school? Skip ahead to our detailed program listings.
Top Idaho DNP Programs
Idaho only has two universities that offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice. So take our ranking of the best DNP programs in ID with a grain of salt! In addition to analyzing U.S. News & World Report placements, we also considered factors such as reviews, deliverables, and reputation.
1. Boise State University
BSU’s DNP program for post-master’s candidates takes the #1 spot because of its excellent ranking in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs (e.g. top 30 in the country) and strong reviews from graduate alumni on independent sites. The university has a well-established and CCNE-accredited School of Nursing, and all of its nursing faculty maintain clinical practice hours.
You can chat to a DNP Academic Advisor about your career plans and the networking opportunities available during the on-campus executive sessions. BSU also has a list of former students and their DNP Scholarly Projects—you may wish to get in touch with them directly and ask for their opinions on the experience.
2. Idaho State University
ISU’s DNP program has much to recommend it! It comes from a CCNE-accredited College of Nursing. It’s available in BSN to DNP tracks, as well as a post-master’s pathway for current FNPs or PMHNPs. And it’s built to be flexible, with online coursework and on-campus clinical intensives each semester. College faculty are involved in a number of interesting research projects and they make every effort to complete in-person clinical site visits during DNP practicums.
We also like the fact that ISU’s nursing graduate programs receive positive reviews on independent sites and messageboards. Reviewers praise the easy interactions, strong support, and convenience of online learning. If you need funding assistance, you can search ISU’s Bengal Online Scholarship System for nursing scholarships. As always, we recommend you ask the DNP program coordinator for NP certification pass rates.
Note: You might wish to consider top-ranked online DNP programs in neighboring states (e.g. Oregon, Washington State, etc.) as well.
Most Affordable DNP Programs in Idaho
This ranking of the cheapest DNP programs in Idaho is based the lowest per credit tuition rate. In the case of ISU, this was the in-state rate for the post-master’s DNP; the out-of-state rate and rates for the BSN to DNP tracks are going to be higher.
1. Idaho State University
DNP Tuition & Fees
We calculated the tuition rate for the post-master’s DNP by dividing the per semester cost by the average number of credits. The in-state rate is quite affordable; the out-of-state rate is comparable to Boise State, so non-Idaho residents may wish to compare the two. The per credit rates for the BSN to DNP program are slightly more expensive than the post-master’s; part-time study is cheaper than full-time study.
You’ll also need to account for substantial professional program fees, any travel costs, and course fees. For example, any students enrolled in NEXus courses may have additional enrollment fees per course in any semester.
2. Boise State University
DNP Tuition & Fees
BSU has one per credit tuition rate for the post-master’s DNP—it’s exactly the same for in-state and out-of-state students. In addition to traditional costs (e.g. books), DNP students will also have to pay for travel, room, and board when attending the on-campus orientation and executive sessions in Boise, Idaho.
Online DNP Programs in Idaho
As you can see in our listings, both BSU and ISU have gone down the distance learning route. Much of the coursework can be completed online and practicums will take place in your home community. Having said that, almost all online DNP programs in Idaho include some on-campus elements.
- Online BSN to DNP Programs in ID: Students in ISU’s BSN to DNP tracks must attend a mandatory DNP orientation and clinical intensives on the Pocatello campus for 2-3 days each semester.
- Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in ID: Students in BSU’s DNP in Leadership must attend 1 Orientation and 3 Executive Sessions; each session is 2 days in length. PMHNPs and FNPs who are accepted into ISU’s DNP may have to attend the DNP orientation—check with the program coordinator.
Note: Want to expand your search beyond Idaho? Check out the listings of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.
BSN to DNP Programs in Idaho
Your lone choice for BSN to DNP programs in Idaho is Idaho State University. You’ll have the option to pursue FNP or PMHNP certification, and you can finish the entire program in three years (i.e. six semesters + one summer session on a full-time schedule). Part-time study is also available.
As we mentioned in the online section, this program has hybrid elements—you’ll be expected to travel to the ISU Pocatello campus for clinical intensives (2-3 days each semester).
Note: Looking for more options? Consult our listings of on-campus and online BSN to DNP programs.
Idaho Nursing Organizations
- Idaho Board of Nursing
- Nurse Practitioners of Idaho (NPI)
- Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IDANA)
- Nurse Leaders of Idaho (NLI) & Idaho Alliance of Leaders in Nursing
Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in Idaho.