University of the Cumberlands FNP Program Ranks Among Top Five Programs in Kentucky

Cumberlands' online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program ranked No. 4 in Kentucky and was recognized as one of the state's most affordable FNP programs.

University of the Cumberlands' online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program was recently ranked among the top five FNP programs in Kentucky by NursePractitionerOnline.com.

Cumberlands earned the No. 4 spot in the state, with the ranking highlighting the program's affordability, online accessibility, and preparation for advanced nursing practice.

NursePractitionerOnline ranked 12 programs in Kentucky using factors including earnings 10 years after entry, tuition adjusted for local costs, graduation and completion rates, online and hybrid delivery options, program cost, and clinical hours. Data was collected from sources including the National Center for Education Statistics and College Scorecard.

Among the programs ranked, University of the Cumberlands stood out as the most affordable option.

"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition, as it reflects our commitment to making high-quality graduate nursing education both accessible and affordable," said Dr. Yalanda Scalf, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, director of online nursing at Cumberlands.

"Our FNP program provides students with a rigorous, supportive educational experience that prepares them with the knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence needed to excel as advanced practice nurses and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve."

The need for advanced practice nurses is particularly important in Kentucky. According to NursePractitionerOnline, roughly one in five Kentuckians lives in a county without a primary care physician. By providing an affordable pathway for registered nurses to advance their education, Cumberlands' MSN-FNP program can help prepare nursing professionals to serve patients and communities where access to primary care remains a critical need.

How Much Does Cumberlands' Online MSN-FNP Program Cost?

University of the Cumberlands' Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program is a fully online, 48-credit-hour graduate nursing program with tuition of $539 per credit hour. *

NursePractitionerOnline recognized Cumberlands as "one of the state's most budget-friendly online family nurse practitioner tracks."

For working nurses considering graduate school, affordability can have an impact beyond the cost of earning the degree. Lower educational expenses can reduce financial pressure as graduates make decisions about where and how they want to practice.

Is Cumberlands' Online FNP Program Accredited?

University of the Cumberlands' Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program combines affordability with a rigorous advanced nursing education.

Designed for registered nurses seeking to expand their scope of practice, the program combines flexible online coursework with supervised clinical experiences that prepare students to provide primary care across the lifespan.

The curriculum builds expertise in areas including advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, healthcare technologies, and the regulatory and clinical issues shaping advanced nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to pursue national FNP certification and advanced practice roles in a variety of primary care settings.

Cumberlands' MSN-FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), providing an important measure of quality assurance for students and employers.

Is an MSN-FNP Degree Worth the Investment?

For registered nurses who want to expand their scope of practice and pursue advanced practice roles, earning an MSN-FNP can be a valuable investment in their careers. While the degree requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and money, it can open doors to greater responsibility, expanded patient care opportunities, and strong earning potential.

At Cumberlands, the combination of affordable tuition, flexible online coursework, clinical preparation, and accreditation is designed to help working nurses maximize that investment while continuing their careers.

For current MSN-FNP student and emergency medicine nurse Clarissa Helton, RN, of Corbin, Kentucky, that investment has already been meaningful.

"Choosing the Family Nurse Practitioner program at University of the Cumberlands has been one of the most meaningful investments I've made in my nursing career," Helton said. "The program has challenged me academically while also preparing me to think critically, practice confidently, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients across the lifespan."

An MSN-FNP can also prepare nurses to pursue advanced practice opportunities with strong earning potential. According to NursePractitionerOnline, the statewide average salary for an NP in Kentucky is around $113,020.

For students like Clarissa, however, the value extends beyond salary. The degree can provide a pathway to greater responsibility, expanded patient care opportunities, and the ability to make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

Explore Cumberlands' MSN-FNP Program

University of the Cumberlands offers its online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program for registered nurses ready to expand their clinical expertise and prepare for the next stage of their careers.

With fully online coursework, supervised clinical experiences, CCNE accreditation, and a competitive tuition rate, the program provides an accessible pathway to advanced nursing practice.

Learn more about University of the Cumberlands' online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program at https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/masters-nursing-family-nurse-practitioner.

*Tuition rates and credit-hour requirements are accurate as of the date of publication. Visit the program page for the most up-to-date information.

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