1 In-State School • 1 Mostly Online • 2 Online Options Compared
Delaware has one acute care nurse practitioner program, at the University of Delaware (UD). It offers an AG-ACNP MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate, all Mostly Online with occasional intensives in Newark. In-state tuition runs $21K–$76K, and completion takes 1 to 5 years depending on pathway and pace.
Because there is only one in-state option, we added two online programs, Walden University and Purdue Global, to every comparison table below. Compare each school’s online format, campus commitment, cost, and degree options below.
Compare Options
| School | Track | Online Format | Campus Commitment | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware (in-state) | AG-ACNP | Mostly Online | Occasional Newark intensives; DNP lists 2–8 days per semester | $913 MSN; $886 certificate; $1,116 DNP | BSN-to-MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, Post-Master’s Certificate | Nurses who want help securing preceptors |
| Walden University (online option) | AG-ACNP | Online | None published | $785 per quarter credit (specialty courses) | RN-to-MSN, BSN-to-MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, Post-Master’s Certificate | Nurses who need RN-to-MSN entry or have no acute care experience |
| Purdue Global (online option) | AG-ACNP | Online | None published; VR headset skills lab | $420 per quarter credit + $295/term fee | BSN-to-MSN, MSN-DNP Path, Post-Master’s Certificate | Experienced acute care RNs who want the lowest tuition |
Delaware eligibility: Walden’s AG-ACNP practicum restrictions do not include Delaware. Purdue Global’s blocked-jurisdiction lists do not include Delaware for any AG-ACNP track.
Delaware ACNP Programs at a Glance
- Schools: 1 in-state (UD), plus 2 online options compared (Walden, Purdue Global)
- Adult-gerontology acute care: Yes, at all three schools
- Pediatric acute care: Not offered in-state or by either online option
- MSN: Yes, BSN entry only in-state; RN-to-MSN available through Walden
- DNP: Yes, BSN and MSN entry in-state; Walden offers both
- Certificate: Yes, in-state; Walden and Purdue Global also offer one
- Format: Mostly Online in-state; both online options are Online
- Lowest published in-state tuition: $21K–$35K (post-master’s certificate)
Choosing an ACNP Program in Delaware
Placement Help and No MSN Experience Gate: UD
UD partners with students to secure preceptors and approves rotations in any state, subject to faculty sign-off. The MSN publishes no RN experience requirement. Graduate students must hold a Delaware RN license, and the certificate requires a multistate compact license, so nurses in non-compact states need direct Delaware licensure first. The trade-offs are occasional Newark intensives and a once-a-year DNP deadline.
Most Entry Points and No Travel: Walden
Walden covers entry points UD lacks, including RN-to-MSN for diploma and associate-degree nurses and a shortened certificate for certified FNPs. It publishes no campus visits, no acute care or ICU requirement, and quarterly starts. The trade-off is placement: students identify their own site and preceptor, with Practicum Pledge support but no guarantee.
Lowest Tuition for Experienced Acute Care RNs: Purdue Global
Purdue Global has the lowest MSN and certificate tuition compared here, with no campus travel and quarterly starts. Admission requires one year (2,000 hours) of recent full-time acute care RN practice plus current ACLS. Students lead the search for clinical sites, and no clinical hour total is published for any track.
Delaware RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs
No Delaware program offers an RN-to-MSN AG-ACNP pathway; UD requires a BSN, and so does Purdue Global. Walden is the only option compared here that admits diploma nurses, associate-degree nurses, and nurses holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University (online option) | AG-ACNP | $59K | About 2.5 years | 640 hrs |
- Bridge pricing: Walden — 26 undergraduate foundation credits bill at $435 rather than $785, though the block does not equal a BSN.
- Experience requirement: Walden — no acute care or ICU experience required at any stage.
Compare more programs: See all RN-to-MSN AG-ACNP programs
Delaware BSN-to-MSN ACNP Programs
UD offers Delaware’s only in-state BSN-to-MSN AG-ACNP pathway, a part-time plan with fall and summer starts. Walden and Purdue Global add online MSNs with quarterly starts. Purdue Global’s MSN-DNP Path follows the same 87 credits and price, awards the MSN, and then feeds a separately priced DNP.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware (in-state) | AG-ACNP | $38K | About 3 years (part-time) | 816 hrs |
| Walden University (online option) | AG-ACNP | $48K | About 2 years | 640 hrs |
| Purdue Global (online option) | AG-ACNP | $37K | About 2.25 years | Not clearly stated |
- Lowest estimated tuition: Purdue Global — $37K, plus a $295 resource fee each term.
- Most clinical hours: UD — 816, against 640 at Walden.
- Experience requirement: Purdue Global — one year of recent full-time acute care RN practice and ACLS; UD and Walden publish none.
- Shortest completion: Walden — about two years full-time.
Compare more programs: See all BSN-to-MSN AG-ACNP programs
Delaware BSN-to-DNP ACNP Programs
UD offers Delaware’s only in-state BSN-entry AG-ACNP doctorate, with full-time and part-time plans and a July 1 deadline. Walden adds an online BSN-to-DNP. Purdue Global is not shown, because its DNP begins only after the MSN is conferred and bills at $700 per quarter credit.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware (in-state) | AG-ACNP | $76K | 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time | 1,016 hrs |
| Walden University (online option) | AG-ACNP | $79K | About 3.25 years | 1,000 hrs minimum |
- Lowest estimated tuition: UD — $76K, with no added university fees.
- Experience requirement: UD — one year of RN clinical experience; Walden publishes none.
- Direct care hours: UD — 816 of its 1,016 hours are direct care, the same as its MSN.
Compare more programs: See all BSN-to-DNP AG-ACNP programs
Delaware MSN-to-DNP ACNP Programs
UD admits MSN-prepared nurses with national certification and a 3.5 graduate GPA into its AG-ACNP DNP, but publishes no separate credit, cost, or hour figures for this entry point. Walden adds an online MSN-to-DNP with published pricing.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware (in-state) | AG-ACNP | Not clearly stated | Not clearly stated | Not clearly stated |
| Walden University (online option) | AG-ACNP | $74K | About 3 years | 1,000 hrs minimum |
- Adding acute care: UD — NPs certified in another population must dual-enroll in the DNP and the post-master’s certificate to gain AG-ACNP eligibility.
- Cost can rise: Walden — applicants with fewer than 600 verified clinical hours add up to 8 credits, as much as $7,680 .
Compare more programs: See all MSN-to-DNP AG-ACNP programs
Delaware Post-Graduate Certificate ACNP Programs
UD offers Delaware’s only in-state post-master’s AG-ACNP certificate, with credits and clinical hours set by a gap analysis. Walden adds two online versions, including an APRN-entry option for certified FNPs. Purdue Global adds an online certificate open to MSN- or DNP-prepared nurses with no prior APRN certification.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware (in-state) | AG-ACNP | $21K–$35K | 1–3 years (part-time) | 750+ hrs |
| Walden University (online option) | AG-ACNP | $29K | About 1.5 years | 640 hrs |
| Walden University (APRN-entry) | AG-ACNP | $15K | About 1 year | 500 hrs |
| Purdue Global (online option) | AG-ACNP | $24K | About 1.5 years | Not clearly stated |
- Lowest for certified FNPs: Walden APRN-entry — $15K after transferring 17 credits.
- Lowest for other MSN holders: Purdue Global — $24K, gated by a year of acute care RN practice and ACLS.
- Cost set after admission: UD — the gap analysis decides credits, a $14K spread between low and high ⚠️.
- Credential requirement: UD — current NP or CNS certification and a 3.5 graduate GPA.
Compare more programs: See all AG-ACNP certificate programs
National Online ACNP Options
Maryville University offers an online AG-ACNP MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificate. Chamberlain University offers a Mostly Online AG-ACNP MSN and graduate certificate. South College offers an online AG-ACNP BSN-to-MSN and post-graduate certificate.
FAQ
How many ACNP programs are in Delaware?
One, at the University of Delaware. It offers an AG-ACNP MSN, a DNP with BSN or MSN entry, and a post-master’s certificate.
Is pediatric acute care available in Delaware?
No. UD, Walden, and Purdue Global all prepare adult-gerontology acute care NPs only.
Are any programs fully online?
UD is Mostly Online, with occasional Newark intensives and 2–8 campus days per semester listed for the DNP. Walden and Purdue Global publish no campus visits; Purdue Global requires a VR headset skills lab instead.
Which program has the lowest tuition?
In-state, UD’s certificate is lowest at $21K–$35K, and its MSN is $38K at one rate for all residents. Among the online options, Walden’s APRN-entry certificate is $15K for certified FNPs, and Purdue Global’s MSN is $37K.
Which schools offer a DNP?
UD offers BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry, with one fall start each year. Walden offers both online. Purdue Global’s DNP follows its MSN at a separate $700 per quarter credit rate.
Can I complete clinicals locally?
Usually. UD helps secure preceptors and approves rotations in any state. Walden and Purdue Global students find their own sites with school support, and Purdue Global requires rotations in a state where the program is available.
Do I need ICU or acute care experience?
It depends on the school. UD’s MSN and Walden publish no experience requirement, and UD’s BSN-to-DNP requires one year of RN experience. Purdue Global requires one year of recent full-time acute care practice plus ACLS before enrollment.