Fall 2025 applications are open. Apply now for priority review.
We’re delighted you’re interested in our Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Admission can be achieved through various paths, but most require a master’s in nursing or health-related field. We do offer the opportunity to move from a BSN to DNP in our clinical specialties. In addition, Vanderbilt MSN and MN Prespecialty students can seamlessly progress to the DNP program. Many MN students decide to take the path to the DNP, as it is only 18 more credit hours and three semesters.
Basic Admissions Information for DNP Applicants
- Full-time students start in the fall semester
- Applications open in mid-August for the following fall semester
- Review begins November 1, after which applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority is given to those applying before the November 1 date.
- Priority review decisions will be released in December.
- You are encouraged to apply regardless of the priority review date. Your application is welcome throughout the fall and spring semesters.
- Your statement of purpose should reflect your interest in a specific specialty.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are set annually by the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust. Tuition for 2024-2025 is $1,997 per credit hour. To determine your tuition, multiple $1,997 by the number of hours you will take each year, then add the applicable fees.
Fees
Item | Cost per Year |
---|---|
Health Insurance* | $3,918 |
Student Service Fees | $758 |
Student Health Fee | $968 |
Transcript Fee (one time) | $100 |
Books** | $2,500 |
* Health insurance is required for all students. You will be billed automatically for the university’s student health insurance plan if you do not provide proof of adequate coverage by another insurer. The automatic coverage does not account for spouses or dependents.
** The charge for books is estimated because book prices and where students buy books varies. The charge for books will not appear on your bill; it’s best to purchase your books before classes begin.
Cost of Attendance for MN, MSN, DNP and PMC
Most if not all VUSN students receive financial aid. When calculating the financial aid amount offered each student, the school calculates what it calls the cost of attendance budget. The COA is considered sufficient to cover tuition, fees and moderate living expenses for a single student. The COA is the budget Vanderbilt uses to determine the financial aid amount offered each year.
Admissions Requirements by DNP Track
Note: Applicants with a master's degree in nursing education or similar non-APRN focus must apply to the DNP plus Post-Master's Certificate program (except health care leaders applying to Advanced Systems or Executive Leadership Track).
On your DNP application, indicate that you will be completing a Post-Master’s Certificate and select your specialty. The number of credits required for the Post-Master’s Certificate varies by specialty. After completing the Post-Master’s Certificate portion of the curriculum, you are eligible to take the national certification exam in your selected specialty and continue in DNP courses (32 additional credits).
Vanderbilt also offers Post-Master's Certificates for advanced practice nurses who hold master's degrees in nursing and wish to add an additional specialty certification as part of their DNP program of studies.
Application Checklist
Class Profile
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95%
Graduation Rate
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#1
Ranked DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
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#1
Ranked DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner