Most Affordable Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Programs in 2025

Are you considering pursuing a career as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)? If affordability is a key factor in your decision-making process, we've got you covered as we outline some of the most budget-friendly options in 2025.

Most Affordable AGNP Programs

The schools listed here have been chosen through a comprehensive selection process. This allnurses' methodology process involves surveying our readers to discern their primary criteria for school selection, alongside an evaluation of key factors like graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, cost, program format, length, and admission rates for numerous prominent nursing schools across the United States.

1. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

At Texas Tech University HSC, the AGNP program prepares students to provide primary care to adult and elderly patients. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making courses. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. The MSN AGACNP track is completed in 48 semester credit hours.

• Cost: $265 per credit hour (excluding fees)

2. Post University

Post University's flexible 28-month AGNP program focuses on developing advanced nursing skills for adults and elderly patients. The program offers flexible online courses with a clinical component to provide students with practical experience in managing complex health conditions. If you hold a BSN degree, possess one year of work experience, and are dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while taking on leadership roles within the healthcare team, the AGPCNP online program could be the right fit for you.

• Cost: $560 per credit hour

3. Kent State University

Kent State University offers an Acute Care AGNP program. Students learn to manage acute and chronic health conditions in adult and elderly patients across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to deliver high-quality care to complex patient populations. 

• Cost: $571.90 per credit hour

4. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University's AGNP Primary Care program prepares nurse practitioners to offer comprehensive, patient-centered care to adults and geriatric patients. The program emphasizes holistic care, clinical prevention, and improved health outcomes for those with acute and complex chronic conditions. The 100% fully online program requires 39 credit hours and can be completed in 21 months.

• Cost: $543 per credit hour

5. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana provides an AGNP program that readies graduates to deliver advanced care to adult and elderly patients. This program, consisting of 42 credit hours and 705 clinical hours, emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of chronic illnesses in the aging population. 

• Cost: $432.78 per credit hour 

6. The University of Texas Medical Branch

At UTMB, the AGNP Acute Care program equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide critical care to adult and geriatric patients. Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. The program requires students to have a BSN degree, an active RN license and at least one year of work experience.

• Cost: $252.93 per credit hour

7. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama's AGNP Primary Care program prepares graduates to deliver primary care services to adult and elderly patients, emphasizing patient-centered care and incorporating clinical experiences to develop students' clinical competence. Students need a minimum of two years of recent (within the past five years) direct patient care experience in Acute Care, such as EMERGENCY, ICU, or MED-SURG. One of those two years must be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) upon admission.

• Cost: $594 per credit hour

8. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University's AGNP Primary Care program focuses on providing students with advanced clinical courses and a significant number of clinical hours to ensure they're well-prepared for their careers.

• Cost: $13,093 for in-state students (annual), $13,453 for out-of-state students (annual).

9. University of Missouri

Integrating classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience, the University of Missouri's AGNP Acute Care program enables students to manage complex health conditions and provide services to adult and geriatric patients. The program has a hybrid learning with some classes on-site and others online. It also offers full-time and part-time academic plans for flexibility.

• Cost: $707 per credit hour for 74 credit hours

AGNP Program Overview

An AGNP program is an advanced educational track tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in the healthcare of adults and seniors. These graduate-level programs, leading to either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), equip nurses with the expertise needed for comprehensive care of individuals from adolescence to old age, encompassing all stages including end-of-life care.

AGNP Coursework

The coursework in AGNP programs is a blend of advanced nursing theories, clinical knowledge, and specialized training in adult and geriatric care. This curriculum builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in undergraduate nursing studies.

Core Components of AGNP Coursework:

• Advanced Health Assessment: This involves comprehensive training in the physical, psychological, and social evaluation of adult patients.
• Pathophysiology: A detailed exploration of how disease processes affect the body, with a focus on conditions prevalent in adults and the elderly.
• Pharmacology: An advanced study of drug therapies, particularly in relation to chronic and acute health issues in adult patients.
• Chronic Disease Management: Emphasis on the long-term care of chronic diseases common among older populations.
• Gerontology: Specialized coursework that delves into the various aspects of aging, including physical, cognitive, and social changes.

AGNP Clinical Training

Clinical training forms a pivotal part of AGNP programs, offering practical experience in the care of adult and elderly patients.

Highlights of Clinical Training in AGNP Programs:

• Supervised Clinical Hours: Students are required to complete a specified number of clinical hours under supervision in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• Exposure to Diverse Patient Populations: The training encompasses dealing with a broad spectrum of adult patient groups, encountering various health conditions and levels of medical complexity.
• Skill Enhancement: A strong focus is placed on developing practical skills essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, patient counseling, and healthcare coordination.
• Application of Theoretical Knowledge: These programs offer opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world medical settings, thus preparing students for the intricacies involved in adult-gerontology healthcare.

AGNP Job Description

AGNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in delivering comprehensive healthcare services to adult and older adult populations. These highly trained professionals possess advanced skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute and chronic health conditions in adult and geriatric patients.

AGNPs are uniquely qualified to provide holistic care throughout the adult lifespan, integrating their expertise in adult health and gerontology. Their coursework prepares them to practice in diverse healthcare environments such as primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

Some key responsibilities of AGNPs include the following:

• Conducting thorough health assessments: AGNPs perform comprehensive evaluations of adult and geriatric patients, which involve physical exams, reviewing medical histories, and collecting relevant patient information.
• Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions: AGNPs utilize their advanced training to diagnose and treat a broad range of acute and chronic health issues in adult and older adult populations. This encompasses ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and devising treatment plans.
• Collaborating with healthcare teams: AGNPs work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated and comprehensive care to patients. They actively participate in care conferences, consult with colleagues, and ensure effective communication among the healthcare team.
• Providing patient education: AGNPs play a vital role in educating patients about their health conditions, available treatment options, medication management, and lifestyle modifications. They empower patients to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions regarding their health.
• Emphasizing preventive care: AGNPs prioritize preventive health care measures, including health screenings, vaccinations, and health promotion activities. They emphasize the significance of early detection and assist patients in adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent future health problems.
• Managing ongoing care: AGNPs are involved in the long-term management of patients with chronic illnesses. They monitor disease progression, make necessary adjustments to treatment plans, and offer continuous support and counseling to help patients effectively manage their conditions.
• Advocating for patients: AGNPs serve as patient advocates, addressing their needs and concerns. They actively work towards enhancing patient safety, improving access to care, and maintaining the quality of healthcare services.
• Keeping up with medical advancements: AGNPs engage in continuous learning and professional development to remain current with the latest research, medical advancements, and best practices in adult and geriatric healthcare. They apply evidence-based guidelines to provide high-quality care.

Please note that the specific responsibilities of AGNPs may vary depending on factors such as state regulations, practice settings, and collaborative agreements with physicians.

Adult-Gerontology NP Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean salary for NPs was $128,490 annually or $61.78 per hour. The top 10% earns an hourly wage of $80.79 and an annual wage of $168,030, while the bottom 25% earns $51.42 per hour, equating to an annual salary of $106,960.

The top-paying states for NPs are:

• California: $161,540
• Nevada: $148,670
• Washington: $145,400
• New Jersey: $145,030
• Oregon: $144,950

Regrettably, the BLS does not differentiate among various NP specialties. However, ZipRecruiter reports that the national average salary for AGNPs is $242,952 with an hourly rate of $117. 

Are the Most Affordable AGNP Programs Worth It?

When considering the most affordable AGNP programs, it's important to weigh both the advantages and potential drawbacks.

Most Affordable AGNP Program Pros

1. Reduced Financial Burden: The most obvious advantage is the lower cost, which means less student debt and financial stress during and after the program.
2. Increased Accessibility: More affordable programs can make advanced nursing education accessible to a broader range of students, including those who might not have the means for more expensive options.
3. Return on Investment: With lower initial costs, the return on investment can be favorable, as AGNPs generally have good earning potential regardless of where they studied.
4. Focus on Essentials: Affordable programs often focus on the essential skills and knowledge needed, without the added cost of non-essential features.
5. Wider Range of Choices: There may be a wider range of affordable programs available, including online options, which can offer greater flexibility and accessibility.

Most Affordable AGNP Program Cons

1. Resource Limitations: Less expensive programs might have fewer resources, such as state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, or a wide range of specialty electives.
2. Networking Opportunities: More prestigious and costly programs often provide better networking opportunities, including connections with top professionals in the field.
3. Perception of Quality: There can be a perception (whether accurate or not) that more expensive programs offer a higher quality of education, which might influence future employers.
4. Accreditation and Recognition: It's crucial to ensure that affordable programs are properly accredited. Some less expensive options might lack proper accreditation, impacting certification and job prospects.
5. Comprehensive Training: More affordable programs might not offer the same level of comprehensive training or exposure to a diverse range of clinical settings compared to their more expensive counterparts.

The most affordable AGNP programs can offer significant financial advantages and accessibility, but it's important to carefully consider potential limitations in resources, networking, and comprehensive training. The key is to ensure that the program chosen, regardless of cost, meets the necessary accreditation standards and provides the education and skills required to succeed as an AGNP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take AGNP programs part-time, full-time, online, or hybrid?

Yes, AGNP programs are offered in various formats to accommodate different students' needs. Depending on the university or educational institution, AGNP programs may be available in part-time, full-time, online, or hybrid formats.

How do I know if an AGNP program is accredited before applying and enrolling?

To determine if an AGNP program is accredited, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the accrediting body: In the United States, nursing education programs are typically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These accrediting bodies ensure that programs meet specific standards of quality and excellence in nursing education.
2. Check the program's official website: Visit the official website of the AGNP program you are considering. Accredited programs usually provide information about their accreditation status on their website. Look for a section dedicated to accreditation or quality assurance.
3. Verify with accrediting bodies: Visit the accrediting bodies' websites, ACEN and CCNE, and search for the AGNP program or the institution offering the program in their directory of accredited nursing programs. These directories allow you to search for programs by name, state, or institution. If the program is listed in the directory, the respective accrediting body has accredited it.
4. Contact the program directly: If you cannot find accreditation information on the program's website or through the accrediting bodies' directories, consider contacting the AGNP program directly. Contact their admissions office or program coordinator and inquire about their accreditation status. They should be able to provide you with the relevant information and clarify any accreditation-related queries.
5. Confirm accreditation validity: Accreditation is typically granted for a specific duration, and programs undergo periodic reviews to maintain their accredited status. When confirming accreditation, also check the accreditation validity period to ensure that it covers the duration of your intended enrollment.