Delaware offers three PMHNP programs ranging from $17,081 to $76,992.
Depending on degree level, with completion times spanning 1.25 years to 5 years based on program type and enrollment pace.
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | MSN: $28K–$58K | – HBCU with strong focus on cultural competence and health equity. – 48-credit MSN completed in about 2 years full-time. – 765 supervised practicum hours across four clinical courses plus capstone. – 100% online coursework; student-arranged clinicals |
| University of Delaware | MSN: $40K BSN–DNP: $77K–$83K Certificate: $21K–$35K | – Collaborative model for clinical placements instead of student-only coordination. – MSN is 45 credits over 3 years part-time; – DNP is 69–74 credits over 3 years full-time. – Certificate requires gap analysis with minimum 750 clinical hours. |
| Wilmington University | Certificate: $17K BSN–DNP: $44K Cert + DNP: $33K–$40K | – Certificate is 31 credits with 750 clinical hours and part-time pacing. – BSN–DNP is 79 credits over ~3.5 years with PMHNP + DNP practice hours. – Combined Cert + DNP option for master’s-prepared nurses to dual-complete. |
PMHNP Programs for Delaware Nurses
Delaware State University PMHNP Programs
Dover | $455 cpc | MSN
Delaware State University offers a 48-credit, 100% online MSN-PMHNP with 765 practicum hours. The program can be finished in about 2 years full-time and costs about $27,775–$57,888 for in-state or extended-rate residents, and $57,888 for out-of-state students. The curriculum blends APRN core courses with psychiatric specialty work and emphasizes cultural competence, equity, and social determinants of health. Graduates are prepared for evidence-based care across the lifespan and eligibility for the ANCC PMHNP-BC exam...read more.
University of Delaware PMHNP Programs
Newark | $896 - $1,116 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
UD offers three online PMHNP pathways that pair NP core study with psychiatric specialty courses and supervised clinicals. The MSN track fits part-time study, while the BSN–DNP adds leadership, population health, and a multi-term doctoral project. The certificate provides a gap-analysis plan for experienced nurses who want PMHNP certification...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Nurses throughout Delaware can pursue Walden University’s flexible, fully online PMHNP programs—ranging from the MSN-PMHNP to the BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate—to meet the First State’s increasing need for psychiatric-mental health providers. Walden’s unique Practicum Pledge and Field Placement Team take the stress out of finding clinical sites, helping Delaware students secure placements in Wilmington, Dover, or Sussex County’s growing communities. With no GRE required and the Believe & Achieve Scholarship reducing costs, Delaware nurses can efficiently transition into advanced practice roles focused on lifespan mental wellness.
Wilmington University PMHNP Programs
Wilmington | $551 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Wilmington University offers three 100% online PMHNP pathways: a Post-Master’s Certificate, a BSN-to-DNP, and a combined Certificate + DNP option. Each track blends APRN core work, psychopharmacology, therapy modalities, and four supervised practicums totaling 750 PMHNP clinical hours. The DNP tracks add scholarly writing, leadership, and a multi-term doctoral project. The curriculum stresses evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, and social determinants of health. ..read more.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University's MSN-PMHNP Specialization is a 51-54 credit, CCNE-accredited program delivered 100% online with flexible 8-week courses and monthly start dates. The curriculum requires 36 didactic credits, covering advanced practice core courses and specialty topics like psychotropic psychopharmacology and diagnostic reasoning. Students must complete 630 total clinical hours across five dedicated preceptorship courses, integrating real-world practice for all age groups.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Delaware, offering flexible online education through three tracks ranging from $20,160 to $32,760 with completion times of 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. Delaware nurses can complete clinical practice experiences at convenient local locations or even at their current workplace, with all programs featuring immersive virtual reality assignments and CCNE accreditation. After graduation, Delaware residents may sit for national PMHNP certification exams and pursue advanced practice registered nurse licensure in the state.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The WGU PMHNP programs are online and advance by demonstrated mastery. Clinical experience totals 650 hours locally, or 750 for Kansas after March 1, 2025. A Program Mentor and flat-rate tuition align with minimum timelines of 2.5 years for the MSN and 1.5 years for the certificate.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Students located in Delaware are authorized to enroll in Wilkes University's online MSN and Post-Graduate PMHNP certificate programs. The university has evaluated the program and determined that it meets the educational requirements for advanced practice licensure in the state. Delaware residents will benefit from a flexible online education that includes dedicated clinical placement assistance.
Finding the Best DE PMHNP Program for You
TLDR: Quick Program Recommendations
Choose Wilmington University if you want the lowest certificate cost ($17,081) with flexible options including BSN-to-DNP ($43,529) and combined certificate/DNP pathways, plus military-friendly tuition ($300/credit for active duty).
Choose Delaware State University if you want affordable MSN tuition ($27,775 for in-state/extended rate residents) at a leading HBCU emphasizing cultural competence, diversity, equity, and social determinants of health with 765 clinical hours.
Choose University of Delaware if you want collaborative clinical placement support (dedicated team partners with students to locate preceptors), Dean’s Scholarship reducing MSN tuition to $886/credit, and 1,008 DNP clinical hours including cutting-edge simulations with healthcare theatre students.
Delaware Master’s-Level PMHNP Programs
Delaware State University offers the most affordable MSN for in-state and extended rate residents at $27,775, while University of Delaware provides exceptional value with Dean’s Scholarship pricing and collaborative clinical placement support. Delaware State is the only program offering a standalone MSN option.
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | $28K (in-state/extended rate) | 2 years | 765 hrs |
| University of Delaware | $40K (with Dean’s Scholarship) | 3 years part-time | Integrated clinicals |
Key Differentiators:
- Extended Rate States: Delaware State offers in-state rate ($455/credit) to residents of VA, NJ, DC, MD, and NY
- Clinical Hours: Delaware State requires 765 total hours (180 hours each in Practicum I-IV, plus 45 in capstone)
- HBCU Focus: Delaware State emphasizes health disparities, SDOH, Healthy People 2030, and DEI throughout curriculum
- Clinical Placement Support: University of Delaware’s dedicated team partners with students to locate and secure preceptors (not solely student responsibility)
- Dean’s Scholarship: University of Delaware reduces tuition from $1,116 to $886/credit for MSN students
- State Restrictions: Delaware State does not accept students from AL, AZ, AR, CO, CA, LA, MS, NY, OK, SD, TN, TX, WA
- Completion Timeline: Delaware State completes in 2 years full-time vs. University of Delaware’s 3-year part-time structure
Delaware DNP-PMHNP Program Comparison
Wilmington University offers the most affordable BSN-to-DNP option at $43,529, while University of Delaware provides the most comprehensive clinical preparation with 1,008 total hours and innovative teaching modalities including simulations with healthcare theatre students.
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Duration | Practice Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University | $44K | 3.5 years | 750 PMHNP + DNP hrs |
| University of Delaware | $77K-$83K | – 3 years full-time – 5 years part-time | 1,008 hrs |
DNP Highlights:
- Cost Savings: Wilmington saves $33,463-$39,055 compared to University of Delaware for BSN-to-DNP students
- Practice Hours: University of Delaware requires the most total hours (1,008) with detailed breakdown of direct/indirect care
- Psychotherapy Training: University of Delaware provides 700+ clinical hours in three psychotherapeutic treatment modalities (individual, family, group)
- Innovative Teaching: University of Delaware uses on-campus experiential intensives and simulations with healthcare theatre students
- Completion Options: University of Delaware offers both 3-year full-time and 5-year part-time pathways
- Military Benefits: Wilmington offers $300/credit for active duty service members (saves $19,829 on BSN-DNP)
- Campus Requirements: University of Delaware may require on-campus attendance 2-8 days per semester
- Delaware Licensure: University of Delaware requires Delaware nursing license; Wilmington requires unencumbered RN license
Delaware PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
Wilmington University offers the lowest certificate cost at $17,081 with the fastest completion timeline, while University of Delaware provides Dean’s Scholarship pricing and collaborative clinical placement support. University of Delaware’s certificate range reflects individualized gap analysis.
| School | Cost Range (Residents) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University | $17K | 1.5-2 years PT | 750 hrs |
| University of Delaware | $22K-$36K | 1-2 years PT | 750 hrs |
Certificate Highlights:
- Lowest Cost: Wilmington provides fixed 31-credit curriculum at $17,081 total
- Gap Analysis: University of Delaware’s range (24-40 credits) reflects individualized transcript review
- Prerequisites: Both programs require advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and APN role courses (within past 5 years)
- Prerequisite Credits: Wilmington lists 15 prerequisite credits if needed; University of Delaware incorporates into gap analysis
- GPA Requirements: University of Delaware requires 3.5 graduate GPA; Wilmington requires 3.0 (may consider 2.75+)
- Certification Requirements: Wilmington accepts MSN or DNP graduates; University of Delaware requires current NP or CNS certification/licensure
- Clinical Distribution: Wilmington uses four practicum courses; University of Delaware uses three PMHNP practicum courses
- Transfer Credits: University of Delaware allows up to 9 graduate credits transfer pending approval
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | 2.5 GPA undergraduate | Rolling |
| University of Delaware | 3.0 undergraduate (MSN/DNP), 3.5 graduate (certificate) | Jul 1, Nov 15, Dec 10, Apr 1 by program |
| Wilmington University | 3.0 (may consider 2.75+) | May 1 (Fall), Nov 1 (Spring) |
Admission Notes:
- All programs require BSN from ACEN or CCNE-accredited institutions and active RN licensure
- Delaware State has the lowest GPA requirement (2.5) but restricts enrollment from 13 states
- University of Delaware requires the highest certificate GPA (3.5 graduate) and uses NursingCAS application system
- Wilmington University has unique two-stage admissions including individual Zoom interviews (2-3 hours)
- University of Delaware requires Delaware or compact state license; others require unencumbered U.S. license
- Delaware State charges $50 application fee; Wilmington charges $35; University of Delaware fee through NursingCAS
- University of Delaware requires 1+ year clinical RN experience for DNP; Wilmington requires health assessment course with “B” or better
- Wilmington requires letter from doctorally prepared professional on letterhead (DNP applicants)
- University of Delaware supplemental application required after NursingCAS notification
- All programs require TOEFL/IELTS for international students (Delaware State: state restrictions, Wilmington: 46/5.5 minimums)