Frontier Nursing University
General Information of Frontier Nursing University
Overview
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is a distinguished private graduate institution located in Versailles, Kentucky, with a pioneering legacy in advanced nursing and midwifery education. Founded in 1939 by the original Frontier Nursing Service, FNU emphasizes accessible, high-quality nursing and midwifery education with a strong focus on underserved, rural and diverse populations. Their program model enables students to remain in their home communities—completing online didactics—while gaining clinical experience locally, thereby supporting working professionals and those committed to practicing in shortage areas.
With more than 2,500 students representing all fifty U.S. states and many international locations, the university’s reach is national in scope. FNU’s mission underscores the training of nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who are “innovative, ethical, compassionate and entrepreneurial leaders” prepared for primary care roles. The university’s combination of flexibility, mission-driven focus, historical legacy and modern distance-education infrastructure positions it as a high-quality choice for advanced practice nursing education.
Contact Information
Address: 2050 Lexington Road, Versailles, KY 40383, United States
Phone Number: (859) 251-4700
Email Address: FNUAdmissions@frontier.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1939 (as Graduate School of Midwifery) |
| Type | Private non-profit graduate nursing and midwifery university |
| Campus Location | Versailles, Kentucky |
| Mission | To provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse-practitioner education to prepare ethical, compassionate leaders for underserved communities |
| Student Enrollment (approx) | ~2,500+ students |
| Distance Learning Model | Web-based didactics with clinical experiences local to student’s region |
Frontier Nursing University Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National / U.S. Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report – Best Online Master’s Nursing Programs | Ranked #3 in “Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s Programs” (tie) | — |
| College Factual – Nursing Master’s Degree Popularity | #10 in U.S. for number of master’s in nursing awarded in recent year | — |
| Educatly Global University Rankings | Global ranking ~8,589; national ~1,675 (approximate) | — |
Frontier Nursing University Academics
Frontier Nursing University Faculties / Departments
At Frontier Nursing University, the academic framework is organized into specialized departments that support advanced practice nursing education:
- Department of Nurse-Midwifery
- Department of Family Nurse Practitioner Studies
- Department of Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Studies
- Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Studies
- Department of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
- Office of Distance and Hybrid Education
- Department of Student Success and Rural Health Outreach
Frontier Nursing University Courses and Programs / Majors
FNU offers a suite of graduate-level programs designed for aspiring advanced practice nurses and nurse-midwives:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with tracks: Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – entry level and post-master’s options
- Post-Graduate Certificates (PGC) in specialties such as WHNP, PMHNP, Nurse-Midwife for already-certified NPs
- Continuing professional development and fellowships focused on rural health, midwifery, and underserved care
Online Learning
The online and hybrid educational model at FNU is central to its design: students engage in Web-based didactics, asynchronous and synchronous online modules, and local clinical placements with preceptors in their home communities. This design enables licensed RNs or nurses practicing in rural/underserved areas to continue working while pursuing advanced education. The institution also provides campus immersion experiences and clinical residencies. FNU’s longstanding distance-education roots—dating back to the late 1980s—position it as a leader in flexible nursing education.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| Graduate APRN program GPA | Many admitted students have prior GPA ~3.5 or higher |
| NP certification exam pass rates | Not publicly aggregated for all programs |
Retention and Graduation Rates
While detailed retention and graduation rates for all programs are not consistently published, Frontier Nursing University reports strong outcomes in student achievement, including high credential-pass rates, employment in underserved areas, and alumni satisfaction. Their model of local clinical placement, faculty mentorship, and distance-accessible curriculum supports effective student completion. The university evaluates outcomes including certification pass rates and job placement in rural/primary care settings.
Frontier Nursing University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to FNU’s MSN and DNP programs generally must hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), current RN licensure, and demonstrate academic preparation with competitive GPA (often ~3.0-3.5 or higher) plus relevant clinical experience. Standardized undergraduate tests (SAT/ACT) are not typically required for graduate entry; emphasis is placed on graduate-level readiness, professional background, and mission alignment.
Frontier Nursing University Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN/DNP) | Selective admissions; exact rate not publicly disclosed |
Frontier Nursing University Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete an online application, submit official transcripts of prior nursing education and BSN, provide a current RN license verification, and often a résumé of clinical experience. Applicants may be asked to submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement articulating their commitment to rural/underserved care, and evidence of fulfilling prerequisite coursework (e.g., health assessment, pathophysiology). An interview may be required for some cohorts. The holistic review emphasizes alignment with Frontier’s mission, readiness for distance learning, and capacity to practice in advanced roles.
Application Process
- Complete online application and submit fee
- Submit official transcripts verifying BSN and prerequisite coursework
- Provide résumé of nursing experience and current RN licensure
- Submit letters of recommendation and personal statement
- Participate in admissions interview (if required)
- Receive decision; if admitted, complete matriculation steps including orientation, licensing verification and any pre-clinical requirements
Frontier Nursing University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| MSN tracks | Varies by specialty, often in early spring for summer/fall entry |
| DNP and Post-Master’s Certificates | Multiple start dates per year; check specific program for deadlines |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are typically asked to submit a personal statement that explains their motivation for pursuing an advanced practice nursing or midwifery role, how they have demonstrated service to underserved/rural communities, their readiness for distance-based education, and how they plan to embody leadership, ethical practice, and compassionate care in their advanced practice career.
Frontier Nursing University Scholarships
FNU offers institutional scholarships and grants for incoming and continuing students, often targeted to support those committed to rural/underserved care, women’s health, or midwifery leadership. Students may also access federal financial aid, loan forgiveness programs for advanced practice nurses, and specialized funding for health-workforce diversity initiatives.
Frontier Nursing University Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| MSN Program | Approx. ~$28,000-$35,000 total tuition (varies by track) |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Variable depending on credits and specialty; generally higher than MSN line |
Frontier Nursing University Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Students at Frontier Nursing University predominantly are practicing registered nurses who pursue their advanced degrees part-time or full-time while employed. Gender representation is primarily female (consistent with APRN demographics). For example, in one year more than 95% of master’s-degree graduates were women. Ethnicity breakdown shows majority White (approx. 72% in one dataset) with Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and other minorities also present.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
FNU emphasizes access for learners from rural and underserved areas, many of whom may come from lower-income backgrounds or non-traditional pathways. The university provides support for students with disabilities through online accessibility services, mentorship, and accommodations, enabling advanced education for diverse learner profiles.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~2,500+ graduate students (master’s & DNP) |
| Gender (Master’s Nursing) | ~95% female, ~5% male (for one year cohort) |
| Ethnic Minorities | ~28% combined minority representation |
University Diversity
Frontier Nursing University’s mission explicitly underscores service to rural, underserved and diverse populations. The institution integrates this value throughout curriculum, admissions and practice focus. Many students live and work in health-professional shortage areas (HPSAs) and engage with clinical placements in community clinics, rural hospitals or underserved settings. The online/hybrid format allows students to remain in their communities while obtaining advanced credentials, fostering workforce retention in those regions. Diversity of background, life experience and geography among students enhances peer learning. The institution’s awards for inclusive excellence and wellness further illustrate its commitment to a culturally competent, socially mission-driven environment.
Average Earnings
Graduates of FNU’s advanced practice nursing programs report competitive earning potential in their careers. For example, a dataset shows master’s-degree nursing graduates from one year earned a median salary of approximately $102,871 annually. Advanced practice nurses such as FNPs, CNMs or PMHNPs often begin with salaries in the $90,000-$110,000 range depending on region, and experienced practitioners or those in leadership roles can exceed that. FNU’s focus on rural and underserved care means that graduates may also qualify for loan-forgiveness incentives and service-based pay differentials, further enhancing career value.
Frontier Nursing University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Frontier Nursing University employs more than 150 faculty members who are national leaders in advanced practice nursing and midwifery education. These include clinicians, researchers, educators and distance-learning specialists. Student success staff, academic advisers, clinical placement coordinators and administrative professionals support the largely online model, ensuring strong mentorship, local supervision and cohesive student experience despite geographic dispersion.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at FNU bring diverse expertise in nurse-midwifery, family nurse practice, women’s health, psychiatric-mental health, rural health, health-equity research, community outreach and leadership in advanced practice nursing. Many faculty contribute to peer-reviewed publications, hold leadership roles in professional associations, and guide students through advanced practice preparation grounded in evidence, ethics and service. Their scholarship, clinical experience and educational innovation underpin the university’s reputation for advanced practice excellence.
Frontier Nursing University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
While Frontier Nursing University is primarily an online/hybrid institution, its physical campus in Versailles, Kentucky offers immersion events, simulation labs, occasional on-site intensives and student-engagement opportunities. Housing is available in the local area for those participating in on-campus components or residencies; costs and availability vary by local rental market. Student life, though not structured like a traditional residential undergraduate campus, includes virtual cohorts, online communities, student organizations, clinical peer groups, mentorship networks and annual gatherings that foster belonging, professional networking and collegial supports.
Transportation
Students primarily engage remotely with coursework from home communities, which limits routine campus commuting. For those required to attend on-site immersions in Versailles, students typically drive or fly into Lexington Bluegrass Airport (nearest major airport) and then use local transport to campus. Clinical placements are arranged locally (often within students’ home regions), minimizing national travel and supporting continuity of work and life. The distance-education model reduces the need for frequent travel, making the program more accessible to those working and residing in rural or underserved areas.