2026 Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation Report: How Fast Are Program Costs Rising?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Tuition inflation for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs reflects unique pressures tied to the discipline's clinical and educational demands. Increasing accreditation standards mandate expanded technology infrastructure and specialized laboratory resources, driving institutional costs above average. Clinical placements emphasizing geriatric patient care require partnerships with healthcare providers, adding operational complexity. Faculty with advanced specialization and experience commands higher salaries, influenced by a tightening workforce. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners' 2024 data, enrollment in these programs rose 12%, signaling sustained demand that strains capacity and resources. The age distribution of students, often older working professionals, highlights evolving career pathways and underscores the need for flexible, yet resource-intensive, program models.

Key Things to Know About Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation

Tuition for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs has risen by over 7% annually since 2022, intensifying the tradeoff between program length and debt accumulation for many students.
Employers increasingly expect nurse practitioners to hold advanced credentials, but rising tuition may constrain diversity in the workforce by limiting access to smaller-budget candidates.
Faster cost growth narrows windows for affordable enrollment, pressuring students to secure funding or delay entry, which can disrupt career progression and long-term earnings potential.

Table of Contents

Key Things to Know About Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation Key Things to Know About Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation
How Much Has Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Increased Over the Past Decade? How Much Has Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Increased Over the Past Decade?
How Does Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation Compare to Overall Inflation? How Does Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation Compare to Overall Inflation?
Which Types of Schools Have Experienced the Fastest Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Growth? Tuition Growth by School Type
What Factors Are Driving Rising Costs in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs? Tuition Cost Drivers
How Does Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Growth Vary by State and Region? Tuition Growth by State
Are Online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs Becoming More Affordable Than Campus-Based Programs? Online Program Affordability
How Have Financial Aid and Scholarships Changed as Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Has Increased? Impact on Financial Aid and Scholarships
How Does Rising Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Affect Student Debt After Graduation? Impact on Student Debt
Do Higher-Cost Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs Deliver Better Career Outcomes or Earnings? Impact on Career Outcomes
What Do Current Tuition Trends Suggest About the Future Cost of a Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree? What Do Current Tuition Trends Suggest About the Future Cost of a Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree?

How Much Has Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Increased Over the Past Decade?

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard reveal that tuition for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs has increased by roughly 40% to 55% over the last decade. This rise varies depending on the type of institution and geographic location, with private institutions generally implementing steeper hikes than public ones. Median annual costs at some private programs now exceed $30,000, reflecting significant growth even after adjusting for inflation. These changes highlight an affordability challenge for students pursuing specialized graduate nursing education amid a decade marked by rising program expenses.

The tuition increase stems from multiple converging factors. Declines in state funding for public institutions reduce subsidies, compelling schools to shift more costs to students. Simultaneously, the demand for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner training grows alongside a need for advanced clinical and leadership skills, prompting programs to invest in costly simulation labs, telehealth technologies, and expanded clinical practicum requirements. Faculty salaries and technological upgrades also drive spending upward. This financial pressure has practical implications for prospective students, who must balance rising tuition against expected career benefits and potential debt burdens when selecting programs. Those considering enrollment are advised to review not only cost but also the return on investment, factoring in these broader educational finance dynamics and workforce expectations before committing.

Affordability concerns intensified by tuition growth may disproportionately affect learners from less advantaged backgrounds or those managing work and family responsibilities. As programs become more expensive, access narrows for some, underscoring the importance of evaluating options carefully, including alternative pathways such as more affordable or online choices highlighted in rankings of nurse practitioner school. Understanding how these cost trends intertwine with personal circumstances and professional goals is crucial for making informed decisions in this financially demanding and evolving field.

How Does Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Inflation Compare to Overall Inflation?

Tuition inflation for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs has consistently outpaced general consumer inflation, with annual increases ranging from 5% to 7% compared to roughly 3.4% for the Consumer Price Index based on recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This disparity reflects how program costs are influenced by specialized curriculum demands and the need to sustain clinical training environments, which do not align with broader inflation trends. The divergence is even more pronounced when considering regional differences in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program cost increases versus overall higher education inflation, where some areas experience sharper rises due to localized market pressures and resource availability. Such nuanced inflation dynamics challenge prospective and current students who must factor tuition growth well beyond typical cost-of-living increases into their financial and career planning.

The structural drivers behind this tuition inflation gap include declining state and public funding that historically subsidized higher education, compelling institutions to shift more costs onto students. Additionally, rising administrative expenses, expanded student support services, and significant investments in technology and infrastructure to meet modern educational standards further elevate program fees. These factors, combined with competitive faculty salaries required to attract specialized adult gerontology expertise, create a cost environment that outstrips general economic inflation. The cumulative effect emphasizes that Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tuition inflation is not merely a reflection of market forces but a consequence of complex institutional cost behaviors and evolving funding models.

For students, these trends translate into increased affordability pressures that often necessitate larger borrowing amounts, longer repayment periods, and careful selection among programs based on value and realistic career returns. The widening gap between tuition and overall inflation influences decisions on program enrollment and specialty focus within nursing, as financial constraints impose tangible limits on opportunities. Those evaluating options might also consider alternatives such as online MHA programs or related fields where cost trajectories and employability outcomes differ. Understanding these tuition inflation patterns alongside practical workforce realities is essential for making informed education investments in this specialized healthcare sector.

Which Types of Schools Have Experienced the Fastest Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Growth?

Tuition growth for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs varies widely by institutional type, shaped by different funding mechanisms, enrollment dynamics, and program delivery models. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for evaluating program affordability and how cost trends reflect institutional priorities and operational constraints. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics in 2024 shows private for-profit institutions leading with an average annual tuition increase of 7.2%, while public universities have more modest growth around 3.9%. This variance arises from diverse financial models and market responses rather than simple category differences.

Public Universities: These institutions rely significantly on state funding, which has declined or stagnated in many regions, placing upward pressure on tuition. However, public universities must balance affordability mandates and often experience slower tuition growth compared to for-profits because of legislative oversight and broader access missions.
Private Nonprofit Universities: Operating with endowments and donor support, these schools face moderate tuition increases to sustain program quality and clinical placement networks. Their pricing reflects a mix of reputational investment and response to competitive pressures without the profit motive driving steep hikes.
For-Profit Institutions: With tuition growth averaging over 7% annually, these schools capitalize on market demand and flexible online delivery but have fewer traditional funding sources. Their accelerated tuition inflation correlates with aggressive program expansion, advertising expenses, and higher operational costs spread across smaller student cohorts.
Research-Intensive Universities: Often embedded within larger institutions, these programs bear higher costs associated with faculty specialization, advanced simulation resources, and integrated research activities. This resource intensity can drive tuition beyond standard instructional expenses, contributing to above-average growth rates.
Regional Colleges and Universities: Serving local populations with limited endowments, these schools grapple with constrained financial resources and must carefully calibrate tuition increases to remain competitive while maintaining program viability.
Online Universities: While online formats suggest cost efficiencies, investments in technology infrastructure and student support have produced mixed effects on tuition trends, with some institutions reflecting moderate growth constrained by highly competitive price sensitivity.

What Factors Are Driving Rising Costs in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs?

Rising costs in adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner degree programs stem from a complex interplay of institutional funding shifts, operational demands, and market pressures rather than a single dominant factor. These programs face escalating expenses tied to faculty salaries, clinical training requirements, and regulatory compliance, reflecting broader financial challenges within higher education. Unlike simpler tuition hikes, cost increases involve growing overhead in administration, infrastructure, and resource allocation aimed at meeting evolving accreditation and clinical practicum standards. The multifaceted nature of these pressures means that program budgets must stretch to cover both direct educational costs and indirect expenditures related to maintaining academic quality amid rising expectations from employers and accrediting bodies.

Key drivers include declining state appropriations for public universities, which forces greater dependence on tuition revenue to sustain program operations. Faculty compensation grows as institutions compete to attract instructors with the specialized clinical expertise essential for adult gerontology primary care training, contributing significantly to budget inflation. Administrative expansions to manage increasingly complex accreditation standards and clinical partnerships add another layer of cost, alongside investments in digital learning platforms and simulation technologies that became critical post-pandemic. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing's 2024 report notes that over half of nursing schools have expanded clinical simulation facilities, underscoring substantial capital outlays that ripple through tuition structures. These combined factors produce a durable, systemic upward pressure on program costs, whose effects vary but are broadly felt across different types of institutions offering these degrees.

One recent graduate recounted the challenge of navigating a rolling admissions process complicated by program demand and application timing. They hesitated to submit materials early due to uncertainty about financial aid availability, only to face delays that pushed back acceptance decisions. Ultimately, the graduate had to make quick preparations once admission was confirmed, reflecting how program funding volatility and institutional cost pressures can ripple back into students' strategic choices and stress levels during enrollment. Their experience highlighted how real-world admissions processes can amplify the financial and logistical complexities behind rising program costs.

How Does Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Growth Vary by State and Region?

Tuition growth for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs varies considerably across U.S. states and regions, reflecting complex intersections of state funding policies, institutional types, and regional economic conditions. States with higher reliance on private institutions often see sharper tuition increases due to limited public subsidies, while those with robust public university systems tend to experience more moderate growth. These differences align with broader state budget priorities and the extent of direct appropriations to higher education, which can either buffer or exacerbate tuition inflation. Regional cost-of-living disparities further influence institutional pricing strategies, affecting not just tuition but the overall affordability of completing these programs. This variation complicates the landscape for students navigating adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner tuition increases by region.

Key contributors to variation include disparities in state appropriations for higher education, which directly affect the scale of public university tuition hikes. Regions with persistent public funding gaps often push institutions to compensate by increasing tuition, especially where demand for advanced nursing roles is rising. Additionally, states with aging populations and expanding healthcare needs face upward pressure on tuition as programs expand clinical and technological resources to meet employer expectations. The concentration of research-intensive universities and private institutions in the Northeast and West Coast drives tuition growth faster than in Midwest states, where public systems are more prevalent. These factors combined create a patchwork of state-by-state cost growth for adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs that students must interpret carefully with respect to long-term costs and local workforce demand.

Such tuition disparities influence student mobility and affordability, with potential impacts on program selection and return on investment. Students in high-cost states face tradeoffs between paying a premium for access to specialized clinical placements and higher faculty expertise versus enrolling in more affordable programs elsewhere, which might lack certain resources. Policymakers and educational planners must consider these cost trends in context, balancing workforce needs against equitable access to education. For prospective learners evaluating this pathway, alternative options like hybrid models or related credentials, including a medical assistant course online, may offer cost-effective entry points into healthcare careers pending long-term goals and regional employment prospects.

Are Online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs Becoming More Affordable Than Campus-Based Programs?

Online adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs have historically maintained lower tuition rates compared to traditional campus-based options, but this gap is diminishing as online pricing accelerates. Unlike fixed campus formats that allocate significant expenses to physical infrastructure and on-site support, online programs have structured costs around virtual delivery and digital accessibility. However, recent tuition inflation data from nationally recognized education surveys in 2024 reveal that online program fees are rising at an annual rate of 5-7%, outpacing some campus-based increases and narrowing the average 8-15% cost advantage. These trends suggest that while online education remains comparatively less expensive on the surface, pricing models are adjusting as institutions recalibrate their investments in scalable technology and remote pedagogy frameworks.

The evolving affordability landscape derives from shifts in institutional cost structures and strategic investments. Reduced expenditures on campus facilities and maintenance traditionally gave online programs a pricing edge, but expanded commitments to sophisticated virtual simulation tools, enhanced learning management systems, and tailored digital student support have raised operating budgets. Faculty workload models for remote instruction and the need for consistent clinical placement facilitation also contribute to overhead. These factors, combined with market pressures to improve program reputation and quality in a competitive digital environment, drive tuition growth for online learners. As a result, affordability differences reflect a complex interplay between legacy savings on physical assets and new expenditures required to sustain effective, scalable online delivery.

One recent graduate of an online adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program described lingering uncertainty during the admissions cycle, as rolling decisions affected enrollment timing. She hesitated to accept early offers while awaiting responses from several programs with varying tuition structures. The pressure to finalize funding and balance costs against clinical placement availability prompted strategic reallocations of her application priorities mid-process. Her experience underscores how evolving online program costs and institutional strategies create practical timing and financial judgment challenges for prospective students navigating a shifting affordability landscape.

How Have Financial Aid and Scholarships Changed as Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Has Increased?

As tuition for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs has escalated, financial aid and scholarship offerings have shifted unevenly in response. Although federal aid programs like Pell Grants and subsidized loans have seen modest increases in 2024 to partially offset rising costs, these adjustments have not fully mitigated the impact of tuition inflation. Universities have expanded merit-based scholarships and introduced targeted awards for underrepresented groups and career changers, yet the overall pool of institutional funding has not grown proportionally to tuition hikes. Alternative funding models, such as income share agreements and deferred tuition plans, remain experimental and limited in availability, resulting in a continued heavy reliance on traditional loans and employer tuition reimbursement programs, which vary widely in accessibility and generosity.

Key factors driving these developments include intense competition among programs to attract qualified applicants amid a constrained higher education funding environment. Federal and state financial aid programs have not matched tuition increases dollar for dollar, prompting institutions to adopt tuition discounting and selectively expand merit-based aid to compete for top candidates. This strategy often prioritizes high-achieving students rather than broadly addressing affordability concerns across the applicant pool. At the same time, demographic shifts and workforce demand pressures amplify the challenge of balancing aid distribution with the need to maintain program revenue, further complicating the financial landscape for prospective students.

These aid trends influence the net cost students pay and their dependency on debt, with many facing higher out-of-pocket expenses despite available awards. The relative stagnation in need-based aid and increasing competition for finite scholarship dollars can limit program accessibility for lower-income and nontraditional students. Consequently, students must carefully consider long-term debt implications and the variability of employer tuition support when evaluating program affordability. This evolving environment underscores the importance of strategic financial planning to navigate the disparity between escalating tuition and the pace of financial aid growth in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner education.

How Does Rising Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Tuition Affect Student Debt After Graduation?

Rising tuition in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs has a direct and measurable impact on how much students need to borrow, increasing reliance on loans to meet educational expenses. As program costs escalate, students frequently face higher debt balances at graduation, intensifying long-term financial commitments. This is especially relevant for many adult learners juggling family, work, and other financial obligations, which contributes to compounded borrowing and repayment complexity. Recent 2024 data indicates that the average loan amounts for nurse practitioner graduates have risen in tandem with tuition inflation, thereby extending repayment periods and elevating monthly payment burdens. Such dynamics highlight critical affordability challenges inherent in balancing program cost growth with sustainable student debt levels.

Several intersecting factors influence the relationship between rising Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tuition and student debt outcomes. Increasingly, a widening gap between tuition costs and available financial aid in both public and private institutions exacerbates borrowing necessity, while interest accumulates during longer time-to-degree paths common among adult learners. Additionally, variations in post-graduation income within adult gerontology nursing fields affect repayment capacity, with some graduates entering roles that may not sufficiently offset larger loan obligations. These cost and income disparities contribute to complex debt management scenarios and reflect regional variations in adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program cost and debt. For those factoring program length and expenses, understanding the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner is an important consideration to mitigate escalating debt burdens.

The broader implications of rising tuition extend into repayment stress and career decision-making. Higher debt loads influence graduates to prioritize positions with higher salaries or more stable employment, potentially narrowing professional choices and complicating work-life balance for adult learners. Enrollment decisions increasingly weigh debt-to-income ratios and available income-driven repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs. Consequently, these financial pressures shape perceptions of degree value and affect which programs prospective students pursue amid ongoing tuition inflation. Understanding these multidimensional financial dynamics is key for navigating the tradeoffs posed by the evolving Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tuition impact on student loan debt.

Do Higher-Cost Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs Deliver Better Career Outcomes or Earnings?

Higher tuition costs in adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs do not consistently correspond with better career outcomes or increased salaries. While program price can reflect institutional resources or brand recognition, it is an imperfect indicator of employment success or earnings potential. Data from the 2024 National Center for Education Statistics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show median starting salaries between $95,000 and $110,000 annually for graduates across a range of tuition levels, suggesting that cost alone is not predictive of higher income or job placement. Prospective students often face the challenge of evaluating whether tuition inflation aligns with tangible career ROI beyond surface-level prestige.

Institutional reputation, clinical training quality, and employer networks significantly impact graduate outcomes and may indirectly relate to program cost but do not guarantee better earnings. Specialized clinical experiences and stronger industry partnerships can facilitate job placement and practical skill development, although many graduates work in healthcare settings where compensation is relatively standardized. Regional labor market conditions and specific employer credential preferences also shape salary and employment, making geographic and institutional factors critical to consider alongside tuition. For those exploring the type of counselors and allied healthcare roles, understanding these layered distinctions helps contextualize earnings variability and program value.

Students assessing adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program tuition and career salary correlation should prioritize program accreditation, clinical training access, and local demand over sticker price. Evaluating loans, scholarships, and employer reimbursement options alongside comprehensive career outcome data supports more informed decisions. Ultimately, higher cost is not a reliable proxy for better employment or earnings but one variable among many in interpreting education ROI within a dynamic healthcare labor market.

What Do Current Tuition Trends Suggest About the Future Cost of a Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Current tuition trends indicate that the cost of adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner degree programs is on a consistent upward trajectory, outpacing general inflation rates. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics in early 2024, tuition for nurse practitioner degrees increased around 5.7% compared to the previous year. This growth reflects broader higher education pricing patterns, where the real cost of advanced healthcare training is rising faster than many students' financial support and wage increases. Historically, these incremental tuition hikes suggest that prospective students should expect continued increases in program costs over the coming years.

The future tuition landscape will be shaped by several critical factors beyond inflation. Budget constraints at public institutions limit the ability to absorb rising operational expenses, while increasing demand for specialized skills in adult gerontology supports sustained pressure on pricing. Additionally, many programs are investing in technology and expanding online or hybrid formats, which require upfront costs that can hinder immediate tuition reductions. Although flexible delivery may benefit working adult learners, these models have not consistently translated into lower overall expenses, as institutions balance quality and accessibility with financial sustainability.

These dynamics imply ongoing affordability challenges for adult learners, many of whom face greater indirect costs and may need to borrow more or extend time to completion. Understanding these tuition trends can guide students in making strategic enrollment decisions, emphasizing the tradeoff between cost, program flexibility, and expected career outcomes. Given institutional funding realities and market demand, tuition forecasts provide a useful but cautious basis for financial planning, highlighting the need for prospective students to carefully evaluate program value relative to long-term workforce integration.

References

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | Bradley University Online https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/nursing/np/agpcnp
Effect of Nursing Student Loans https://www.brighthorizons.com/article/education/the-profound-effect-of-nursing-student-loans
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | Ursuline - Liberal Arts College in OH https://www.ursuline.edu/academics/programs/msn-track-adult-gerontology-primary-care-nurse-practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing / Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner https://www.midwestern.edu/academics/degrees-programs/college-health-sciences/master-science-nursing-adult-gerontology-primary-care-nurse-practitioner
www.agpcnponline.com: Verifying that you are not a robot... https://www.agpcnponline.com/
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner https://nursinglicensemap.com/advanced-practice-nursing/nurse-practitioner/adult-anp/
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner(Post-Master's Certificate) https://www.madonna.edu/academics/programs/adult-gerontology-acute-care-np-msn/
Top Online Adult-Gerontology NP Programs 2026: AGNP Rankings https://www.npschools.com/rankings/all-online-agnp-programs
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP https://www.rushu.rush.edu/college-nursing/programs-admissions/adult-gerontology-primary-care-nurse-practitioner-dnp
Most Affordable Adult-Gerontology NP Programs 2026 https://www.healthcaredegree.com/blog/most-affordable-agnp-programs

Other Things You Should Know About Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

How should prospective students weigh tuition inflation against program length and intensity?

Students must consider that some adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs increase costs partly because of longer, more rigorous curricula that enhance clinical readiness and employability. Paying higher tuition could translate to a stronger, more comprehensive education but also means greater upfront financial burden and potentially intensified workload. Prioritizing programs with a balanced combination of cost, length, and hands-on experience often yields the best return on investment, especially when employer expectations favor clinical proficiency over speed to graduation.

Does rapid tuition inflation affect the value of part-time versus full-time enrollment options?

As tuition rises, part-time options might seem appealing for spreading costs, but they usually extend time to completion, increasing overall expenses and delaying entry into the workforce. Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner roles demand current, applicable skills; prolonged study may risk skill atrophy or misalignment with evolving employer needs. Students should assess whether the flexibility gained offsets the inflation-driven accumulation of costs and whether their personal and financial situations truly support a longer educational timeline.

How does rising tuition interact with employer-based tuition assistance and expectations?

Employers increasingly provide tuition assistance contingent on commitments such as service duration or minimum academic performance, which can mitigate some inflation effects. However, inflated tuition may reduce the net benefit of such programs if coverage percentages don't align with cost increases, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and longer repayment periods. Prospective students should verify the scope of employer support in relation to current and projected tuition trends and understand any binding obligations that could impact career mobility or financial flexibility.

Is it more prudent to invest in tuition now or wait anticipating future program restructuring or cost stabilization?

Given the current trajectory of rapid tuition inflation, delaying enrollment in hopes of cost stabilization can be risky, as many programs have yet to address inflation-driven budget pressures. Early investment may secure access to existing curriculum structures without newly imposed surcharges or additional fees. Prospective students seeking adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner credentials should weigh immediate inflation costs against the potential for program content changes that might require additional time or money to complete if postponed.