2026 Best Value Nursing Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 2207 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Sentara College Of Health Sciences to be the best-value Nursing school in the United States. Located in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,840. Graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $77,821 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. More on Sentara College Of Health Sciences
You'll get strong value at La Salle University, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full La Salle University profile
A rank of #3 makes Denver School Of Nursing one of the best values in the United States. Based in Denver, CO, Denver School Of Nursing is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,458 in tuition and fees. Denver School Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $32,832 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,809. That is a strong return on a $32,832 median debt. See the full Denver School Of Nursing profile
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Aspen University landed the #4 spot. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $6,870 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $36,787. Read the full report on Aspen University
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, United States University landed the #5 spot. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,108. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,641. Median earnings reach $80,980 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full United States University report
University Of The Cumberlands placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Nursing students take on a median of $29,400 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $29,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Mount Marty College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,179. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on Mount Marty College
Newman University placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Newman University alumni report median earnings of $55,041 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Newman University
Kentucky Christian University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grayson, KY, Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,300. The median Nursing program debt is $27,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,375. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. Kentucky Christian University admits about 61% of applicants. More on Kentucky Christian University
Morningside College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Morningside College report
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Nursing students take on a median of $12,375 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,375 median debt. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report
Rasmussen College North Dakota came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,404. Students borrow a median of $34,866 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $34,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rasmussen College North Dakota
Rasmussen College Florida placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,256. Graduates carry a median of $34,866 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $34,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rasmussen College Florida
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in St. Cloud, MN, Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,199 in tuition and fees. Rasmussen College Minnesota Nursing students take on a median of $34,866 in debt. Rasmussen College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Minnesota
Nebraska Wesleyan University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Nebraska Wesleyan University alumni report median earnings of $56,405 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nebraska Wesleyan University
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $22,660. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. The median Nursing program debt is $40,188. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $40,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Saint Vincent College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,396. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,986. Saint Vincent College alumni report median earnings of $59,982 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,986 median debt. Saint Vincent College admits about 62% of applicants. More on Saint Vincent College
Southwest Baptist University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $28,290 in student loans. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Southwest Baptist University
Midwestern State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Midwestern State University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus profile
Stevenson University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,560. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,079. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Stevenson University
West Coast University Orange County landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Anaheim, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $22,506. Typical Nursing student debt is $38,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on West Coast University Orange County
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo placed #26 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $5,780 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $10,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,539 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Spring Arbor University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spring Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. The median Nursing program debt is $29,748. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,732. Set against $29,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Ashland University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $30,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,928. That is a strong return on a $30,250 median debt. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Ashland University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Peoria, IL, Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,008. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,500. Median earnings reach $72,850 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing
Viterbo University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $29,013. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Viterbo University
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete their Nursing program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Mississippi University For Women Nursing students take on a median of $19,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,260 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mississippi University For Women
York College Pennsylvania ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. York College Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,012 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on York College Pennsylvania
Mayo Medical School came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,040. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $79,652 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on Mayo Medical School
Wilmington University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,333. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $23,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wilmington University
Lubbock Christian University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,540. Lubbock Christian University Nursing students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,787. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Grantham University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Grantham University is a public school based in LIttle Rock, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,520. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,496. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. More on Grantham University
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. The median Nursing program debt is $28,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report
West Coast University Dallas placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. Graduates carry a median of $38,145 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,672 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full West Coast University Dallas profile
Ferris State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Ottawa University Kansas City placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Students borrow a median of $34,747 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $55,552 ten years out. Set against $34,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ottawa University Kansas City report
Clarkson College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,104. Graduates carry a median of $31,289 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Set against $31,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clarkson College admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Clarkson College profile
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $28,384 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $28,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
Delta State University placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. The median Nursing program debt is $23,590. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Delta State University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $32,800. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,800 median debt. More on Walden University
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Nursing program debt is $7,830. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $7,830 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Cedarville University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,150. The median Nursing program debt is $25,000. Cedarville University alumni report median earnings of $55,443 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cedarville University report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit school based in Barranquitas, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,742. Graduates carry a median of $5,850 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $23,204 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas
Fitchburg State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Best Value Nursing Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2207 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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