2026 Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2207 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Aspen University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,870 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,787 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Aspen University profile
Morningside College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Morningside College Nursing students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. More on Morningside College
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mount Marty College landed the #4 spot. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. Mount Marty College Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full Mount Marty College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wilmington University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Students borrow a median of $23,333 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. Set against $23,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
Ferris State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Ferris State University report
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Point Loma Nazarene University profile
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,850. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing
Ashland University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Students borrow a median of $30,250 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Set against $30,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Ashland University
Delta State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $23,590 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on Delta State University
Viterbo University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Viterbo University Nursing students take on a median of $29,013 in debt. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. Set against $29,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Viterbo University report
Mayo Medical School ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Rochester, MN, Mayo Medical School is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,040. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Mayo Medical School alumni report median earnings of $79,652 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mayo Medical School
Mckendree University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. The median Nursing program debt is $26,534. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. Set against $26,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mckendree University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Mckendree University report
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Nursing program debt is $25,257. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Nursing students take on a median of $25,125 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Addison, IL, Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,536. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois Nursing students take on a median of $39,146 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,405 ten years after entry. Set against $39,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois
York College Pennsylvania placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on York College Pennsylvania
University Of Scranton came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. More on University Of Scranton
Webster University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Nursing program here. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Webster University report
Walden University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. The median Nursing program debt is $32,800. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $18,934 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,362 to complete their Nursing program here. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health alumni report median earnings of $65,071 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,362 median debt. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,043. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,043 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Mississippi University For Women landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Graduates carry a median of $19,260 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi University For Women has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Mississippi University For Women
Grand Canyon University placed #25 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Grand Canyon University report
University Of St Francis landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,110. The median Nursing program debt is $30,700. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of St Francis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Gonzaga University placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Graceland University Lamoni placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,848. The median Nursing program debt is $30,754. Median earnings reach $47,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,754 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Graceland University Lamoni report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
Winona State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Nursing students take on a median of $26,252 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Winona State University
Otterbein University placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit school based in Westerville, OH. Students from in state pay about $35,548 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,313 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Otterbein University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Otterbein University
Frontier Nursing University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Frontier Nursing University is a private not-for-profit school based in Versailles, KY. Read more about Frontier Nursing University
Fort Hays State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $24,726 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,500. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Briar Cliff University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,642. Students borrow a median of $29,918 to complete their Nursing program here. Briar Cliff University alumni report median earnings of $54,475 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,918 median debt. More on Briar Cliff University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Nursing program debt is $23,075. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Augsburg College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,452. Students borrow a median of $23,441 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,829 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augsburg College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Augsburg College report
Holy Family University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,235 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Holy Family University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Alva, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,210. Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumni report median earnings of $44,358 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,210 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Alcorn State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,785 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,683 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,421. Set against $24,683 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on Alcorn State University
Lenoir Rhyne University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,300. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. Set against $26,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lenoir Rhyne University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Lenoir Rhyne University report
Seattle University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. The median Nursing program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Seattle University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,053. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $26,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,150. The median Nursing program debt is $27,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,393. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing report
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
University Of Mary landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Students borrow a median of $28,578 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on University Of Mary
Lewis University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,099 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lewis University
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,776 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,439 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,206. That is a strong return on a $24,439 median debt. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,166. Students borrow a median of $29,881 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,105. That is a strong return on a $29,881 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Salisbury University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. The median Nursing program debt is $24,297. Median earnings reach $61,515 ten years out. Set against $24,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salisbury University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Salisbury University report
Related Nursing Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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