2026 Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2207 schools 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Nursing school in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on La Salle University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Yankton, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,179. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mount Marty College
You'll get strong value at West Coast University Orange County, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,506. West Coast University Orange County Nursing students take on a median of $38,145 in debt. West Coast University Orange County alumni report median earnings of $102,672 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full West Coast University Orange County report
West Coast University Dallas came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $38,145 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,672 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,145 median debt. More on West Coast University Dallas
Youngstown State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median Nursing program debt is $23,043. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,043 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Delta State University placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $23,590 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. Delta State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on Delta State University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Peoria, IL, Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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
Clarkson College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,104 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,289 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $31,289 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Clarkson College report
Mayo Medical School came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester, MN, Mayo Medical School is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,040 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,652. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mayo Medical School admits about 39% of applicants. Read more about Mayo Medical School
Grand Canyon University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. The median Nursing program debt is $28,750. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Herzing University Madison came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Herzing University Madison Nursing students take on a median of $37,747 in debt. Herzing University Madison alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Herzing University Madison
Wheeling Jesuit University placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Wheeling, WV, Wheeling Jesuit University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,875 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Wheeling Jesuit University alumni report median earnings of $57,949 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wheeling Jesuit University admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Wheeling Jesuit University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Nursing students take on a median of $30,359 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $30,359 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Liberty University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,457. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,252. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $26,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Winona State University
Graceland University Lamoni ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,848. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,754. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,361 ten years after entry. Set against $30,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Graceland University Lamoni has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Graceland University Lamoni
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set 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. Point Loma Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
University Of St Francis placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Students borrow a median of $30,700 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $30,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Briar Cliff University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $35,642. The median Nursing program debt is $29,918. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,475 ten years after entry. Set against $29,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Briar Cliff University report
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Addison, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,536. The median Nursing program debt is $39,146. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois alumni report median earnings of $92,405 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,146 median debt. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois
Illinois State University placed #25 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,075 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $23,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Illinois State University
Rivier College placed #26 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,488. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,750. Median earnings reach $52,248 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Rivier College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Mount St Marys College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. The median Nursing program debt is $25,167. Median earnings reach $72,379 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,167 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mount St Marys College
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Maryville University Of Saint Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,881. Maryville University Of Saint Louis alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Gardner Webb University placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boiling Springs, NC. Students from in state pay about $34,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,461 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,039. That is a strong return on a $22,461 median debt. Gardner Webb University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Gardner Webb University profile
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,934. Typical Nursing student debt is $35,362. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,071 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Frontier Nursing University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Versailles, KY, Frontier Nursing University is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Frontier Nursing University profile
Walden University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. The median Nursing program debt is $32,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $32,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Nursing students take on a median of $26,053 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,053 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Lewis University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Lewis University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Lewis University report
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $37,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $37,375 median debt. Read the full report on National University
Alverno College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,086. The median Nursing program debt is $34,000. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alverno College has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Alverno College
Union University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,398 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $29,127. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,990. Set against $29,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Union University profile
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,150. Students borrow a median of $27,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,393 ten years after entry. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing profile
Research College Of Nursing ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Kansas City, MO, Research College Of Nursing is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,273. Research College Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Research College Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $85,910 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Get the full Research College Of Nursing report
Cedar Crest College placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,314. Cedar Crest College Nursing students take on a median of $33,518 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cedar Crest College admits about 84% of applicants. More on Cedar Crest College
Saint Josephs College Of Maine placed #44 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Standish, ME, Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,420. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,045 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Josephs College Of Maine
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $24,439 to complete their Nursing program here. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $82,206 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Seattle University ranked #46 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 run about $56,721. The median Nursing program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Seattle University
Xavier University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Xavier University report
Bradley University placed #48 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Bradley University report
Purdue University Northwest came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,552. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,552 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
California State University Dominguez Hills placed #50 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Carson, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. The median Nursing program debt is $18,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,162. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Dominguez Hills
Anderson University Sc offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Anderson University Sc alumni report median earnings of $42,101 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Anderson University Sc admits about 55% of applicants. See the full Anderson University Sc profile
Olivet Nazarene University placed #52 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Explore 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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