2026 Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2207 institutions 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Sentara College Of Health Sciences tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing master's degree schools in the United States. Set in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,840. Graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,821. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. Get the full Sentara College Of Health Sciences report
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, La Salle University landed the #2 spot. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about La Salle University
A rank of #3 makes Denver School Of Nursing one of the best values in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, Denver School Of Nursing is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,458. Students borrow a median of $32,832 to complete their Nursing program here. Denver School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $81,809 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Denver School Of Nursing report
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Aspen University landed the #4 spot. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,870. Typical Nursing student debt is $36,787. More 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. United States University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,108. The median Nursing program debt is $32,641. Median earnings reach $80,980 ten years out. Set against $32,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full United States University profile
University Of The Cumberlands offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Mount Marty College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Yankton, SD. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. 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. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about Mount Marty College
Newman University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,500. The median Nursing program debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,041 ten years after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Newman University
Kentucky Christian University placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grayson, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,300. Students borrow a median of $27,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $42,375 ten years out. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Kentucky Christian University
Universidad Del Turabo placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $12,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $12,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Universidad Del Turabo
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. The median Nursing program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Rasmussen College North Dakota placed #12 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,404. Students borrow a median of $34,866 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rasmussen College North Dakota profile
Rasmussen College Florida came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,256. Rasmussen College Florida Nursing students take on a median of $34,866 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College Florida profile
Rasmussen College Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,199. Students borrow a median of $34,866 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College Minnesota profile
Nebraska Wesleyan University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,572. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Nebraska Wesleyan University alumni report median earnings of $56,405 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nebraska Wesleyan University report
Western Governors University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,660. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt. Read more about Western Governors University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $40,188 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,500. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Saint Vincent College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,396. Saint Vincent College Nursing students take on a median of $26,986 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,982 ten years out. Set against $26,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Vincent College
Southwest Baptist University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $28,290. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. Set against $28,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Midwestern State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus Nursing students take on a median of $18,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Stevenson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,560 in tuition and fees. Stevenson University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,079. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Stevenson University
York College Pennsylvania came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
West Coast University Orange County placed #26 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,506. Students borrow a median of $38,145 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $102,672 ten years out. Set against $38,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Coast University Orange County profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Arecibo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo Nursing students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,539. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Spring Arbor University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. The median Nursing program debt is $29,748. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,748 median debt. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Read more about Spring Arbor 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,008. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $72,850 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Read more about Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing
Concordia University Irvine landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,500 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Mississippi University For Women came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $19,260. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. Set against $19,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. More on Mississippi University For Women
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Nursing students take on a median of $25,257 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Lubbock Christian University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,540. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lubbock Christian University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Lubbock Christian University
Grantham University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in LIttle Rock, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,520. The median Nursing program debt is $30,600. Median earnings reach $63,496 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. Read the full report on Grantham University
Ottawa University Kansas City ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,747 median debt. Read the full report on Ottawa University Kansas City
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. American Public University System Nursing students take on a median of $28,384 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,384 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
West Coast University Dallas came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. The median Nursing program debt is $38,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Set against $38,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Coast University Dallas profile
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,800 to complete their Nursing program here. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
Clarkson College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,104. Graduates carry a median of $31,289 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clarkson College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Clarkson College
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $7,830 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $7,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Wilmington University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $23,333 in student loans. 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 placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Ferris State University
Cedarville University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,150. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,443 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read more about Cedarville University
Bethel University Minnesota placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Barranquitas, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,742. The median Nursing program debt is $5,850. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas alumni report median earnings of $23,204 a decade after entry. Set against $5,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas
Fitchburg State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
University Of Scranton came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. 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. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Vanguard University Of Southern California ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Costa Mesa, CA, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,700. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,832. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,541. Set against $20,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Vanguard University Of Southern California
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing placed #49 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,150. The median Nursing program debt is $27,750. Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $84,393 a decade after entry. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing
Worcester State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,849 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $26,849 median debt. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Worcester State University report
Webster University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Webster University
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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