2026 Best Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,642. The median Nursing program debt is $21,577. Get the full Wake Forest University report

#2

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

You'll be in good company at Texas Christian University, which ranked #2 this year. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,960. Read the full report on Texas Christian University

#3

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #3 on this year's Nursing ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#4

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD

The strong Nursing programs at Mount Marty College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Yankton, SD. About 52% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Mount Marty College

#5

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

A rank of #5 makes Villanova University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,184. Read the full report on Villanova University

#6

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA

Thomas Jefferson University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,355. Graduates carry a median of $32,256 in student loans. More on Thomas Jefferson University

#7

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. About 63% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Virginia Commonwealth University Nursing students take on a median of $23,813 in debt. Read more about Virginia Commonwealth University

#8

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,975. More on Vanderbilt University

#9

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Students borrow a median of $22,542 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University

#10

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Wesleyan University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 32%. Students from in state pay about $39,582 in tuition and fees. Texas Wesleyan University Nursing students take on a median of $26,461 in debt. See the full Texas Wesleyan University profile

#11

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $16,097. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

#12

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas did well this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. University Of Nevada Las Vegas graduates 50% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile

#13

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University placed #13 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,296. More on Duke University

#14

Saint Marys College

Notre Dame, IN

Saint Marys College placed #14 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,230. Graduates carry a median of $26,938 in student loans. Read the full report on Saint Marys College

#15

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Gonzaga University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Gonzaga University

#16

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,496. Students borrow a median of $26,601 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Wilkes University report

#17

Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA

Chatham University placed #17 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Chatham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,001. The median Nursing program debt is $24,261. See the full Chatham University profile

#18

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Nursing program debt is $18,627. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#19

University Of Portland

Portland, OR

University Of Portland came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Set in Portland, OR, University Of Portland is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,169 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full University Of Portland report

#20

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Nursing students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#21

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

#22

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #22 among Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,404. Get the full University Of California Davis report

#23

Samford University

Birmingham, AL

Samford University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Samford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Birmingham, AL. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,150. Samford University Nursing students take on a median of $21,039 in debt. Read the full report on Samford University

#24

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Webster University graduates 64% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Webster University Nursing students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Read more about Webster University

#25

California State University Fresno

Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Get the full California State University Fresno report

#26

Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,378. Students borrow a median of $25,771 to complete their Nursing program here. More on Catholic University Of America

#27

Aspen University

Phoenix, AZ

Aspen University placed #27 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 27% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $6,870. Typical Nursing student debt is $36,946. See the full Aspen University profile

#28

University Of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of San Francisco posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,935 in student loans. Read more about University Of San Francisco

#29

Bradley University

Peoria, IL

Bradley University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. The median Nursing program debt is $26,380. Get the full Bradley University report

#30

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#31

Wagner College

Staten Island, NY

Wagner College did well this year, earning the #31 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Staten Island, NY. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $53,200. The median Nursing program debt is $26,997. Read the full report on Wagner College

#32

Gannon University

Erie, PA

Gannon University placed #32 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Erie, PA, Gannon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Gannon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,656. The median Nursing program debt is $26,934. Read the full report on Gannon University

#33

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis did well this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of St Francis graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. Graduates carry a median of $25,695 in student loans. Read more about University Of St Francis

#34

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Nursing students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#35

Rivier College

Nashua, NH

Rivier College did well this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. Rivier College graduates 51% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,488. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,917. Read more about Rivier College

#36

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. University Of Kansas Nursing students take on a median of $23,608 in debt. Read more about University Of Kansas

#37

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH

Otterbein University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Based in Westerville, OH, Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,548. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,282. Read the full report on Otterbein University

#38

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota placed #38 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Nursing program debt is $25,110. Read more about University Of North Dakota

#39

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,910. See the full George Washington University profile

#40

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Yale University Nursing students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. More on Yale University

#41

Maryville University Of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, MO

Maryville University Of Saint Louis came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. The median Nursing program debt is $24,499. See the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis profile

#42

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

#43

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University placed #43 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,687. More on Fairfield University

#44

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #44 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Nursing students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#45

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit school based in West Long Branch, NJ. Monmouth University graduates 72% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $46,552. Students borrow a median of $26,847 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Monmouth University report

#46

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. The median Nursing program debt is $23,545. Read the full report on Salisbury University

#47

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #47 among Nursing schools in the United States. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. About 78% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Drexel University Nursing students take on a median of $28,838 in debt. Read the full report on Drexel University

#48

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #48 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Nursing program here. More on University Of Southern Mississippi

#49

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Clemson University graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Clemson University profile

#50

New York University

New York, NY

New York University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Read more about New York University