2026 Best Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Nursing graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 4630 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is Thomas Jefferson University, our #1 Nursing school in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,355. Graduates carry a median of $32,256 in student loans. More on Thomas Jefferson University
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The strong Nursing programs at Georgetown University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. About 95% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. The median Nursing program debt is $16,483. Read the full report on Georgetown University
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You'll be in good company at Johns Hopkins University, which ranked #3 this year. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,426. More on Johns Hopkins University
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The strong Nursing programs at Duke University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Duke University Nursing students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. Get the full Duke University report
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Out of the 4630 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #5 spot. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Read more about Vanderbilt University
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Texas A And M University College Station came in at #6 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Nursing program debt is $20,031. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
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Maryville University Of Saint Louis ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Nursing students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Read the full report on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
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University Of St Francis placed #8 among Nursing schools in the United States. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. About 67% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,110. University Of St Francis Nursing students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Read more about University Of St Francis
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Mount Marty College placed #9 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Mount Marty College graduates 52% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. More on Mount Marty College
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Texas Christian University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,960. Read more about Texas Christian University
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Gannon University placed #11 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Erie, PA. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,656. Graduates carry a median of $26,934 in student loans. See the full Gannon University profile
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Winona State University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Nursing students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Get the full Winona State University report
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Drexel University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. Get the full Drexel University report
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California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #14 in this year's ranking. California State University Dominguez Hills is a public school based in Carson, CA. California State University Dominguez Hills posts a six-year graduation rate of 43%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Graduates carry a median of $15,886 in student loans. Read the full report on California State University Dominguez Hills
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University Of Florida did well this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Nursing students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. Get the full University Of Florida report
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Duquesne University placed #16 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Duquesne University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Duquesne University
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Bradley University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Bradley University graduates 76% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,380. Read more about Bradley University
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George Washington University did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about George Washington University
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Augusta University landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Students borrow a median of $25,745 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Augusta University profile
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New York University placed #20 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. More on New York University
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Desales University came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Located in Center Valley, PA, Desales University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $46,800. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,524. Read the full report on Desales University
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National University placed #22 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. National University graduates 50% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. The median Nursing program debt is $30,426. Read the full report on National University
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University Of North Dakota ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. University Of North Dakota graduates 60% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,110. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
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Villanova University placed #24 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Nursing program here. More on Villanova University
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University Of Iowa came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Nursing program debt is $24,463. See the full University Of Iowa profile
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These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $18,627. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
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Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Concordia University Wisconsin posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Nursing students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
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University Of Kansas placed #28 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Nursing program debt is $23,608. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
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Monmouth University placed #29 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Monmouth University posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. Monmouth University Nursing students take on a median of $26,847 in debt. Read more about Monmouth University
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Wagner College landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Based in Staten Island, NY, Wagner College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $53,200. Graduates carry a median of $26,997 in student loans. More on Wagner College
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California State University Long Beach placed #31 among Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,671. Read more about California State University Long Beach
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Herzing University Madison did well this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. About 22% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $30,328 in student loans. Read more about Herzing University Madison
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Grand Canyon University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Grand Canyon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 44%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Grand Canyon University Nursing students take on a median of $30,027 in debt. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
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Lewis University landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. Lewis University Nursing students take on a median of $24,838 in debt. See the full Lewis University profile
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Emory University placed #35 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. Emory University posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. Read more about Emory University
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Yale University landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Yale University
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Point Loma Nazarene University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $22,542. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
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Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. The median Nursing program debt is $23,258. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
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The University Of Texas At Arlington did well this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Arlington, TX. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The median Nursing program debt is $21,632. More on The University Of Texas At Arlington
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University Of San Francisco did well this year, earning the #40 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. University Of San Francisco Nursing students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. More on University Of San Francisco
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The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,275. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
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Mount St Marys College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,564. The median Nursing program debt is $27,555. Read the full report on Mount St Marys College
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Molloy College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rockville Centre, NY. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,790. Students borrow a median of $27,420 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Molloy College profile
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University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #44 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
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Marquette University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $24,122. Read more about Marquette University
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Case Western Reserve University did well this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Case Western Reserve University graduates 87% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $25,106. More on Case Western Reserve University
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The University Of Tennessee ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $22,859. More on The University Of Tennessee
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Samford University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Samford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Birmingham, AL. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,150. The median Nursing program debt is $21,039. Get the full Samford University report
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Cedar Crest College did well this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,314. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,759. Read more about Cedar Crest College
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Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #50 among Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,447. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
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Explore other degree levels:
- Best Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation · 4630 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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