2026 Best Nursing Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, PA

Saint Vincent College tops our 2026 ranking of the best Nursing master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,396. Graduates carry a median of $26,986 in student loans. Read the full report on Saint Vincent College

#2

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

A rank of #2 makes Wake Forest University one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wake Forest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,642. The median Nursing program debt is $21,577. Read the full report on Wake Forest University

#3

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

You'll be in good company at University Of Southern California, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Nursing students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Southern California

#4

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD

You'll be in good company at Mount Marty College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Mount Marty College report

#5

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

A rank of #5 makes Vanderbilt University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. 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

#6

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Wesleyan University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 32%. In-state tuition and fees average $39,582. Texas Wesleyan University Nursing students take on a median of $26,461 in debt. More on Texas Wesleyan University

#7

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Read the full report on Duke University

#8

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #8 among Nursing schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $16,155. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania

#9

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota did well this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota graduates 66% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Nursing students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

#10

Newman University

Wichita, KS

Newman University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Located in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,500. The median Nursing program debt is $24,562. Read the full report on Newman University

#11

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Gonzaga University graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Get the full Gonzaga University report

#12

York College Pennsylvania

York, PA

York College Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their Nursing program here. More on York College Pennsylvania

#13

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA

Thomas Jefferson University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,355. The median Nursing program debt is $32,256. Read the full report on Thomas Jefferson University

#14

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,404. Read the full report on University Of California Davis

#15

University Of Great Falls

Great Falls, MT

University Of Great Falls came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Located in Great Falls, MT, University Of Great Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Great Falls graduates 21% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,448. Graduates carry a median of $23,847 in student loans. Get the full University Of Great Falls report

#16

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. About 92% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,184. Read the full report on Villanova University

#17

Gannon University

Erie, PA

Gannon University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Set in Erie, PA, Gannon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Gannon University graduates 67% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,656. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,934. Read the full report on Gannon University

#18

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University did well this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. The median Nursing program debt is $16,483. See the full Georgetown University profile

#19

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University placed #19 among Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Webster University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,939. Get the full Webster University report

#20

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Case Western Reserve University report

#21

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. The median Nursing program debt is $14,357. Read the full report on Yale University

#22

California State University Stanislaus

Turlock, CA

California State University Stanislaus landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Based in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. California State University Stanislaus Nursing students take on a median of $14,813 in debt. Read more about California State University Stanislaus

#23

The College Of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ

The College Of New Jersey did well this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,429 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey

#24

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University did well this year, earning the #24 position. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Emory University Nursing students take on a median of $19,431 in debt. Read more about Emory University

#25

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #25 position. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

#26

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

#27

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Nursing program debt is $13,426. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report

#28

University Of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. About 70% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. University Of San Francisco Nursing students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. See the full University Of San Francisco profile

#29

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #29 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full New York University report

#30

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Florida Gulf Coast University is a public school based in Fort Myers, FL. About 57% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,118, compared with $25,162 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,015 in student loans. Read the full report on Florida Gulf Coast University

#31

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus graduates 63% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Students borrow a median of $16,151 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus profile

#32

Vanguard University Of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA

Vanguard University Of Southern California landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Costa Mesa, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,700. Students borrow a median of $21,111 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Vanguard University Of Southern California profile

#33

Wagner College

Staten Island, NY

Wagner College came in at #33 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Staten Island, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Students from in state pay about $53,200 in tuition and fees. Wagner College Nursing students take on a median of $26,997 in debt. Get the full Wagner College report

#34

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $18,031. See the full Sonoma State University profile

#35

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,137. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile

#36

Mount St Marys College

Los Angeles, CA

Mount St Marys College did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. In-state tuition and fees average $49,564. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Mount St Marys College

#37

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Set 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%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report

#38

Augsburg College

Minneapolis, MN

Augsburg College landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Augsburg College graduates 52% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $45,452 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,319 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Augsburg College report

#39

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report

#40

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University did well this year, earning the #40 position. 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 average $43,496. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,601. Read the full report on Wilkes University

#41

Maryville University Of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, MO

Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,499. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis

#42

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,539. Read more about University Of California Irvine

#43

California State University Chico

Chico, CA

California State University Chico did well this year, earning the #43 position. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,591. More on California State University Chico

#44

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University did well this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,218. Read more about James Madison University

#45

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. The median Nursing program debt is $20,488. See the full Florida State University profile

#46

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Nursing students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#47

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. The median Nursing program debt is $24,122. Read more about Marquette University

#48

California State University Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton came in at #48 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,525. See the full California State University Fullerton profile

#49

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota did well this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. The median Nursing program debt is $25,639. More on Bethel University Minnesota

#49

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Azusa Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Azusa Pacific University Nursing students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. More on Azusa Pacific University