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2023 Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools

484 Schools Ranked
$8,379 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$14,971 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking. Our analysis looked at 484 schools in the United States to see which undergraduate certificate programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the United States

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

North Shore Community College

Danvers, Massachusetts
$5,352 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,908 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found North Shore Community College to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in the United States.

Full-time students from Massachusetts pay an average of $5,352 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend North Shore Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,920. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,908 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at North Shore Community College. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#2

Mount Wachusett Community College

Gardner, Massachusetts
$5,668 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,561 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Mount Wachusett Community College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

In-state students pay an average of $5,668 in tuition and fees if they attend MWCC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,588. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $11,561 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MWCC. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Mount Wachusett Community College Report

#3

Eastwick College - Hackensack

Hackensack, New Jersey
$17,424 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,378 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Eastwick College - Hackensack. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

The average tuition and fees at Eastwick College - Hackensack is $17,424. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,378 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Eastwick College - Hackensack does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 32% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#4

Greenfield Community College

Greenfield, Massachusetts
$5,642 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,589 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Greenfield Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Greenfield Community College is $5,642. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,762. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $12,589 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Greenfield Community College. In fact, around 90% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#5

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
$4,637 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,607 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Ivy Tech Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

Full-time students from Indiana pay an average of $4,637 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Ivy Tech Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,927. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $15,607 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Ivy Tech Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Ivy Tech Community College Report

$13,635 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,381 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Rasmussen University - Florida did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,635 to cover tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Florida. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Rasmussen University - Florida accumulate an average of $20,381 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Florida. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Rasmussen University - Florida Report

#7

Herzing University - Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
$14,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,286 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Birmingham ranked #7 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $14,200 to cover tuition and fees at Herzing University - Birmingham. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Herzing University - Birmingham accumulate an average of $23,286 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Herzing University - Birmingham does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Herzing University - Birmingham Report

#8

Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown

Allentown, Pennsylvania
$17,968 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $17,968 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Full Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown Report

$4,945 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,470 Avg Student Debt

Delaware Technical Community College - Terry did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #9 on the list.

Full-time students from Delaware pay an average of $4,945 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Delaware Tech. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,808. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Delaware Tech accumulate an average of $19,470 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Delaware Tech. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 93% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Report

#10

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
$13,558 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,381 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Rasmussen University - Minnesota did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,558 to cover tuition and fees at Rasmussen University - Minnesota. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,381 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Rasmussen University - Minnesota does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Rasmussen University - Minnesota Report

#11

Kellogg Community College

Battle Creek, Michigan
$6,878 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,955 Avg Student Debt

Kellogg Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #11 on the list.

In-state students pay an average of $6,878 in tuition and fees if they attend Kellogg Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,450. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Kellogg Community College accumulate an average of $29,955 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Kellogg Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Kellogg Community College

#12

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
$4,568 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,690 Avg Student Debt

Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

Students from Wisconsin who attend CVTC full time pay an average of $4,568 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,683. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $13,690 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at CVTC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College

#13

Hannibal - LaGrange University

Hannibal, Missouri
$25,215 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,753 Avg Student Debt

Hannibal - LaGrange University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $25,215 to cover tuition and fees at HLGU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from HLGU accumulate an average of $13,753 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at HLGU. In fact, around 27% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Hannibal - LaGrange University

#14

Glendale Community College

Glendale, California
$1,171 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,175 Avg Student Debt

Glendale Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #14 on the list.

Students from California who attend GCC full time pay an average of $1,171 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,531. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from GCC accumulate an average of $22,175 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at GCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Glendale Community College

#15

Northern Essex Community College

Haverhill, Massachusetts
$5,544 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,831 Avg Student Debt

Northern Essex Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NECC is $5,544. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,328. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $13,831 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at NECC. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#16

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, Minnesota
$6,052 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,734 Avg Student Debt

Northland Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #16 on the list.

If you want to attend Northland Community and Technical College, expect to pay an average of $6,052 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $15,734 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Northland Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 48% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Northland Community and Technical College Report

#17

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
$1,338 Average Tuition & Fees

Cuesta College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,338 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Cuesta College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,702.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Cuesta College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Cuesta College Report

#18

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,587 Avg Student Debt

Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

LATI does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $6,718. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $14,587 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that LATI does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 44% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Lake Area Technical Institute

#19

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,041 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Technical College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools list.

The average tuition and fees at Southeast Tech is $7,650. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Southeast Tech accumulate an average of $20,041 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southeast Tech does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 45% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southeast Technical College

#20

El Centro College

Dallas, Texas
$17,727 Avg Student Debt

El Centro College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

Undergraduate Certificate recipients from El Centro College accumulate an average of $17,727 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at El Centro College. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on El Centro College

$5,910 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,612 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Alexandria Technical & Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

The average tuition and fees at ATCC is $5,910. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $17,612 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ATCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 48% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#22

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
$4,746 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,693 Avg Student Debt

Fox Valley Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #22 on the list.

Students from Wisconsin who attend FVTC full time pay an average of $4,746 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,861. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $12,693 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at FVTC. In fact, around 42% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Quinsigamond Community College

Worcester, Massachusetts
$5,830 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,488 Avg Student Debt

Quinsigamond Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #23 on the list.

Students from Massachusetts who attend Quinsigamond Community College full time pay an average of $5,830 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,774. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Quinsigamond Community College accumulate an average of $18,488 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Quinsigamond Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 35% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$14,200 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,223 Avg Student Debt

Herzing University - Akron came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Herzing Akron is $14,200. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Herzing Akron accumulate an average of $25,223 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Herzing Akron, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 79% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#25

Rasmussen University - North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota
$11,847 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,381 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Rasmussen University - North Dakota did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their undergraduate certificate.

Rasmussen University - North Dakota does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $11,847. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $20,381 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Rasmussen University - North Dakota. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Rasmussen University - North Dakota Report

Rest of the Top 50 Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the United States

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
#27

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
#28

Institute of Technology

Clovis, California
#29

College of Saint Mary

Omaha, Nebraska
#30

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
#31

Napa Valley College

Napa, California
#32

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
#33

Trident Technical College

Charleston, South Carolina
#34

Panola College

Carthage, Texas
#35

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
#38

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
#39

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
#41

St Clair County Community College

Port Huron, Michigan
#42

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa
#43

Fortis College - Centerville

Centerville, Ohio
#44

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, Illinois
#45

Allegany College of Maryland

Cumberland, Maryland
#46

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, Minnesota
#47

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, Michigan
#48

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
#49

St Cloud Technical and Community College

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
#50

Bevill State Community College

Jasper, Alabama

Rest of the Top 15% Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the United States

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 ECPI University Virginia Beach, VA
52 Athens Technical College Athens, GA
53 Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN
54 Beckfield College - Tri-County Springdale, OH
55 South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, LA
56 Amarillo College Amarillo, TX
57 Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CA
58 Lansing Community College Lansing, MI
59 Arkansas State University - Newport Newport, AR
60 Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL
61 Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE
62 Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN
63 Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon, IA
64 Metropolitan Community College Omaha, NE
65 North Central Texas College Gainesville, TX
66 Riverside City College Riverside, CA
67 University of Hawaii Maui College Kahului, HI
68 Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg, PA
69 Western Dakota Technical Institute Rapid City, SD
70 Santa Barbara Business College - Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA
71 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH
72 Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA
73 Victor Valley College Victorville, CA

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best nursing schools ranking:

Rank School Location
74 Sacramento City College Sacramento, CA
75 River Valley Community College Claremont, NH
76 Angelina College Lufkin, TX
77 Victoria College Victoria, TX
78 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
79 Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross, GA
80 Sullivan University Louisville, KY
81 Flint Hills Technical College Emporia, KS
82 Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown, MD
83 McDowell Technical Community College Marion, NC
84 Oconee Fall Line Technical College Sandersville, GA
85 Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR
86 Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, AL
87 Navarro College Corsicana, TX
88 College of Eastern Idaho Idaho Falls, ID
89 Austin Community College District Austin, TX
90 Penn Commercial Business/Technical School Washington, PA
91 State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MO
92 Bismarck State College Bismarck, ND
93 North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, IA
94 Montgomery Community College Troy, NC
95 Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY
96 South Texas College McAllen, TX
97 Montana State University - Billings Billings, MT

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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