2026 Best Value Nursing Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 1633 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 Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value Nursing school in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. La Salle University Nursing students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full La Salle University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Mexico Junior College earned it the #2 place in the United States. New Mexico Junior College is a public school based in Hobbs, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,440, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,986 in student loans. New Mexico Junior College alumni report median earnings of $34,233 a decade after entry. Set against $9,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about New Mexico Junior College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Aspen University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Aspen University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,870. Graduates carry a median of $36,946 in student loans. Get the full Aspen University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Coahoma Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,490 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $11,745. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College
You'll get strong value at Clovis Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,592, compared with $3,344 for out-of-state students. Clovis Community College Nursing students take on a median of $11,082 in debt. Clovis Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clovis Community College
Oglala Lakota College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Oglala Lakota College is a public school based in Kyle, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out. Read more about Oglala Lakota College
Southeast Community College Area landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
Cloud County Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Cloud County Community College is a public school based in Concordia, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Cloud County Community College Nursing students take on a median of $12,839 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,883. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cloud County Community College
Neosho County Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Neosho County Community College is a public school based in Chanute, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $13,209 in student loans. Neosho County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,966 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. Get the full Neosho County Community College report
Seattle Community College Central Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Graduates carry a median of $14,699 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,307. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt. More on Seattle Community College Central Campus
Highline Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Typical Nursing student debt is $8,958. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. Set against $8,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Highline Community College
Central Arizona College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Coolidge, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,635. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Arizona College
Panola College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Panola College alumni report median earnings of $36,072 a decade after entry. See the full Panola College profile
South Louisiana Community College placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $12,435 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Arkansas State University Newport came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Students borrow a median of $10,925 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,524. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
Amarillo College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,720 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $41,302 ten years out. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Amarillo College
College Of The Mainland landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. College Of The Mainland is a public school based in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. College Of The Mainland Nursing students take on a median of $10,928 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,639 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
Hutchinson Community College placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Hutchinson Community College is a public school based in Hutchinson, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. The median Nursing program debt is $18,148. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Wayne County Community College District placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Students borrow a median of $20,820 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
United States University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,108. Students borrow a median of $32,641 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,980. That is a strong return on a $32,641 median debt. Read more about United States University
Central Community College placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Nursing program here. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Community College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. The median Nursing program debt is $16,812. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Western Iowa Tech Community College Nursing students take on a median of $11,886 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,750. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex Nursing students take on a median of $23,820 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
South Plains College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $13,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about South Plains College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Centralia College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Centralia College is a public school based in Centralia, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. Centralia College alumni report median earnings of $43,140 a decade after entry. Read more about Centralia College
Coastal Pines Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Coastal Pines Technical College is a public school based in Waycross, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, with out-of-state students paying around $5,836. Students borrow a median of $5,812 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,214 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,812 median debt. Get the full Coastal Pines Technical College report
Metropolitan Community College Area ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,799. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Garden City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,690, compared with $4,320 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $11,084. Median earnings reach $41,704 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Garden City Community College
Tyler Junior College placed #30 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tyler Junior College
Northshore Technical Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Northshore Technical Community College is a public school based in Lacombe, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,299 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,815 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,734. Set against $14,815 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northshore Technical Community College
Camden County College placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. The median Nursing program debt is $12,999. Camden County College alumni report median earnings of $41,212 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. Read more about Camden County College
Moraine Park Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Moraine Park Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $11,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Alvin Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Alvin Community College Nursing students take on a median of $8,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,762. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Alvin Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $4,662. Students borrow a median of $9,265 to complete their Nursing program here. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville alumni report median earnings of $33,706 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville profile
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,728. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton Nursing students take on a median of $13,758 in debt. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton alumni report median earnings of $34,924 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton report
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,389. Students borrow a median of $20,291 to complete their Nursing program here. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
Wenatchee Valley College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,552, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. Wenatchee Valley College Nursing students take on a median of $11,462 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,127. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. See the full Wenatchee Valley College profile
Washington State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Marietta, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,128, compared with $4,152 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,291 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,988 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt. Get the full Washington State Community College report
New Mexico State University Carlsbad landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,284. See the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad profile
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #41 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. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Nursing students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Northwest Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,254. Graduates carry a median of $31,053 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,930 ten years after entry. Set against $31,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Technical College
Western Governors University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. See the full Western Governors University profile
Athens Technical College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. Athens Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Athens Technical College
El Centro College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. Read the full report on El Centro College
Clarendon College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Clarendon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, compared with $5,400 for out-of-state students. Clarendon College Nursing students take on a median of $14,789 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $14,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Clarendon College
Johnson County Community College placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Students borrow a median of $13,532 to complete their Nursing program here. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,532 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. The median Nursing program debt is $14,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. Set against $14,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $11,376 to complete their Nursing program here. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Nursing program debt is $14,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Best Value Nursing Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Best Value Nursing Schools by State
See the best-value schools in your state:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 1633 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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