2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Alabama
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Alabama? Our ranking highlights 79 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 evaluated 30 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 Alabama
Explore the best-value schools below:
Chattahoochee Valley Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Alabama. Based in Phenix City, AL, Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $8,970. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,204. Chattahoochee Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,438 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,204 median debt. Read the full report on Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Out of the 30 schools in Alabama in this year's value ranking, George C Wallace State Community College Selma landed the #2 spot. George C Wallace State Community College Selma is a public school based in Selma, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,740, with out-of-state students paying around $8,610. The median Nursing program debt is $15,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full George C Wallace State Community College Selma report
A rank of #3 makes George C Wallace State Community College Dothan one of the best values in Alabama. Based in Dothan, AL, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,980, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. Students borrow a median of $9,942 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,399 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on George C Wallace State Community College Dothan
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at James H Faulkner State Community College earned it the #4 place in Alabama. James H Faulkner State Community College is a public school based in Bay Minette, AL. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,910. Students borrow a median of $14,326 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,894. Set against $14,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full James H Faulkner State Community College profile
Out of the 30 schools in Alabama in this year's value ranking, Bevill State Community College landed the #5 spot. Set in Jasper, AL, Bevill State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,734, compared with $8,346 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,040. Median earnings reach $34,107 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bevill State Community College
Shelton State Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,127, compared with $8,997 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,688. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,014. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Shelton State Community College
Gadsden State Community College landed the #7 spot for value in Alabama this year. Set in Gadsden, AL, Gadsden State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,272, with out-of-state students paying around $7,368. Gadsden State Community College Nursing students take on a median of $9,312 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,937 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gadsden State Community College report
George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville is a public school based in Hanceville, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $9,090. Graduates carry a median of $13,146 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,842 ten years after entry. Set against $13,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville
Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Birmingham, AL, Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $8,910. Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus Nursing students take on a median of $11,769 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,701. Set against $11,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus report
Bishop State Community College landed the #10 spot for value in Alabama this year. Bishop State Community College is a public school based in Mobile, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,340, with out-of-state students paying around $9,210. The median Nursing program debt is $13,712. Bishop State Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,916 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,712 median debt. Read the full report on Bishop State Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College landed the #11 spot for value in Alabama this year. Northeast Alabama Community College is a public school based in Rainsville, AL. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Northeast Alabama Community College Nursing students take on a median of $7,459 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Alabama Community College profile
Lurleen B Wallace Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Andalusia, AL. Students from in state pay about $5,190 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,060. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,307 ten years after entry. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lurleen B Wallace Community College report
John C Calhoun State Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Tanner, AL, John C Calhoun State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,990 for out-of-state students. John C Calhoun State Community College Nursing students take on a median of $13,839 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,192 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,839 median debt. Read the full report on John C Calhoun State Community College
Southern Union State Community College landed the #14 spot for value in Alabama this year. This public school is set in Wadley, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $8,874. Graduates carry a median of $11,555 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,597 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,555 median debt. See the full Southern Union State Community College profile
Central Alabama Community College placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. This public school is set in Alexander City, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,110, with out-of-state students paying around $8,980. Central Alabama Community College Nursing students take on a median of $12,939 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Alabama Community College
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,162. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Snead State Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Boaz, AL, Snead State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,278, with out-of-state students paying around $9,148. The median Nursing program debt is $12,083. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,083 median debt. Get the full Snead State Community College report
University Of South Alabama came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Alabama
Auburn University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Auburn University
Northwest Shoals Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Muscle Shoals, AL, Northwest Shoals Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,131, while out-of-state students pay about $9,001. Northwest Shoals Community College Nursing students take on a median of $13,312 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,828 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Shoals Community College profile
Herzing University Birmingham landed the #21 spot for value in Alabama this year. Located in Birmingham, AL, Herzing University Birmingham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,954. Herzing University Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Set against $29,954 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Herzing University Birmingham profile
The University Of Alabama placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,496. The University Of Alabama alumni report median earnings of $59,221 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama
University Of North Alabama placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. University Of North Alabama is a public school based in Florence, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,291. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,415 ten years after entry. Set against $24,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Alabama report
University Of Alabama At Huntsville ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. University Of Alabama At Huntsville is a public school based in Huntsville, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,132, while out-of-state students pay about $26,408. The median Nursing program debt is $24,797. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about University Of Alabama At Huntsville
Troy University landed the #25 spot for value in Alabama this year. This public school is set in Troy, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,439. Median earnings reach $42,062 ten years out. Set against $26,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Troy University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Alabama
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Auburn University At Montgomery ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Montgomery, AL, Auburn University At Montgomery is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,700 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,668. Graduates carry a median of $29,746 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,391. Set against $29,746 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Auburn University At Montgomery
Jacksonville State University landed the #27 spot for value in Alabama this year. This public school is set in Jacksonville, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,894, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. The median Nursing program debt is $24,751. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jacksonville State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Jacksonville State University
Samford University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,150. The median Nursing program debt is $21,039. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,469. That is a strong return on a $21,039 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Samford University
South University Montgomery came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Montgomery, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,895. South University Montgomery Nursing students take on a median of $48,920 in debt. South University Montgomery alumni report median earnings of $34,421 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $48,920 median debt. Read the full report on South University Montgomery
University Of Mobile came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Mobile is a private not-for-profit school based in Mobile, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,910. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,127. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,611 ten years after entry. Set against $30,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mobile has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Mobile profile
Alabama State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. More on Alabama State University
Fortis College
Fortis College landed the #32 spot for value in Alabama this year. Read the full report on Fortis College
Blue Cliff Career College placed #33 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. Get the full Blue Cliff Career College report
Huntingdon College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Huntingdon College
Remington College Mobile Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Remington College Mobile Campus
Paul Mitchell The School Huntsville offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Huntsville
Jersey College Dothan came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Jersey College Dothan
Fortis Institute Birmingham placed #38 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. See the full Fortis Institute Birmingham profile
The Salon Professional Academy Huntsville offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. See the full The Salon Professional Academy Huntsville profile
Birmingham Southern College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Birmingham Southern College
Oakwood University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Oakwood University
Stillman College
Stillman College placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. Read the full report on Stillman College
Amridge University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Amridge University
Jefferson State Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Jefferson State Community College report
Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham
Selma University
Selma University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Selma University
University Of West Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read more about University Of West Alabama
Faulkner University placed #48 among the best-value Nursing schools in Alabama. More on Faulkner University
Winonahs International School Of Cosmetology ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Winonahs International School Of Cosmetology
Talladega College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Talladega College report
More Nursing Value Rankings
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: State · 30 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 79 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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