2026 Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 885 schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Aspen University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Aspen University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $6,870 in tuition and fees. Aspen University Nursing students take on a median of $36,946 in debt. Get the full Aspen University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Universidad Del Turabo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
You'll get strong value at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $6,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,820 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex report
Western Governors University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Western Governors University Nursing students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Governors University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at United States University earned it the #5 place in the United States. United States University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,108 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $32,641. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,980 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full United States University report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Nursing program here. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Nursing program here. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
Wenatchee Valley College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Wenatchee, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,552, with out-of-state students paying around $5,054. The median Nursing program debt is $11,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. Set against $11,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wenatchee Valley College
Grantham University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Grantham University is a public school based in LIttle Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,520. Grantham University Nursing students take on a median of $30,600 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,496 ten years out. Set against $30,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grantham University
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Nursing program debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
American Public University System ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
Bemidji State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Collin County Community College District landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Students borrow a median of $9,716 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,701. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Southwest Minnesota State University Nursing students take on a median of $27,016 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Oklahoma Panhandle State University placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public school based in Goodwell, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,092, while out-of-state students pay about $8,675. Students borrow a median of $24,249 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,933. That is a strong return on a $24,249 median debt. Read the full report on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Linfield College Adult Degree Program came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Get the full Linfield College Adult Degree Program report
Western Carolina University placed #17 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. The median Nursing program debt is $24,174. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,174 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Carolina University
Mississippi University For Women ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $24,509. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Graduates carry a median of $19,277 in student loans. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $38,550 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,277 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
University Of Phoenix California came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Ontario, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Typical Nursing student debt is $37,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $37,432 median debt. See the full University Of Phoenix California profile
Ottawa University Phoenix placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,758. Get the full Ottawa University Phoenix report
Grayson College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denison, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,000 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt. Read the full report on Grayson College
Ottawa University Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,296. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,758. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. That is a strong return on a $30,758 median debt. More on Ottawa University Kansas City
Mayville State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,464. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mayville State University
Minot State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minot State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Laredo Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Laredo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. Typical Nursing student debt is $6,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Laredo Community College
Walden University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Typical Nursing student debt is $49,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Wilmington University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Wilmington University Nursing students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile
Granite State College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, compared with $9,284 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $27,522. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,522 median debt. Read more about Granite State College
Ottawa University Milwaukee came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brookfield, WI, Ottawa University Milwaukee is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,296. Graduates carry a median of $31,484 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ottawa University Milwaukee report
Delaware Technical Community College Terry ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Dover, DE, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,332, with out-of-state students paying around $5,763. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,154. Median earnings reach $41,448 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,154 median debt. See the full Delaware Technical Community College Terry profile
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. University Of Phoenix Arizona Nursing students take on a median of $35,323 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile
Columbia Basin College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Pasco, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,555, while out-of-state students pay about $8,668. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,170. Median earnings reach $46,680 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,170 median debt. Get the full Columbia Basin College report
Nicholls State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,149, with out-of-state students paying around $9,242. Nicholls State University Nursing students take on a median of $24,513 in debt. Nicholls State University alumni report median earnings of $45,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,513 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nicholls State University
Chipola College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marianna, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, compared with $8,950 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $9,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,378. That is a strong return on a $9,097 median debt. More on Chipola College
National University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Get the full National University report
Henderson State University placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Graduates carry a median of $23,234 in student loans. Henderson State University alumni report median earnings of $43,459 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. See the full Henderson State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Delta State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $23,432. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Delta State University
Thomas Edison State College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Trenton, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,838, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,149 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,331 ten years out. Set against $16,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Thomas Edison State College report
Metropolitan State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,822. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $30,822 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. The median Nursing program debt is $27,089. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit school based in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Students borrow a median of $32,807 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Set against $32,807 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Capella University placed #44 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Nursing program debt is $35,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read more about Capella University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Dickinson State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Dickinson State University is a public school based in Dickinson, ND. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete their Nursing program here. Dickinson State University alumni report median earnings of $50,720 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,266 median debt. Dickinson State University admits about 37% of applicants. See the full Dickinson State University profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
Purdue University Northwest landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. The median Nursing program debt is $25,083. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
Bellevue College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,436, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,839. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,310. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue College profile
University Of Maryland University College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · 885 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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