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Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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2023 Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

67 Schools Ranked
$7,455 Avg Tuition & Fees*

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 67 schools in the Great Lakes Region to see which ones offered the best value basic certificate programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
499 Total Awards
$6,769 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Madison Area Technical College the best value school in the Great Lakes Region for nursing students working on their basic certificate. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 499 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Madison College are $6,769 per year.

One thing to take note of is that Madison College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Madison College is ranked #1 for overall quality in the Great Lakes Region .

Full Madison Area Technical College Report

#2

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
482 Total Awards
$6,683 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Moraine Park Technical College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Moraine Park Technical College is a small public school situated in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It awarded 482 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Moraine Park Technical College are $6,683 a year.

Moraine Park Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 12% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Moraine Park Technical College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Read More…

#3

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
461 Total Awards
$6,861 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 67 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Fox Valley Technical College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Appleton, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 461 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at FVTC are $6,861 per year.

FVTC 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 42% took at least some of their classes online.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, FVTC is ranked #3 for overall quality in the Great Lakes Region .

Read More…

#3

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
353 Total Awards
$6,683 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 67 schools in the Great Lakes Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the # 3 spot on the list. CVTC is a public institution located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 353 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at CVTC are $6,683 per year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CVTC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 60% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, CVTC also did well on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College

#5

Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, Wisconsin
247 Total Awards
$6,683 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Blackhawk Technical College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. BTC is a public institution located in Janesville, Wisconsin. The school has a small population, and it awarded 247 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at BTC are $6,683 a year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since BTC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 60% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, BTC also is in the top 10% of our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking.

Read More…

#6

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
347 Total Awards
$5,415 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Northcentral Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. North Central Technical College is located in Wausau, Wisconsin and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 347 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at North Central Technical College are $5,415 per year.

One thing to take note of is that North Central Technical College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northcentral Technical College Report

#7

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
564 Total Awards
$6,803 Average Tuition & Fees

Gateway Technical College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Gateway Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Kenosha, Wisconsin that handed out 564 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Gateway Technical College are $6,803 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Gateway Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

In addition to its great value ranking, Gateway Technical College is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full Gateway Technical College Report

617 Total Awards
$6,849 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. NWTC is a fairly large public school situated in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It awarded 617 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

NWTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,849 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NWTC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.

In addition to its great value ranking, NWTC is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Read More…

#9

Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, Wisconsin
544 Total Awards
$6,603 Average Tuition & Fees

Waukesha County Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Waukesha County Technical College is a medium-sized public school located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin that handed out 544 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WCTC are $6,603 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at WCTC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 17% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

WCTC excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full Waukesha County Technical College Report

#10

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
197 Total Awards
$6,687 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #10, Western Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. Western Technical College is a small public school located in La Crosse, Wisconsin that handed out 197 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Western Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,687 in tuition and fees each year.

Western Technical 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 88% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Western Technical College

#11

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, Indiana
1,767 Total Awards
$8,927 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Ivy Tech Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. Ivy Tech Community College is a large public school situated in Indianapolis, Indiana. It awarded 1,767 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Ivy Tech Community College are $8,927 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Ivy Tech Community College. In fact, around 81% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Ivy Tech Community College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full Ivy Tech Community College Report

#12

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, Wisconsin
228 Total Awards
$6,683 Average Tuition & Fees

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. Located in Fennimore, Wisconsin, the small public school handed out 228 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Southwest Tech are $6,683 per year.

Southwest Tech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 33% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#13

Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
221 Total Awards
$6,351 Average Tuition & Fees

Mid-State Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Mid-State is located in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 221 basic certificates to qualified students.

Mid-State undergraduate students pay an average of $6,351 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Mid-State. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#14

Highland Community College

Freeport, Illinois
114 Total Awards
$6,846 Average Tuition & Fees

Highland Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #14 on the list. Highland Community College is a small public school located in Freeport, Illinois that handed out 114 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Highland Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,846 in tuition and fees each year.

One thing to take note of is that Highland Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 52% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Highland Community College

#15

Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, Wisconsin
133 Total Awards
$6,056 Average Tuition & Fees

Lakeshore Technical College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. LTC is located in Cleveland, Wisconsin and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 133 basic certificates to qualified students.

LTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,056 in tuition and fees each year.

Online courses are available at LTC, 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 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lakeshore Technical College

#16

John A Logan College

Carterville, Illinois
164 Total Awards
$6,980 Average Tuition & Fees

John A Logan College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. This small public school is located in Carterville, Illinois, and it awarded 164 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at John A Logan College are $6,980 per year.

Online courses are available at John A Logan College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 46% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full John A Logan College Report

#17

Black Hawk College

Moline, Illinois
85 Total Awards
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees

Black Hawk College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Moline, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 85 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at BHC are $7,650 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at BHC. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#18

Delta College

University Center, Michigan
3 Total Awards
$7,100 Average Tuition & Fees

Delta College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking. Located in University Center, Michigan, the medium-sized public school awarded 3 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Delta College are $7,100 a year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Delta College. In fact, around 89% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

68 Total Awards
$7,656 Average Tuition & Fees

Central Ohio Technical College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. COTC is a public institution located in Newark, Ohio. The school has a small population, and it awarded 68 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at COTC are $7,656 a year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at COTC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#20

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
210 Total Awards
$6,908 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Milwaukee Area Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 210 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

MATC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,908 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MATC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Milwaukee Area Technical College Report

#21

Rend Lake College

Ina, Illinois
49 Total Awards
$6,750 Average Tuition & Fees

Rend Lake College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. Ina, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 49 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Rend Lake College are $6,750 a year.

One thing to take note of is that Rend Lake College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, Michigan
11 Total Awards
$5,856 Average Tuition & Fees

Washtenaw Community College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. Washtenaw Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It awarded 11 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Washtenaw Community College are $5,856 a year.

One thing to take note of is that Washtenaw Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 96% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#21

William Rainey Harper College

Palatine, Illinois
327 Total Awards
$11,682 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #21, William Rainey Harper College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. Located in Palatine, Illinois, the fairly large public school handed out 327 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Harper College are $11,682 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Harper College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

In addition to its great value ranking, Harper College is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Full William Rainey Harper College Report

#24

Oakton Community College

Des Plaines, Illinois
185 Total Awards
$12,462 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #24, Oakton Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their basic certificate. Oakton Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Des Plaines, Illinois. It awarded 185 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Oakton Community College are $12,462 per year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Oakton Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Oakton Community College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list.

Read full report on Oakton Community College

#25

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois
511 Total Awards
$12,824 Average Tuition & Fees

College of Lake County landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate nursing programs. This fairly large public school is located in Grayslake, Illinois, and it awarded 511 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at College of Lake County are $12,824 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at College of Lake County. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

College of Lake County also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Basic Certificate Schools in the Great Lakes Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on College of Lake County

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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