2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in California? We have ranked 668 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 105 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 Degree Schools in California
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Merced College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing degree schools in California. Merced College is a public school based in Merced, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,024. Merced College alumni report median earnings of $37,815 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,024 median debt. See the full Merced College profile
Out of the 105 schools in California in this year's value ranking, Modesto Junior College landed the #2 spot. Modesto Junior College is a public school based in Modesto, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,282, with out-of-state students paying around $9,264. Students borrow a median of $8,575 to complete their Nursing program here. Modesto Junior College alumni report median earnings of $42,368 a decade after entry. Set against $8,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Modesto Junior College
A rank of #3 makes San Joaquin Delta College one of the best values in California. This public school is set in Stockton, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. Typical Nursing student debt is $6,382. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,212 ten years after entry. Set against $6,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Joaquin Delta College report
You'll get strong value at Cabrillo College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,270 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,862. The median Nursing program debt is $10,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,114. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cabrillo College
Butte College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in California. This public school is set in Oroville, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,356, compared with $9,276 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $13,302. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,302 median debt. More on Butte College
West Hills College Lemoore came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lemoore, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,384, compared with $10,954 for out-of-state students. West Hills College Lemoore Nursing students take on a median of $9,687 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,292 ten years after entry. Set against $9,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Hills College Lemoore profile
Yuba College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. Yuba College is a public school based in Marysville, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,128, while out-of-state students pay about $8,208. The median Nursing program debt is $8,729. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Yuba College
Cuesta College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Cuesta College is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,350, while out-of-state students pay about $11,010. Cuesta College Nursing students take on a median of $18,958 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuesta College
Santa Barbara City College landed the #9 spot for value in California this year. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,240, while out-of-state students pay about $10,432. Graduates carry a median of $21,090 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,647 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,090 median debt. More on Santa Barbara City College
Ventura College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Ventura, CA, Ventura College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Ventura College Nursing students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,430. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ventura College profile
Mt San Antonio College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Walnut, CA, Mt San Antonio College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,384. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,283. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mt San Antonio College
Santa Rosa Junior College landed the #12 spot for value in California this year. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. Santa Rosa Junior College Nursing students take on a median of $14,692 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,224. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt. Read more about Santa Rosa Junior College
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Glendale, CA, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,191, compared with $10,935 for out-of-state students. Glendale Community College Glendale Ca Nursing students take on a median of $19,800 in debt. Glendale Community College Glendale Ca alumni report median earnings of $41,540 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,800 median debt. Read the full report on Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Fresno City College landed the #14 spot for value in California this year. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,234. Median earnings reach $37,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt. Read the full report on Fresno City College
College Of The Sequoias placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. Based in Visalia, CA, College Of The Sequoias is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,394, compared with $9,038 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,288. College Of The Sequoias alumni report median earnings of $39,092 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,288 median debt. Read the full report on College Of The Sequoias
Sacramento City College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Sacramento City College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Graduates carry a median of $13,180 in student loans. Sacramento City College alumni report median earnings of $42,214 a decade after entry. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Sacramento City College
College Of The Canyons came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Clarita, CA, College Of The Canyons is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,166, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. Graduates carry a median of $9,776 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,022. Set against $9,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full College Of The Canyons report
Mendocino College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Ukiah, CA, Mendocino College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,423, while out-of-state students pay about $10,003. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,243. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Mendocino College
Riverside City College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,767 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,091 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Riverside City College report
American River College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. The median Nursing program debt is $14,105. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,162. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American River College
Napa Valley College placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. Set in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,517. More on Napa Valley College
Moorpark College placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. This public school is set in Moorpark, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,075. Moorpark College alumni report median earnings of $49,044 a decade after entry. Set against $17,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Moorpark College
College Of Marin offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Kentfield, CA, College Of Marin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,558, with out-of-state students paying around $9,334. The median Nursing program debt is $22,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,654. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of Marin profile
Antelope Valley College placed #24 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. Set in Lancaster, CA, Antelope Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,124, while out-of-state students pay about $9,548. Students borrow a median of $10,729 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,526. That is a strong return on a $10,729 median debt. Read more about Antelope Valley College
Santa Monica College landed the #25 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Santa Monica, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $10,708. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193. Read more about Santa Monica College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in California
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Gavilan College landed the #26 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in Gilroy, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,508, with out-of-state students paying around $12,249. The median Nursing program debt is $5,939. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,169. Set against $5,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gavilan College report
Los Angeles Harbor College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Wilmington, CA, Los Angeles Harbor College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,568. Students borrow a median of $11,488 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,133. That is a strong return on a $11,488 median debt. See the full Los Angeles Harbor College profile
Los Angeles City College placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,763 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $36,190 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Los Angeles City College
Cerritos College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Graduates carry a median of $11,306 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cerritos College profile
Bakersfield College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Bakersfield, CA, Bakersfield College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,430 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,419 to complete their Nursing program here. Bakersfield College alumni report median earnings of $37,291 a decade after entry. Set against $9,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bakersfield College
College Of The Desert ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Palm Desert, CA, College Of The Desert is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,326, while out-of-state students pay about $10,174. College Of The Desert Nursing students take on a median of $7,826 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,826 median debt. Read the full report on College Of The Desert
Cypress College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Cypress, CA, Cypress College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,150, while out-of-state students pay about $12,379. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,533. Read the full report on Cypress College
Saddleback College landed the #33 spot for value in California this year. Based in Mission Viejo, CA, Saddleback College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,432, with out-of-state students paying around $14,812. Graduates carry a median of $5,707 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,874 ten years out. Set against $5,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Saddleback College
Victor Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Victor Valley College is a public school based in Victorville, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,425, compared with $10,125 for out-of-state students. Victor Valley College Nursing students take on a median of $7,995 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,119 ten years after entry. Set against $7,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Victor Valley College report
Palomar College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Palomar College is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,354, compared with $10,650 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $42,300 ten years out. See the full Palomar College profile
Mt San Jacinto Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in San Jacinto, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,448, with out-of-state students paying around $12,728. The median Nursing program debt is $8,770. Mt San Jacinto Community College District alumni report median earnings of $38,319 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mt San Jacinto Community College District report
Rio Hondo College placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in California. Set in Whittier, CA, Rio Hondo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,388, with out-of-state students paying around $9,884. Graduates carry a median of $15,510 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,950. Set against $15,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rio Hondo College
Pasadena City College landed the #38 spot for value in California this year. Pasadena City College is a public school based in Pasadena, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,180, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,937. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt. Read the full report on Pasadena City College
Evergreen Valley College landed the #39 spot for value in California this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,366, with out-of-state students paying around $8,718. Evergreen Valley College Nursing students take on a median of $12,981 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,077 ten years out. Set against $12,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Evergreen Valley College profile
College Of The Redwoods offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Eureka, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,196, while out-of-state students pay about $8,852. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. College Of The Redwoods alumni report median earnings of $36,243 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Read more about College Of The Redwoods
Los Angeles Valley College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Valley Glen, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,254. Los Angeles Valley College alumni report median earnings of $42,678 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,254 median debt. Get the full Los Angeles Valley College report
Shasta College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Redding, CA, Shasta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,197, compared with $8,853 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,275 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,269. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Shasta College profile
San Bernardino Valley College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in San Bernardino, CA, San Bernardino Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,196, while out-of-state students pay about $4,528. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,676. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on San Bernardino Valley College
Imperial Valley College landed the #44 spot for value in California this year. Imperial Valley College is a public school based in Imperial, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,126 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,830 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,176 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,487. That is a strong return on a $6,176 median debt. Read more about Imperial Valley College
Santa Ana College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Graduates carry a median of $11,196 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt. Read more about Santa Ana College
City College Of San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in San Francisco, CA, City College Of San Francisco is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,696, compared with $14,656 for out-of-state students. City College Of San Francisco Nursing students take on a median of $10,332 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,805 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full City College Of San Francisco profile
Reedley College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Reedley, CA, Reedley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Reedley College Nursing students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. Reedley College alumni report median earnings of $38,493 a decade after entry. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Reedley College report
Golden West College landed the #48 spot for value in California this year. Located in Huntington Beach, CA, Golden West College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,380, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Golden West College Nursing students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,145 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Get the full Golden West College report
College Of The Siskiyous landed the #49 spot for value in California this year. Based in Weed, CA, College Of The Siskiyous is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,444, while out-of-state students pay about $9,394. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,098 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Get the full College Of The Siskiyous report
Mission College landed the #50 spot for value in California this year. Mission College is a public school based in Santa Clara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,438, compared with $12,500 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,223. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,936 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mission College report
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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: State · 105 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 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).
NursingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© NursingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.