2026 Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA

La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,462. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on La Salle University

#2

Aspen University

Phoenix, AZ

You'll get strong value at Aspen University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,870. Typical Nursing student debt is $36,946. More on Aspen University

#3

Morningside College

Sioux City, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,281. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Morningside College

#4

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD

Mount Marty College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,179 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on Mount Marty College

#5

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Out of the 333 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilmington University landed the #5 spot. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Get the full Wilmington University report

#6

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report

#7

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

Point Loma Nazarene University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,250. Point Loma Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report

#8

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. The median Nursing program debt is $24,536. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ashland University profile

#9

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $23,432 in student loans. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on Delta State University

#10

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI

Viterbo University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,107 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Viterbo University

#11

Mckendree University

Lebanon, IL

Mckendree University placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,740. Mckendree University Nursing students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Mckendree University alumni report median earnings of $58,572 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mckendree University

#12

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#13

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi

#14

Rivier College

Nashua, NH

Rivier College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Rivier College is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashua, NH. Students from in state pay about $39,488 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,248. Set against $28,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Rivier College

#15

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. The median Nursing program debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about University Of Scranton

#15

York College Pennsylvania

York, PA

York College Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile

#17

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Webster University Nursing students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Webster University

#17

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read more about Walden University

#19

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#20

Mississippi University For Women

Columbus, MS

Mississippi University For Women landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Students borrow a median of $24,509 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Mississippi University For Women

#21

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Grand Canyon University Nursing students take on a median of $30,027 in debt. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University

#22

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. University Of St Francis Nursing students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on University Of St Francis

#23

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. The median Nursing program debt is $25,188. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gonzaga University

#24

Graceland University Lamoni

Lamoni, IA

Graceland University Lamoni landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,848. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,509. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,361 ten years after entry. Set against $27,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Graceland University Lamoni

#25

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus

Teaneck, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. The median Nursing program debt is $24,770. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report

#26

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,551. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Winona State University

#27

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Fort Hays State University

#27

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH

Otterbein University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit school based in Westerville, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $35,548. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,282. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,313. Set against $25,282 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Otterbein University

#29

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

#29

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#31

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, IA

Briar Cliff University placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,642 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,918 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $54,475 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,918 median debt. More on Briar Cliff University

#32

Augsburg College

Minneapolis, MN

Augsburg College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. Augsburg College Nursing students take on a median of $26,319 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,829 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augsburg College has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Augsburg College profile

#32

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University

#34

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,562 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,235 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,562 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Holy Family University

#35

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Alva, OK

Northwestern Oklahoma State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Alva, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Northwestern Oklahoma State University Nursing students take on a median of $22,438 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,358. Set against $22,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwestern Oklahoma State University

#36

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS

Alcorn State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Alcorn State University is a public school based in Alcorn State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,785. The median Nursing program debt is $29,674. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alcorn State University admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full Alcorn State University report

#37

Lenoir Rhyne University

Hickory, NC

Lenoir Rhyne University placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hickory, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,543. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lenoir Rhyne University profile

#38

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,289. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Seattle University report

#39

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #39 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. The median Nursing program debt is $23,399. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report

#40

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,639. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. More on Bethel University Minnesota

#41

Clarion University Of Pennsylvania

Clarion University Of Pennsylvania ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Clarion University Of Pennsylvania Nursing students take on a median of $27,364 in debt. Get the full Clarion University Of Pennsylvania report

#41

University Of Mary

Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bismarck, ND. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,983. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full University Of Mary report

#43

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $24,838. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lewis University

#44

Maryville University Of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, MO

Maryville University Of Saint Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $27,166 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $24,499. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,105 ten years after entry. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Maryville University Of Saint Louis admits about 95% of applicants. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis

#45

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Salisbury University Nursing students take on a median of $23,545 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $23,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Salisbury University

#46

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report

#47

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,086 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $34,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Alverno College report

#49

California State University Fresno

Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report

#50

Bradley University

Peoria, IL

Bradley University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Students borrow a median of $26,380 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bradley University has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Bradley University

#50

Thomas Edison State College

Trenton, NJ

Thomas Edison State College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,838, with out-of-state students paying around $8,856. The median Nursing program debt is $16,149. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,331. That is a strong return on a $16,149 median debt. Read more about Thomas Edison State College