2026 Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 236 schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Nursing school in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. La Salle University Nursing students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full La Salle University report
You'll get strong value at Morningside College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,281. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Morningside College
A rank of #3 makes Mount Marty College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mount Marty College profile
Out of the 236 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #4 spot. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,373. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #5 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Delta State University placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Nursing program here. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Delta State University
Grand Canyon University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Herzing University Madison landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,328 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,909. Set against $30,328 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Herzing University Madison has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full Herzing University Madison profile
Wheeling Jesuit University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Wheeling, WV, Wheeling Jesuit University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,875. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Wheeling Jesuit University alumni report median earnings of $57,949 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wheeling Jesuit University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full Wheeling Jesuit University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. The median Nursing program debt is $24,447. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Liberty University placed #12 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Liberty University Nursing students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. 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. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Liberty University
Winona State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University Nursing students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
Graceland University Lamoni placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,848. Graduates carry a median of $27,509 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Graceland University Lamoni report
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. 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. The median Nursing program debt is $22,542. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
University Of St Francis placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Briar Cliff University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. Graduates carry a median of $29,918 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,475. Set against $29,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Briar Cliff University
Illinois State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Nursing program debt is $21,896. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Illinois State University
Rivier College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,488. Students borrow a median of $28,917 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rivier College has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Rivier College
Mount St Marys College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,379. That is a strong return on a $27,555 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Mount St Marys College
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
Maryville University Of Saint Louis came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Nursing program here. Maryville University Of Saint Louis alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Maryville University Of Saint Louis has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Gardner Webb University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Nursing program here. Gardner Webb University alumni report median earnings of $48,039 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Gardner Webb University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. The median Nursing program debt is $24,838. Lewis University alumni report median earnings of $66,099 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Lewis University
National University placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. National University Nursing students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National University report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Alverno College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Alverno College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,086. Students borrow a median of $34,425 to complete their Nursing program here. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Alverno College
Union University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,398. The median Nursing program debt is $28,605. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,605 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Union University
Cedar Crest College placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,314 in tuition and fees. Cedar Crest College Nursing students take on a median of $30,759 in debt. Cedar Crest College alumni report median earnings of $59,460 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cedar Crest College admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Cedar Crest College
Saint Josephs College Of Maine landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a private not-for-profit school based in Standish, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,420. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,625. Saint Josephs College Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $59,045 a decade after entry. Set against $26,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs College Of Maine admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Seattle University Nursing students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
Xavier University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Xavier University Nursing students take on a median of $26,614 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,873 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,614 median debt. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Xavier University
Bradley University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. The median Nursing program debt is $26,380. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. Set against $26,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bradley University report
Purdue University Northwest placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Purdue University Northwest Nursing students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
California State University Dominguez Hills landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carson, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,454, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,162. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants. See the full California State University Dominguez Hills profile
Anderson University Sc offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,970 in tuition and fees. Anderson University Sc Nursing students take on a median of $28,034 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,101. That is a strong return on a $28,034 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Anderson University Sc
Olivet Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. California State University Long Beach Nursing students take on a median of $15,671 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Set against $15,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Thomas Jefferson University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $47,355 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,256. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,449. Set against $32,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thomas Jefferson University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Thomas Jefferson University
University Of North Dakota landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Angelo State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,237. Angelo State University alumni report median earnings of $50,116 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Angelo State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Angelo State University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Nursing students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
Gannon University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Gannon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Erie, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $40,656. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,934. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,845. Set against $26,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on Gannon University
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $25,122. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
Franciscan University Of Steubenville placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,100. The median Nursing program debt is $25,029. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,030 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on Franciscan University Of Steubenville
University Of South Alabama came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Alabama
Southern Adventist University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Collegedale, TN. Students from in state pay about $27,300 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. That is a strong return on a $25,498 median debt. Southern Adventist University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read the full report on Southern Adventist University
Augusta University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Augusta University Nursing students take on a median of $25,745 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,472 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Augusta University
Related Nursing Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s 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 · 236 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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