2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Kansas
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Kansas? Our ranking highlights 77 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 29 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 Degree Schools in Kansas
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Johnson County Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing degree schools in Kansas. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Students borrow a median of $13,532 to complete their Nursing program here. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Johnson County Community College
A rank of #2 makes Kansas City Kansas Community College one of the best values in Kansas. Set in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $13,129. Kansas City Kansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,795 a decade after entry. Set against $13,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kansas City Kansas Community College report
You'll get strong value at Hutchinson Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,148. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,148 median debt. See the full Hutchinson Community College profile
Out of the 29 schools in Kansas in this year's value ranking, Cloud County Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Concordia, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Graduates carry a median of $12,839 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,883 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cloud County Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Garden City Community College earned it the #5 place in Kansas. Based in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,690, while out-of-state students pay about $4,320. The median Nursing program debt is $11,084. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,704 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Garden City Community College
Neosho County Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,704 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $13,209. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,966. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. See the full Neosho County Community College profile
Seward County Community College And Area Technical School came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Seward County Community College And Area Technical School is a public school based in Liberal, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,032, compared with $5,408 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,175. Median earnings reach $41,445 ten years out. Set against $9,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Seward County Community College And Area Technical School
Labette Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Labette Community College is a public school based in Parsons, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,064, with out-of-state students paying around $4,864. Graduates carry a median of $12,288 in student loans. Labette Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,818 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,288 median debt. Read more about Labette Community College
Fort Hays State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Fort Hays State University Nursing students take on a median of $25,967 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Barton County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Barton County Community College is a public school based in Great Bend, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,680, compared with $4,960 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,792 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,428 ten years after entry. Set against $14,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Barton County Community College
Dodge City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Dodge City, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,850. Dodge City Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,427 a decade after entry. Read more about Dodge City Community College
Colby Community College landed the #12 spot for value in Kansas this year. This public school is set in Colby, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,140, with out-of-state students paying around $5,830. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,796. Median earnings reach $41,889 ten years out. Set against $14,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Colby Community College report
Butler Community College placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Butler Community College is a public school based in El Dorado, KS. Students from in state pay about $3,541 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Graduates carry a median of $16,670 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,206 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Butler Community College profile
Wichita Area Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in Kansas this year. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $38,679 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt. More on Wichita Area Technical College
Flint Hills Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Flint Hills Technical College is a public school based in Emporia, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $6,944. Graduates carry a median of $14,690 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,007 ten years after entry. Set against $14,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Flint Hills Technical College report
North Central Kansas Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Set in Beloit, KS, North Central Kansas Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,350. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,928. More on North Central Kansas Technical College
Ottawa University Kansas City came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit school based in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,296. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ottawa University Kansas City
Pittsburg State University landed the #19 spot for value in Kansas this year. Set in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Students borrow a median of $22,669 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas Nursing students take on a median of $23,608 in debt. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Manhattan Area Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Manhattan Area Technical College is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $9,844 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,864 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Manhattan Area Technical College
Washburn University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Washburn University is a public school based in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,945, compared with $20,949 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,175 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,774. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Washburn University report
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Wichita State University
Rasmussen College Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This private for-profit school is set in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,316. Graduates carry a median of $28,798 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Kansas profile
Newman University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,500. Newman University Nursing students take on a median of $24,562 in debt. Newman University alumni report median earnings of $55,041 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Newman University report
Tabor College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hillsboro, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $36,200. Tabor College alumni report median earnings of $54,058 a decade after entry. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full Tabor College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Kansas
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Saint Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,380 in tuition and fees. University Of Saint Mary Nursing students take on a median of $27,810 in debt. University Of Saint Mary alumni report median earnings of $59,483 a decade after entry. Set against $27,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of Saint Mary
Midamerica Nazarene University landed the #28 spot for value in Kansas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Olathe, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $37,174. Midamerica Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $25,740 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,972. Set against $25,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Midamerica Nazarene University
Baker University placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Baker University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baldwin City, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,200. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,554. Median earnings reach $63,855 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Baker University
Coffeyville Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Coffeyville Community College
Southwestern College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Read more about Southwestern College
Washburn Institute Of Technology placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Read more about Washburn Institute Of Technology
Wellspring School Of Allied Health Wichita placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Get the full Wellspring School Of Allied Health Wichita report
Bethany College Kansas came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Bethany College Kansas
Kansas Christian College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Get the full Kansas Christian College report
Bellus Academy
Bellus Academy landed the #35 spot for value in Kansas this year. More on Bellus Academy
Ottawa University Ottawa placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. More on Ottawa University Ottawa
Galen Health Institutes Wichita offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Read more about Galen Health Institutes Wichita
Old Town Barber College Wichita landed the #38 spot for value in Kansas this year. Read more about Old Town Barber College Wichita
Allen County Community College placed #39 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. See the full Allen County Community College profile
Ottawa University Online landed the #40 spot for value in Kansas this year. Read the full report on Ottawa University Online
Cowley County Community College placed #41 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. See the full Cowley County Community College profile
Crave Beauty Academy came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Crave Beauty Academy
Central Christian College Of Kansas placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. See the full Central Christian College Of Kansas profile
Friends University landed the #44 spot for value in Kansas this year. Read the full report on Friends University
Donnelly College
Donnelly College placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Read more about Donnelly College
Saint Paul School Of Theology placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Get the full Saint Paul School Of Theology report
Bethel College North Newton placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kansas. Read more about Bethel College North Newton
Z Hair Academy
Z Hair Academy came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Z Hair Academy
Eric Fisher Academy landed the #49 spot for value in Kansas this year. More on Eric Fisher Academy
Wichita Technical Institute ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Get the full Wichita Technical Institute 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 · 29 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 77 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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