2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Kentucky
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Kentucky? We have ranked 88 colleges 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 help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search analyzed 34 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 Kentucky
Explore the best-value schools below:
Jefferson Community And Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing degree schools in Kentucky. Set in Louisville, KY, Jefferson Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,808, while out-of-state students pay about $6,512. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,171. Set against $13,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Jefferson Community And Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bluegrass Community And Technical College earned it the #2 place in Kentucky. Based in Lexington, KY, Bluegrass Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,808, compared with $6,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,366 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,343. Set against $13,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bluegrass Community And Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Gateway Community And Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Florence, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,147 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gateway Community And Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Madisonville Community College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Madisonville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $10,985 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,733 ten years out. Set against $10,985 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Madisonville Community College report
A rank of #5 makes West Kentucky Community And Technical College one of the best values in Kentucky. Set in Paducah, KY, West Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. West Kentucky Community And Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $10,778 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,891 ten years out. Set against $10,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on West Kentucky Community And Technical College
Big Sandy Community And Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Located in Prestonsburg, KY, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $11,588. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,954 ten years after entry. Set against $11,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Big Sandy Community And Technical College report
Maysville Community And Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Located in Maysville, KY, Maysville Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,031 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,194. Set against $13,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Maysville Community And Technical College profile
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. The median Nursing program debt is $12,068. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,242. Set against $12,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College
Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cumberland, KY, Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. The median Nursing program debt is $9,687. Median earnings reach $29,482 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College
Hopkinsville Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Hopkinsville, KY, Hopkinsville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. The median Nursing program debt is $13,269. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hopkinsville Community College profile
Henderson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Henderson, KY. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. The median Nursing program debt is $13,528. Henderson Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,714 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,528 median debt. Get the full Henderson Community College report
Somerset Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Somerset Community College is a public school based in Somerset, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. The median Nursing program debt is $13,722. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Somerset Community College
Elizabethtown Community And Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Elizabethtown, KY, Elizabethtown Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Elizabethtown Community And Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $12,245 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,143 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,245 median debt. Read the full report on Elizabethtown Community And Technical College
Ashland Community And Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Based in Ashland, KY, Ashland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Students borrow a median of $13,485 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,504. That is a strong return on a $13,485 median debt. More on Ashland Community And Technical College
Hazard Community And Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Hazard, KY, Hazard Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Hazard Community And Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $12,212 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,868 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,212 median debt. See the full Hazard Community And Technical College profile
Owensboro Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Owensboro, KY. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,098. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,798. Set against $9,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Owensboro Community And Technical College profile
Kentucky Christian University landed the #17 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grayson, KY. Students from in state pay about $26,300 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kentucky Christian University admits about 61% of applicants. More on Kentucky Christian University
University Of The Cumberlands placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,868. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Northern Kentucky University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Highland Heights, KY. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. The median Nursing program debt is $25,572. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,220. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Kentucky University profile
Eastern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. The median Nursing program debt is $25,122. Eastern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $45,795 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,122 median debt. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Eastern Kentucky University profile
Kentucky State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Kentucky State University is a public school based in Frankfort, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,387, with out-of-state students paying around $13,578. Students borrow a median of $29,774 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Kentucky State University profile
Western Kentucky University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Western Kentucky University
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Murray State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,420. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Murray State University report
Sullivan University landed the #25 spot for value in Kentucky this year. This private for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Sullivan University Nursing students take on a median of $28,394 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,008 ten years after entry. Set against $28,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sullivan University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Kentucky
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Louisville ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,910 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full University Of Louisville profile
Morehead State University landed the #27 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $25,896. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,197 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Morehead State University
Beckfield College Florence placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Based in Florence, KY, Beckfield College Florence is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,295. Graduates carry a median of $32,450 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,114 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Beckfield College Florence report
Spalding University landed the #29 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Set in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. Spalding University Nursing students take on a median of $29,862 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,438 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Spalding University profile
Pikeville College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pikeville, KY, Pikeville College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $24,850 in tuition and fees. Pikeville College Nursing students take on a median of $22,966 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,231 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Pikeville College profile
Midway College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Midway, KY, Midway College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,110. Midway College Nursing students take on a median of $26,723 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,246 ten years after entry. Set against $26,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midway College has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Midway College
Bellarmine University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,770 in tuition and fees. Bellarmine University Nursing students take on a median of $26,766 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,069 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bellarmine University
Union College Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,946. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Union College Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 63%. More on Union College Kentucky
Campbellsville University placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Campbellsville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $27,998. The median Nursing program debt is $24,148. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,583. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Campbellsville University
Kentucky Horseshoeing School placed #35 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Get the full Kentucky Horseshoeing School report
Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Read the full report on Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville
Ata College
Ata College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Ata College report
Lexington Theological Seminary ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Get the full Lexington Theological Seminary report
Kentucky Welding Institute came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. See the full Kentucky Welding Institute profile
Kentucky Wesleyan College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Kentucky Wesleyan College profile
Brighton Centers Center For Employment Training came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Brighton Centers Center For Employment Training report
Employment Solutions College For Technical Education offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Employment Solutions College For Technical Education
Empire Beauty School Dixie offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Get the full Empire Beauty School Dixie report
Lindsey Wilson College placed #44 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Read the full report on Lindsey Wilson College
Thomas More College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. See the full Thomas More College profile
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Ross Medical Education Center Erlanger came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Ross Medical Education Center Erlanger profile
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary placed #48 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. Read more about The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Galen Health Institutes Pikeville placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in Kentucky. See the full Galen Health Institutes Pikeville profile
Regina Webb Academy landed the #50 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Read the full report on Regina Webb Academy
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 34 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 88 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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