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2026 Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Nursing master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 institutions 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.

So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search analyzed 515 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

#1

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA

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 run about $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. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full La Salle University report

#2

Aspen University

Phoenix, AZ

You'll get strong value at Aspen University, which ranked #2 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,870. Aspen University Nursing students take on a median of $36,946 in debt. Read the full report on Aspen University

#3

United States University

San Diego, CA

A rank of #3 makes United States University one of the best values in the United States. United States University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,108. Graduates carry a median of $32,641 in student loans. United States University alumni report median earnings of $80,980 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,641 median debt. See the full United States University profile

#4

University Of The Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of The Cumberlands

#5

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mount Marty College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. The acceptance rate is 43%. More on Mount Marty College

#6

Newman University

Wichita, KS

Newman University placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,500. Newman University Nursing students take on a median of $24,562 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,041 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. Newman University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Newman University

Kentucky Christian University placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Grayson, KY, Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,300. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,375 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Kentucky Christian University

Universidad Del Turabo placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $14,155 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Universidad Del Turabo

#9

Morningside College

Sioux City, IA

Morningside College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete their Nursing program here. Morningside College alumni report median earnings of $55,494 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Morningside College profile

Rasmussen College North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,404. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,798. Rasmussen College North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College North Dakota profile

Rasmussen College Florida came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,256 in tuition and fees. Rasmussen College Florida Nursing students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Rasmussen College Florida

#12

Rasmussen College Minnesota

St. Cloud, MN

Rasmussen College Minnesota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $12,199 in tuition and fees. Rasmussen College Minnesota Nursing students take on a median of $28,723 in debt. Rasmussen College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Rasmussen College Minnesota

Nebraska Wesleyan University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,667 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nebraska Wesleyan University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Nebraska Wesleyan University report

#14

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Western Governors University Nursing students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

#16

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, PA

Saint Vincent College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Latrobe, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. Saint Vincent College Nursing students take on a median of $26,986 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,982 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Vincent College profile

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $25,033. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies

Southwest Baptist University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,436. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University

#19

Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, TX

Midwestern State University placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,415. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Midwestern State University

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,277 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus

#21

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,560. Stevenson University Nursing students take on a median of $27,042 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,079. Set against $27,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stevenson University

York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on York College Pennsylvania

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Students borrow a median of $9,117 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $24,539 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo

#24

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Spring Arbor University Nursing students take on a median of $28,268 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University

Concordia University Irvine landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

Mississippi University For Women came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,509. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. Mississippi University For Women has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Mississippi University For Women

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato

Lubbock Christian University placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,540 in tuition and fees. Lubbock Christian University Nursing students take on a median of $28,337 in debt. Lubbock Christian University alumni report median earnings of $53,787 a decade after entry. Set against $28,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lubbock Christian University

#29

Grantham University

LIttle Rock, AR

Grantham University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Grantham University is a public school based in LIttle Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $30,600 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,496. Set against $30,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grantham University

#30

Ottawa University Kansas City

Overland Park, KS

Ottawa University Kansas City placed #30 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,296. Ottawa University Kansas City Nursing students take on a median of $30,758 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ottawa University Kansas City profile

American Public University System came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System

#32

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical Nursing student debt is $49,361. 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 the full report on Walden University

Brigham Young University Provo came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

#34

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile

#35

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Nursing program debt is $23,562. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report

#36

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota

#36

Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH

Cedarville University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,150. Students borrow a median of $22,110 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $55,443 ten years out. Set against $22,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Cedarville University

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Barranquitas, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $5,742 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $4,217. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $23,204. That is a strong return on a $4,217 median debt. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas

#38

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile

#40

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about University Of Scranton

Vanguard University Of Southern California landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,700. Vanguard University Of Southern California Nursing students take on a median of $21,111 in debt. Vanguard University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $59,541 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanguard University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read more about Vanguard University Of Southern California

#42

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

Worcester State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,451. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Worcester State University

#43

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Webster University profile

#44

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN

Cumberland University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. Cumberland University Nursing students take on a median of $21,902 in debt. Cumberland University alumni report median earnings of $57,687 a decade after entry. Set against $21,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cumberland University report

Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Students borrow a median of $22,542 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Point Loma Nazarene University

#46

Midway College

Midway, KY

Midway College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Midway, KY, Midway College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,110. The median Nursing program debt is $26,723. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,246 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Midway College report

West Texas A And M University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University

#48

Bethel College Mishawaka

Mishawaka, IN

Bethel College Mishawaka landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Bethel College Mishawaka is a private not-for-profit school based in Mishawaka, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. Bethel College Mishawaka Nursing students take on a median of $31,824 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,860. Set against $31,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bethel College Mishawaka profile

Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile

#50

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $23,432 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delta State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on Delta State University

Compare value rankings at other degree levels:

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 · 515 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.

References

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