2026 Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 484 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Coahoma Community College this year in the United States. This public school is set in Clarksdale, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,490. The median Nursing program debt is $11,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College
You'll get strong value at Clovis Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,592, while out-of-state students pay about $3,344. Graduates carry a median of $11,082 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,020. That is a strong return on a $11,082 median debt. Read more about Clovis Community College
You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southeast Community College Area
Out of the 484 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, New Mexico Junior College landed the #4 spot. Based in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,440 in tuition and fees, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,986. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,233. Set against $9,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full New Mexico Junior College profile
A rank of #5 makes Cloud County Community College one of the best values in the United States. Cloud County Community College is a public school based in Concordia, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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
South Louisiana Community College placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. Students borrow a median of $12,435 to complete their Nursing program here. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Arkansas State University Newport placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Arkansas State University Newport is a public school based in Newport, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,312 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $10,925 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. Set against $10,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Central Community College Nursing students take on a median of $10,277 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Community College report
Panola College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,352, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,072. Read the full report on Panola College
Amarillo College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Students borrow a median of $15,720 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $41,302 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,720 median debt. Read more about Amarillo College
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,799 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Northshore Technical Community College placed #12 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Lacombe, LA, Northshore Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,299. Graduates carry a median of $14,815 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,734. That is a strong return on a $14,815 median debt. Read more about Northshore Technical Community College
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Neosho County Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Neosho County Community College is a public school based in Chanute, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,704 in tuition and fees. Neosho County Community College Nursing students take on a median of $13,209 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Neosho County Community College report
Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Victoria College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. The median Nursing program debt is $10,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,382. That is a strong return on a $10,910 median debt. More on Victoria College
South Plains College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Graduates carry a median of $13,788 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on South Plains College
Coastal Pines Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Waycross, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $5,836. The median Nursing program debt is $5,812. Median earnings reach $30,214 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,812 median debt. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College
Washington State Community College placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Washington State Community College is a public school based in Marietta, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,128, with out-of-state students paying around $4,152. Washington State Community College Nursing students take on a median of $16,291 in debt. Washington State Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,988 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washington State Community College profile
Northland Community And Technical College placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Northland Community And Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $18,550 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,425. Set against $18,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northland Community And Technical College
Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Students borrow a median of $14,054 to complete their Nursing program here. Alexandria Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,393 a decade after entry. Set against $14,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Alexandria Technical And Community College
El Centro College placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about El Centro College
Alvin Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Graduates carry a median of $8,600 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Alvin Community College
Athens Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. The median Nursing program debt is $9,500. Athens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,951 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens Technical College profile
College Of The Mainland placed #24 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. The median Nursing program debt is $10,928. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Louisiana Delta Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,159. The median Nursing program debt is $14,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $14,024 median debt. Get the full Louisiana Delta Community College report
Clarendon College placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, compared with $5,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,789. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $14,789 median debt. Read the full report on Clarendon College
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
San Jacinto Community College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. San Jacinto Community College Nursing students take on a median of $11,376 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton Nursing students take on a median of $13,758 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,924 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton admits about 100% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Hutchinson Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. The median Nursing program debt is $18,148. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Set against $18,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hutchinson Community College
Lake Region State College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,520. Graduates carry a median of $15,784 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,502. Set against $15,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lake Region State College report
Garden City Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,690, while out-of-state students pay about $4,320. Graduates carry a median of $11,084 in student loans. 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
Mid Plains Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in North Platte, NE, Mid Plains Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,600, compared with $4,530 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,596. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,059. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mid Plains Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public school based in Batesville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville Nursing students take on a median of $9,265 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,706 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,265 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Hennepin Technical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,887 median debt. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. The median Nursing program debt is $12,718. Median earnings reach $30,899 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,718 median debt. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,734. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on St Cloud Technical And Community College
The University Of Texas At Brownsville landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public school based in Brownsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,148 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,058. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,900 ten years after entry. Set against $10,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about The University Of Texas At Brownsville
New Mexico State University Carlsbad came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. Students borrow a median of $10,284 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Watertown, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,718. Students borrow a median of $13,674 to complete their Nursing program here. Lake Area Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,473 a decade after entry. Set against $13,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rome, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Typical Nursing student debt is $8,492. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Camden County College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,999. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. Read the full report on Camden County College
Southeastern Community College West Burlington landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Burlington, IA, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,420, compared with $6,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,126. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,882. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southeastern Community College West Burlington report
Wharton County Junior College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Wharton County Junior College is a public school based in Wharton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,916. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,960 ten years after entry. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,389. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,291. Median earnings reach $45,287 ten years out. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Chattahoochee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Students borrow a median of $9,616 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,138. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chattahoochee Technical College
Angelina College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lufkin, TX, Angelina College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,430, with out-of-state students paying around $6,490. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,828. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,301. Set against $7,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Angelina College profile
Fox Valley Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Fox Valley Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $13,319 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Dakota County Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $13,474 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. More on Dakota County Technical College
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
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: Nation · 484 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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