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Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region

45 Schools Ranked
$46,323 Avg Student Debt

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 45 schools in the Southeast Region to see which ones had the most popular online graduate certificate programs for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

University of South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama
184 Total Awards
$8,624 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named University of South Alabama the most popular school in the Southeast Region for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. USA is located in Mobile, Alabama and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 184 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full University of South Alabama Report

#2

Frontier Nursing University

Versailles, Kentucky
112 Total Awards
$18,073 Average Tuition & Fees
$58,443 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Frontier Nursing University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Versailles, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 112 graduate certificate awards in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $58,443 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Frontier Nursing University. Every graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read More…

#3

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
1,713 Total Awards
$8,405 Average Tuition & Fees
$39,492 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 45 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Liberty University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Liberty University is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Lynchburg, Virginia. It awarded 1,713 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from Liberty University accumulate an average of $39,492 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 97% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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50 Total Awards
$15,840 Average Tuition & Fees
$46,839 Avg Student Debt

The excellent graduate certificate programs at South University’s online programs helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Southeast Region . South University’s online programs is located in Savannah, Georgia and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 50 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Graduate Certificate recipients from South University’s online programs accumulate an average of $46,839 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Since the graduate programs at South University’s online programs are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full South University’s online programs Report

161 Total Awards
$13,380 Average Tuition & Fees
$42,610 Avg Student Debt

The excellent graduate certificate programs at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Southeast Region . UT Knoxville is a public institution located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 161 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $42,610 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 32% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#6

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
166 Total Awards

Western Kentucky University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. Western Kentucky University is a fairly large public school located in Bowling Green, Kentucky that handed out 166 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Around 69% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#7

University of Mississippi

University, Mississippi
48 Total Awards
$9,208 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, University of Mississippi did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Located in University, Mississippi, the large public school awarded 48 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 28% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Mississippi

#8

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
1,038 Total Awards
$12,737 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Florida did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the large public school awarded 1,038 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Florida

#9

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky
66 Total Awards
$10,308 Average Tuition & Fees

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Richmond, Kentucky, and it awarded 66 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 80% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Eastern Kentucky University

#10

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
551 Total Awards
$13,946 Average Tuition & Fees
$37,516 Avg Student Debt

University of Kentucky did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #10 on the list. UK is a large public school situated in Lexington, Kentucky. It awarded 551 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from UK accumulate an average of $37,516 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 44% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#11

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
560 Total Awards
$7,622 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,712 Avg Student Debt

East Carolina University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 560 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,712 in student loans. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#11

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana
13 Total Awards
$10,156 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Louisiana at Lafayette landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. UL Lafayette is a public institution located in Lafayette, Louisiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 13 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 55% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia
340 Total Awards
$6,734 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,617 Avg Student Debt

Augusta University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Augusta University is located in Augusta, Georgia and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 340 graduate certificates to qualified students.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $23,617 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 43% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Augusta University Report

#14

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia
109 Total Awards
$6,758 Average Tuition & Fees

Georgia College & State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Georgia College & State University is a medium-sized public school located in Milledgeville, Georgia that handed out 109 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2020-2021 about 92% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Georgia College & State University

238 Total Awards
$11,333 Average Tuition & Fees

Florida International University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region list. FIU is a public institution located in Miami, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 238 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 50% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Florida International University

#15

McNeese State University

Lake Charles, Louisiana
19 Total Awards
$8,458 Average Tuition & Fees

McNeese State University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the medium-sized public school handed out 19 graduate certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

In 2020-2021 about 75% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full McNeese State University Report

#15

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, Louisiana
10 Total Awards
$8,830 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #15, Southeastern Louisiana University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. This fairly large public school is located in Hammond, Louisiana, and it awarded 10 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 45% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Gardner - Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina
134 Total Awards
$11,050 Average Tuition & Fees

Gardner - Webb University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region list. Gardner - Webb is located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 134 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 29% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Gardner - Webb University Report

#15

Troy University

Troy, Alabama
74 Total Awards

Troy University landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. TROY is a fairly large public school situated in Troy, Alabama. It awarded 74 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

During the 2020-2021 year, about 79% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full Troy University Report

#20

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia
167 Total Awards
$6,520 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Georgia Southern University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Statesboro, Georgia, the large public school awarded 167 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Georgia Southern University

744 Total Awards
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,301 Avg Student Debt

Arkansas State University - Main Campus landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the fairly large public school awarded 744 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from A-State accumulate an average of $28,301 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

Around 83% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Arkansas State University - Main Campus Report

#21

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
306 Total Awards
$8,047 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,483 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. Boone, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out graduate certificates to 306 students in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from Appalachian State accumulate an average of $29,483 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 66% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Appalachian State University

#23

Samford University

Birmingham, Alabama
31 Total Awards
$21,921 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #23, Samford University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Samford University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Birmingham, Alabama that handed out 31 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 38% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Samford University Report

#23

Wheeling University

Wheeling, West Virginia
$10,160 Average Tuition & Fees

Wheeling University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Southeast Region ranking.

In 2020-2021 about 93% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Wheeling University

#23

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
262 Total Awards
$10,908 Average Tuition & Fees
$34,783 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, University of Memphis did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. UofM is a public institution located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school has a large population, and it awarded 262 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from UofM accumulate an average of $34,783 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

In 2020-2021 about 61% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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