2026 Best Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Nursing graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2207 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is Mayo Medical School, our #1 Nursing school in the United States. Located in Rochester, MN, Mayo Medical School is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,040. The median Nursing program debt is $31,000. More on Mayo Medical School
A rank of #2 makes Samuel Merritt University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oakland, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,138. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Samuel Merritt University
A rank of #3 makes Frontier Nursing University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Versailles, KY, Frontier Nursing University is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Frontier Nursing University report
You'll be in good company at Thomas Jefferson University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Students from in state pay about $47,355 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Thomas Jefferson University
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Suny Downstate Medical Center landed the #5 spot. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Suny Downstate Medical Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,822, compared with $19,662 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $22,023. Read the full report on Suny Downstate Medical Center
Georgetown University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Georgetown University Nursing students take on a median of $17,417 in debt. More on Georgetown University
Johns Hopkins University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,426. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
West Coast University Orange County placed #8 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $22,506. Students borrow a median of $38,145 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full West Coast University Orange County profile
Duke University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Duke University posts a six-year graduation rate of 97%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Duke University Nursing students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. More on Duke University
Vanderbilt University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. The median Nursing program debt is $13,975. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Nursing program debt is $21,500. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Maryville University Of Saint Louis came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,881. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Western University Of Health Sciences came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Located in Pomona, CA, Western University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Western University Of Health Sciences report
University Of St Francis ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of St Francis posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Graduates carry a median of $30,700 in student loans. More on University Of St Francis
Mount Marty College landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit school based in Yankton, SD. About 52% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Mount Marty College
Clarkson College came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Located in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Clarkson College graduates 36% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,104. Clarkson College Nursing students take on a median of $31,289 in debt. More on Clarkson College
Texas Christian University placed #17 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Get the full Texas Christian University report
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois did well this year, earning the #18 position. This private for-profit school is set in Addison, IL. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois graduates 42% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,536. The median Nursing program debt is $39,146. Read the full report on Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois
West Coast University Dallas placed #19 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. West Coast University Dallas graduates 11% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $38,145. See the full West Coast University Dallas profile
Gannon University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in Erie, PA, Gannon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $40,656 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,485 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Gannon University
University Of California San Francisco ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. University Of California San Francisco is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. Read more about University Of California San Francisco
Winona State University came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. The median Nursing program debt is $26,252. More on Winona State University
Drexel University placed #23 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. About 78% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,750 in student loans. More on Drexel University
California State University Dominguez Hills ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Carson, CA, California State University Dominguez Hills is a public institution. About 43% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,750. Read more about California State University Dominguez Hills
University Of Florida came in at #25 in this year's ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,934. See the full University Of Florida profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of Nebraska Medical Center placed #26 among Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska Medical Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,973, compared with $39,962 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,000. Get the full University Of Nebraska Medical Center report
Duquesne University placed #27 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,986. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Duquesne University
Bradley University placed #28 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Bradley University
George Washington University did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University Nursing students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Get the full George Washington University report
Augusta University placed #30 among Nursing schools in the United States. Augusta University is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Augusta University graduates 49% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Augusta University Nursing students take on a median of $22,956 in debt. More on Augusta University
New York University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full New York University profile
Desales University placed #32 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Center Valley, PA, Desales University is a private not-for-profit institution. Desales University posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. In-state tuition and fees average $46,800. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Desales University
National University landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. National University Nursing students take on a median of $37,375 in debt. Get the full National University report
University Of North Dakota came in at #34 in this year's ranking. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. University Of North Dakota graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,792 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Villanova University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Villanova University
University Of Iowa placed #36 among Nursing schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. University Of Iowa posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,811. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Nursing program debt is $15,130. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
University Of Kansas did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas Nursing students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Monmouth University did well this year, earning the #40 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Long Branch, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. Students from in state pay about $46,552 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Read more about Monmouth University
Wagner College came in at #41 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Staten Island, NY. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,200. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Wagner College report
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center did well this year, earning the #42 position. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. More on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
California State University Long Beach landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $18,661 in student loans. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Herzing University Madison ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, WI. Herzing University Madison graduates 22% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $37,747 in student loans. Read the full report on Herzing University Madison
Grand Canyon University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $25,500. More on Grand Canyon University
Lewis University landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. See the full Lewis University profile
Emory University placed #47 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Emory University profile
Yale University placed #48 among Nursing schools in the United States. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. The median Nursing program debt is $14,357. Get the full Yale University report
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,250. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Related Nursing Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2207 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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