2026 Best Value Nursing Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2207 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Sentara College Of Health Sciences this year in the United States. Based in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,840. The median Nursing program debt is $29,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,821. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Sentara College Of Health Sciences report
La Salle University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full La Salle University profile
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, New Mexico Junior College landed the #3 spot. New Mexico Junior College is a public school based in Hobbs, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,440, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. New Mexico Junior College Nursing students take on a median of $13,472 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,233. That is a strong return on a $13,472 median debt. More on New Mexico Junior College
Aspen University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,870. Typical Nursing student debt is $36,787. Read more about Aspen University
You'll get strong value at Coahoma Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,490 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,846. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,289. Set against $17,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College
Graham Hospital School Of Nursing placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Canton, IL, Graham Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,584. Students borrow a median of $28,884 to complete their Nursing program here. Graham Hospital School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $63,586 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,884 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Graham Hospital School Of Nursing
Oglala Lakota College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Kyle, SD, Oglala Lakota College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,684. Oglala Lakota College alumni report median earnings of $22,517 a decade after entry. See the full Oglala Lakota College profile
Clovis Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, compared with $3,344 for out-of-state students. Clovis Community College Nursing students take on a median of $12,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,020. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Clovis Community College
Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a public institution. Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health Nursing students take on a median of $19,224 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $115,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Southeast Community College Area came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $25,814 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Sandusky, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $8,046. The median Nursing program debt is $29,535. Median earnings reach $68,723 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,535 median debt. More on Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing
Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,312 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,307. That is a strong return on a $18,312 median debt. Get the full Seattle Community College Central Campus report
Highline Community College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Highline Community College is a public school based in Des Moines, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. The median Nursing program debt is $13,000. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Highline Community College
Central Arizona College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $16,300. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,513. That is a strong return on a $16,300 median debt. Get the full Central Arizona College report
Panola College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,072. Get the full Panola College report
Amarillo College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $18,847 in student loans. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Amarillo College profile
Arkansas State University Newport placed #17 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,524 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Arkansas State University Newport
College Of The Mainland ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Neosho County Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Neosho County Community College is a public school based in Chanute, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,704. The median Nursing program debt is $17,877. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,966. That is a strong return on a $17,877 median debt. Get the full Neosho County Community College report
Cloud County Community College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Students borrow a median of $22,268 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,883. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cloud County Community College report
Sowela Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Sowela Technical Community College is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. Students borrow a median of $5,606 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,303 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,606 median debt. More on Sowela Technical Community College
South Plains College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,733, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Nursing program here. South Plains College alumni report median earnings of $41,276 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Read the full report on South Plains College
Wayne County Community College District placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,487. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. That is a strong return on a $24,487 median debt. Read the full report on Wayne County Community College District
United States University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in San Diego, CA, United States University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,108. Graduates carry a median of $32,641 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,980 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on United States University
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,410. Students borrow a median of $19,624 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,487 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,624 median debt. Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,302. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,087. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,244. That is a strong return on a $24,087 median debt. Get the full St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,750. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex admits about 100% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex profile
Camden County College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $22,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,212. That is a strong return on a $22,600 median debt. More on Camden County College
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $23,500. Median earnings reach $45,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Southern Regional Technical College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Southern Regional Technical College is a public school based in Thomasville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,007, with out-of-state students paying around $5,575. Students borrow a median of $10,531 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,293. Set against $10,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southern Regional Technical College profile
South Louisiana Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Students borrow a median of $23,354 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full South Louisiana Community College profile
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. Graduates carry a median of $12,654 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,706. Set against $12,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville report
Alvin Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Alvin Community College Nursing students take on a median of $14,231 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,762. Set against $14,231 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Alvin Community College
Centralia College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,140. See the full Centralia College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Students borrow a median of $17,882 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
New Mexico State University Carlsbad ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,467. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Tyler Junior College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Tyler Junior College Nursing students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Hutchinson Community College placed #39 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Hutchinson Community College is a public school based in Hutchinson, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Hutchinson Community College Nursing students take on a median of $21,889 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hutchinson Community College profile
Northwest Technical College placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,254 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,053 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,930 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Technical College profile
Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $17,148 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,323. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Get the full Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing report
Wenatchee Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,644. Wenatchee Valley College alumni report median earnings of $41,127 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wenatchee Valley College
Madison Area Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,235. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $26,235 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Clarendon College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Clarendon, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,788 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $23,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Clarendon College
Lee College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. The median Nursing program debt is $14,750. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lee College report
Wharton County Junior College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Graduates carry a median of $13,346 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,960 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
Delgado Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. Delgado Community College Nursing students take on a median of $35,330 in debt. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Delgado Community College profile
Louisiana Delta Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,159. Graduates carry a median of $22,176 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,438 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. More on San Jacinto Community College
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,500. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Athens Technical College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Athens Technical College profile
Best Value Nursing Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate 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
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (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 Major Best Value · 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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