2026 Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2207 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Sentara College Of Health Sciences earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,840. Sentara College Of Health Sciences Nursing students take on a median of $29,250 in debt. Sentara College Of Health Sciences alumni report median earnings of $77,821 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sentara College Of Health Sciences
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Aspen University landed the #2 spot. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,870 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,787 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Aspen University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,750. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex admits about 100% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Governors University landed the #4 spot. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,660 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, United States University landed the #5 spot. Set in San Diego, CA, United States University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,108 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,641. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,980. Set against $32,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on United States University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Nursing students take on a median of $12,207 in debt. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Wenatchee Valley College placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,552, while out-of-state students pay about $5,054. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,644. Wenatchee Valley College alumni report median earnings of $41,127 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,644 median debt. Read more about Wenatchee Valley College
Grantham University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,496 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grantham University report
Brigham Young University Provo placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $7,830 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $7,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $28,384 to complete their Nursing program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
Bemidji State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,990. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. More on Bemidji State University
Collin County Community College District landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Collin County Community College District is a public school based in McKinney, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Students borrow a median of $13,687 to complete their Nursing program here. Collin County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $48,701 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Collin County Community College District
Southwest Minnesota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $33,560 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,560 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,092, with out-of-state students paying around $8,675. The median Nursing program debt is $29,416. Median earnings reach $44,933 ten years out. Set against $29,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Oklahoma Panhandle State University profile
Touro University Nevada ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Touro University Nevada is a private not-for-profit school based in Henderson, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,380. Touro University Nevada Nursing students take on a median of $16,002 in debt. Median earnings reach $104,805 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Touro University Nevada
Western Carolina University placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Students borrow a median of $23,163 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $23,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Mississippi University For Women landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Mississippi University For Women Nursing students take on a median of $19,260 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $19,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Mississippi University For Women
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Portales, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
University Of Phoenix California landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ontario, CA, University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. The median Nursing program debt is $27,235. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Set against $27,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Phoenix California report
Grayson College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,087 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Set against $15,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Grayson College profile
Ottawa University Kansas City landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,296. Students borrow a median of $34,747 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ottawa University Kansas City report
Mayville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,250 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mayville State University
Minot State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,111. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. Set against $27,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Minot State University
Laredo Community College placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $6,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Laredo Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Walden University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $32,800 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
Wilmington University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Wilmington University Nursing students take on a median of $23,333 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Set against $23,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wilmington University report
Granite State College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Granite State College is a public school based in Manchester, NH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,724, compared with $9,284 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,479. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Granite State College
Ottawa University Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brookfield, WI. Students from in state pay about $13,296 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $34,747. Ottawa University Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $55,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ottawa University Milwaukee
Delaware Technical Community College Terry ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Dover, DE, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,332, while out-of-state students pay about $5,763. Delaware Technical Community College Terry Nursing students take on a median of $16,125 in debt. Delaware Technical Community College Terry alumni report median earnings of $41,448 a decade after entry. Set against $16,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Delaware Technical Community College Terry
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,235. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Set against $27,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Columbia Basin College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pasco, WA, Columbia Basin College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,555, with out-of-state students paying around $8,668. Graduates carry a median of $12,562 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,680 ten years out. Set against $12,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbia Basin College report
Nicholls State University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,149, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $25,631. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Nicholls State University report
Chipola College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Chipola College is a public school based in Marianna, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $8,950. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,944. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,378 ten years after entry. Set against $12,944 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chipola College
National University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $37,375 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $37,375 median debt. Read the full report on National University
Henderson State University placed #39 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Get the full Henderson State University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $16,593 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Delta State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. The median Nursing program debt is $23,590. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Delta State University
Thomas Edison State College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,838, while out-of-state students pay about $8,856. Graduates carry a median of $22,618 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,331 ten years after entry. Set against $22,618 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Thomas Edison State College profile
Metropolitan State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Metropolitan State University Nursing students take on a median of $35,762 in debt. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Set against $35,762 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Franklin University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. The median Nursing program debt is $35,890. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,892. Set against $35,890 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Franklin University report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. Students borrow a median of $29,710 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,407 ten years after entry. Set against $29,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Concord, NC, Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,550 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,968 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,708. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 23% of applicants are accepted. More on Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences
Suny Downstate Medical Center ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Suny Downstate Medical Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,822 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,662 for out-of-state students. Suny Downstate Medical Center Nursing students take on a median of $22,023 in debt. Suny Downstate Medical Center alumni report median earnings of $109,601 a decade after entry. Set against $22,023 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Suny Downstate Medical Center report
Carolinas College Of Health Sciences landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charlotte, NC, Carolinas College Of Health Sciences is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,882. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,499. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Carolinas College Of Health Sciences profile
Centra College Of Nursing came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Centra College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,449. Graduates carry a median of $17,598 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,122. Set against $17,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Centra College Of Nursing profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. The median Nursing program debt is $31,000. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Capella University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,826. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Set against $27,826 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Capella University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Dickinson State University placed #53 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,720 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 37%. Read the full report on Dickinson State University
Related Nursing Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’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. The methodology weighs 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.