2026 Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2207 institutions 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about La Salle University
Aspen University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,870. Aspen University Nursing students take on a median of $36,787 in debt. See the full Aspen University profile
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Morningside College landed the #3 spot. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Morningside College
You'll get strong value at Mount Marty College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,179. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. More on Mount Marty College
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilmington University landed the #5 spot. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wilmington University
Ferris State University placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,250. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,008. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing
Ashland University placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Students borrow a median of $30,250 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,250 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ashland University report
Delta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. The median Nursing program debt is $23,590. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Delta State University report
Viterbo University placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,013 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,013 median debt. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Viterbo University
Mayo Medical School ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,040 in tuition and fees. Mayo Medical School Nursing students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,652. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mayo Medical School profile
Mckendree University placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. The median Nursing program debt is $26,534. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,534 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Mckendree University report
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Nursing program debt is $25,257. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Addison, IL, Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,536. Graduates carry a median of $39,146 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,405. That is a strong return on a $39,146 median debt. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois report
University Of Scranton placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. University Of Scranton Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,652. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Scranton report
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
Walden University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,800. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Walden University profile
Webster University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Webster University Nursing students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Webster University report
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,934. The median Nursing program debt is $35,362. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Nursing students take on a median of $23,043 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Mississippi University For Women landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. 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%. Get the full Mississippi University For Women report
Grand Canyon University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Grand Canyon University Nursing students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
University Of St Francis ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,700. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $30,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of St Francis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Gonzaga University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Graceland University Lamoni placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lamoni, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,848. Graceland University Lamoni Nursing students take on a median of $30,754 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,361. That is a strong return on a $30,754 median debt. Graceland University Lamoni admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Graceland University Lamoni profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Winona State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University Nursing students take on a median of $26,252 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,252 median debt. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Winona State University profile
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,726. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $24,726 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Frontier Nursing University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Versailles, KY, Frontier Nursing University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read more about Frontier Nursing University
Otterbein University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westerville, OH. Students from in state pay about $35,548 in tuition and fees. Otterbein University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,313. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Otterbein University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Otterbein University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,500 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Briar Cliff University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,642. Briar Cliff University Nursing students take on a median of $29,918 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,475. That is a strong return on a $29,918 median debt. Read more about Briar Cliff University
Illinois State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,075 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Augsburg College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,441. Augsburg College alumni report median earnings of $58,829 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,441 median debt. Augsburg College admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Augsburg College
Holy Family University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. The median Nursing program debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,235. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Holy Family University profile
Northwestern Oklahoma State University placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Alva, OK, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,970, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. The median Nursing program debt is $23,210. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,358. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern Oklahoma State University admits about 66% of applicants. See the full Northwestern Oklahoma State University profile
Alcorn State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Alcorn State University is a public school based in Alcorn State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,785. Students borrow a median of $24,683 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $36,421 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,683 median debt. Alcorn State University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full Alcorn State University report
Lenoir Rhyne University placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Hickory, NC, Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. Lenoir Rhyne University Nursing students take on a median of $26,300 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,300 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lenoir Rhyne University
Seattle University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Seattle University
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #44 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,053. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $26,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,150. Students borrow a median of $27,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $84,393 a decade after entry. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
University Of Mary came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. The median Nursing program debt is $28,578. University Of Mary alumni report median earnings of $60,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Mary profile
Lewis University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. Lewis University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,099 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Lewis University
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, compared with $27,776 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,439. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $82,206 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
Maryville University Of Saint Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. The median Nursing program debt is $29,881. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,881 median debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,297. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $24,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Salisbury University report
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s 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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