2026 Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2207 colleges 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about La Salle University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Morningside College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mount Marty College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Mount Marty College Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about Mount Marty College
You'll get strong value at West Coast University Orange County, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,506. The median Nursing program debt is $38,145. Median earnings reach $102,672 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full West Coast University Orange County report
West Coast University Dallas placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. Graduates carry a median of $38,145 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,672 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,145 median debt. See the full West Coast University Dallas profile
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Nursing program debt is $23,043. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Delta State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Delta State University Nursing students take on a median of $23,590 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Delta State University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. Students from in state pay about $22,008 in tuition and fees. Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,850 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing
Clarkson College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,104 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $31,289. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Set against $31,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Clarkson College report
Mayo Medical School offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Mayo Medical School is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,040. Typical Nursing student debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,652. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mayo Medical School admits about 39% of applicants. See the full Mayo Medical School profile
Grand Canyon University placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Wisconsin Nursing students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Herzing University Madison landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. The median Nursing program debt is $37,747. Herzing University Madison alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Set against $37,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Herzing University Madison report
Wheeling Jesuit University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Wheeling, WV, Wheeling Jesuit University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,875 in tuition and fees. Wheeling Jesuit University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,949 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. Get the full Wheeling Jesuit University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. The median Nursing program debt is $30,359. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,457 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,457 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $26,252 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $26,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Winona State University profile
Graceland University Lamoni placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,848. Students borrow a median of $30,754 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Graceland University Lamoni admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Graceland University Lamoni
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $63,998 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
University Of St Francis landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,110. The median Nursing program debt is $30,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,700 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Briar Cliff University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. Students borrow a median of $29,918 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,475 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Briar Cliff University report
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Addison, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $21,536. Graduates carry a median of $39,146 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,405 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,146 median debt. Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois profile
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Nursing students take on a median of $23,075 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,075 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Illinois State University report
Rivier College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,488. Rivier College Nursing students take on a median of $32,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,750 median debt. Rivier College has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Rivier College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Mount St Marys College placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. Mount St Marys College Nursing students take on a median of $25,167 in debt. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. Set against $25,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount St Marys College report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $27,166 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,881 to complete their Nursing program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis profile
Gardner Webb University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boiling Springs, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,750. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,461. Median earnings reach $48,039 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,461 median debt. Gardner Webb University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Gardner Webb University profile
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,934. Typical Nursing student debt is $35,362. Median earnings reach $65,071 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,362 median debt. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health report
Frontier Nursing University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Versailles, KY. Read the full report on Frontier Nursing University
Walden University placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Walden University Nursing students take on a median of $32,800 in debt. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,800 median debt. Read more about Walden University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,053 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Lewis University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Romeoville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,200. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Lewis University
National University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Typical Nursing student debt is $37,375. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $37,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. The median Nursing program debt is $27,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Alverno College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,086. Typical Nursing student debt is $34,000. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Alverno College
Union University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Union University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. Union University Nursing students take on a median of $29,127 in debt. Union University alumni report median earnings of $53,990 a decade after entry. Set against $29,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Union University admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about Union University
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. The median Nursing program debt is $27,750. Median earnings reach $84,393 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing
Research College Of Nursing landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Research College Of Nursing is a private for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. Students from in state pay about $22,273 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Research College Of Nursing report
Cedar Crest College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,314. Graduates carry a median of $33,518 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,460 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cedar Crest College profile
Saint Josephs College Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a private not-for-profit school based in Standish, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,420. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Saint Josephs College Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $59,045 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Josephs College Of Maine
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,776. The median Nursing program debt is $24,439. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,206. Set against $24,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Seattle University placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Seattle University
Xavier University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Xavier University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Xavier University
Bradley University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Bradley University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,852 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Bradley University report
Purdue University Northwest landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Students borrow a median of $24,552 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. Set against $24,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
California State University Dominguez Hills landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Carson, CA, California State University Dominguez Hills is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. California State University Dominguez Hills Nursing students take on a median of $18,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,162 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full California State University Dominguez Hills report
Anderson University Sc offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Anderson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $42,101 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Anderson University Sc admits about 55% of applicants. See the full Anderson University Sc profile
Olivet Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University
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 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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