2026 Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 help you make your decision, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Sentara College Of Health Sciences, our #1 best-value Nursing school in the United States. Based in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,840. Graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. 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. Get the full Sentara College Of Health Sciences report
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, La Salle University landed the #2 spot. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Denver School Of Nursing, which ranked #3 this year. Denver School Of Nursing is a private for-profit school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $19,458. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,832. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,809. That is a strong return on a $32,832 median debt. See the full Denver School Of Nursing profile
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Aspen University landed the #4 spot. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,870. Aspen University Nursing students take on a median of $36,787 in debt. Get the full Aspen University report
A rank of #5 makes United States University one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,108. United States University Nursing students take on a median of $32,641 in debt. United States University alumni report median earnings of $80,980 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on United States University
University Of The Cumberlands placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Students borrow a median of $29,400 to complete their Nursing program here. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,400 median debt. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Mount Marty College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,179 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full Mount Marty College report
Newman University placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Newman University alumni report median earnings of $55,041 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Newman University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Newman University report
Kentucky Christian University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Grayson, KY, Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,300 in tuition and fees. Kentucky Christian University Nursing students take on a median of $27,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Kentucky Christian University
Universidad Del Turabo placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Nursing students take on a median of $12,375 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. Set against $12,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Universidad Del Turabo profile
Morningside College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. The median Nursing program debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Morningside College report
Rasmussen College North Dakota placed #12 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,404. Graduates carry a median of $34,866 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $34,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College North Dakota profile
Rasmussen College Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,256 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $34,866. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. More on Rasmussen College Florida
Rasmussen College Minnesota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $12,199 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $34,866. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. Read more about Rasmussen College Minnesota
Nebraska Wesleyan University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nebraska Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Nebraska Wesleyan University
Western Governors University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,660. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt. More on Western Governors University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Typical Nursing student debt is $40,188. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $40,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Saint Vincent College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit school based in Latrobe, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. Saint Vincent College Nursing students take on a median of $26,986 in debt. Saint Vincent College alumni report median earnings of $59,982 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Vincent College admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full Saint Vincent College report
Southwest Baptist University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. The median Nursing program debt is $28,290. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. Set against $28,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median Nursing program debt is $18,750. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $38,550 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Stevenson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,560. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stevenson University
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
West Coast University Orange County came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,506. Typical Nursing student debt is $38,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Set against $38,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Coast University Orange County profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $24,539 ten years out. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Spring Arbor University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,748. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Peoria, IL, Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,008. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,500. 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
Concordia University Irvine landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,500. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Mississippi University For Women ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. The median Nursing program debt is $19,260. Mississippi University For Women alumni report median earnings of $46,128 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Mississippi University For Women
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Lubbock Christian University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,540. Lubbock Christian University Nursing students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lubbock Christian University profile
Grantham University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,520. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,496. Set against $30,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grantham University
Ottawa University Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set 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. Typical Nursing student debt is $34,747. Ottawa University Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $55,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,747 median debt. Get the full Ottawa University Kansas City report
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $28,384 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
West Coast University Dallas landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574. The median Nursing program debt is $38,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full West Coast University Dallas report
Walden University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Walden University Nursing students take on a median of $32,800 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $32,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Clarkson College placed #38 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,104. Typical Nursing student debt is $31,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clarkson College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Clarkson College report
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $7,830 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Wilmington University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. The median Nursing program 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 ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Ferris State University
Cedarville University placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cedarville, OH. Students from in state pay about $37,150 in tuition and fees. Cedarville University Nursing students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Cedarville University alumni report median earnings of $55,443 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cedarville University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Cedarville University
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit school based in Barranquitas, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,742. The median Nursing program debt is $5,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $23,204 ten years after entry. Set against $5,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas report
Fitchburg State University placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
University Of Scranton offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Vanguard University Of Southern California placed #48 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Costa Mesa, CA, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,700. The median Nursing program debt is $20,832. Median earnings reach $59,541 ten years out. Set against $20,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vanguard University Of Southern California admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Vanguard University Of Southern California
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,150. Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $27,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,393. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing
Worcester State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $26,849 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Webster University placed #51 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. 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. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Webster University report
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
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