2026 Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Graham Hospital School Of Nursing this year in the United States. Based in Canton, IL, Graham Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,584. Students borrow a median of $28,884 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,586. That is a strong return on a $28,884 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Graham Hospital School Of Nursing
A rank of #2 makes Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing one of the best values in the United States. Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Sandusky, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $8,046. Graduates carry a median of $29,535 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,723. That is a strong return on a $29,535 median debt. Read the full report on Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,410. The median Nursing program debt is $19,624. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing
You'll get strong value at St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Bethlehem, PA, St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,302. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,087. St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $80,244 a decade after entry. Set against $24,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing
Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,148. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,000. Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $79,323 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing
Trinity Health System School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Steubenville, OH, Trinity Health System School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,415, while out-of-state students pay about $13,301. Trinity Health System School Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $20,689 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity Health System School Of Nursing has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on Trinity Health System School Of Nursing
Reading Hospital School Of Health Sciences landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Reading, PA, Reading Hospital School Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,516. The median Nursing program debt is $27,140. Median earnings reach $74,572 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about Reading Hospital School Of Health Sciences
Joseph F Mccloskey School Of Nursing At Schuylkill Health ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Pottsville, PA, Joseph F Mccloskey School Of Nursing At Schuylkill Health is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,737 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,138. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. Read more about Joseph F Mccloskey School Of Nursing At Schuylkill Health
Jameson Health System came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Castle, PA, Jameson Health System is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,498. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. Jameson Health System alumni report median earnings of $70,472 a decade after entry. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Jameson Health System report
Washington Hospital School Of Nursing landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, PA. Students from in state pay about $14,637 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $20,750. Median earnings reach $63,504 ten years out. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Washington Hospital School Of Nursing
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Glendale, CA, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,191, while out-of-state students pay about $10,935. Graduates carry a median of $19,800 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,540. Set against $19,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Hawkeye Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Hawkeye Community College is a public school based in Waterloo, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $23,292 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,849 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hawkeye Community College
University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside School Of Nursing came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $16,190 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $68,801 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside School Of Nursing
Mercy Hospital School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Mercy Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,190. The median Nursing program debt is $26,366. Mercy Hospital School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $68,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,366 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Mercy Hospital School Of Nursing
Holy Name Medical Center School Of Nursing landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Holy Name Medical Center School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Students from in state pay about $23,914 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,794 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,408. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 20% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Holy Name Medical Center School Of Nursing
Pasadena City College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Pasadena, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. Graduates carry a median of $12,834 in student loans. Pasadena City College alumni report median earnings of $43,937 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pasadena City College report
Butler Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Butler Community College is a public school based in El Dorado, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,541, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Butler Community College Nursing students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,206 ten years out. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Butler Community College
Ohio Institute Of Allied Health ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Huber Heights, OH, Ohio Institute Of Allied Health is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,408. Ohio Institute Of Allied Health Nursing students take on a median of $26,003 in debt. Read more about Ohio Institute Of Allied Health
Colorado Northwestern Community College placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Rangely, CO, Colorado Northwestern Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,594, while out-of-state students pay about $7,304. The median Nursing program debt is $20,475. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,526 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Colorado Northwestern Community College
Trinidad State Junior College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,608, with out-of-state students paying around $7,318. Students borrow a median of $20,801 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $36,475 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Trinidad State Junior College report
Lamar Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lamar, CO, Lamar Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,550, compared with $7,260 for out-of-state students. Lamar Community College Nursing students take on a median of $9,300 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lamar Community College report
Indian Hills Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Indian Hills Community College is a public school based in Ottumwa, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $24,142 in student loans. Indian Hills Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,507 a decade after entry. Set against $24,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Indian Hills Community College
Saint Elizabeth School Of Nursing came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lafayette, IN, Saint Elizabeth School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,208. Students borrow a median of $38,369 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,230. That is a strong return on a $38,369 median debt. Saint Elizabeth School Of Nursing admits about 89% of applicants. More on Saint Elizabeth School Of Nursing
Trinity Valley Community College placed #25 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Athens, TX, Trinity Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,640, compared with $5,970 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,478. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,567. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Trinity Valley Community College report
Victor Valley College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Victorville, CA, Victor Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,425, compared with $10,125 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,500 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,119. That is a strong return on a $8,500 median debt. Read the full report on Victor Valley College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Saddleback College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Mission Viejo, CA, Saddleback College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,432, compared with $14,812 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $5,707. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,874. Set against $5,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Saddleback College
Tarrant County College District placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Tarrant County College District is a public school based in Fort Worth, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $16,610 to complete their Nursing program here. Tarrant County College District alumni report median earnings of $42,727 a decade after entry. Set against $16,610 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tarrant County College District report
Delaware Technical Community College Terry placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dover, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,332, with out-of-state students paying around $5,763. Delaware Technical Community College Terry Nursing students take on a median of $16,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,448 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delaware Technical Community College Terry
Capital Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in New Britain, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,338, with out-of-state students paying around $15,596. Capital Community College Nursing students take on a median of $17,876 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,344. Set against $17,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Capital Community College
Pacific College Of Oriental Medicine New York ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in New York, NY, Pacific College Of Oriental Medicine New York is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804. The median Nursing program debt is $26,712. Median earnings reach $26,209 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pacific College Of Oriental Medicine New York
Aims Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,258, with out-of-state students paying around $11,786. Graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. Get the full Aims Community College report
Delaware County Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, compared with $15,540 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Delaware County Community College
Pueblo Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,049, with out-of-state students paying around $17,649. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Pueblo Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,434 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pueblo Community College
Icpr Junior College General Institutional came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hato Rey, PR, Icpr Junior College General Institutional is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $18,694. See the full Icpr Junior College General Institutional profile
Front Range Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Westminster, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Front Range Community College Nursing students take on a median of $30,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,625 median debt. Read the full report on Front Range Community College
Sandusky Career Center ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Sandusky Career Center is a public school based in Sandusky, OH. Graduates carry a median of $25,055 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,504 ten years after entry. Set against $25,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sandusky Career Center
Ohio Medical Career College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. The median Nursing program debt is $26,331. Read the full report on Ohio Medical Career College
O C Collins Career Center offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Chesapeake, OH, O C Collins Career Center is a public institution. The median Nursing program debt is $23,629. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,329. Set against $23,629 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on O C Collins Career Center
Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School Of Nursing placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Brockton, MA, Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Nursing program debt is $26,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,084 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School Of Nursing admits about 34% of applicants. Read more about Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School Of Nursing
Dlp Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Johnstown, PA, Dlp Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center is a private for-profit institution. Dlp Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Nursing students take on a median of $28,622 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,740 ten years after entry. Set against $28,622 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dlp Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center admits about 30% of applicants. Read the full report on Dlp Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Athena Career Academy ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Toledo, OH, Athena Career Academy is a private for-profit institution. Athena Career Academy Nursing students take on a median of $36,820 in debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Athena Career Academy
Citizens School Of Nursing landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Citizens School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Tarentum, PA. Students borrow a median of $24,146 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,939 ten years after entry. Set against $24,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Citizens School Of Nursing
Mid Eastctc Adult Education offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Zanesville, OH. Graduates carry a median of $20,028 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,416. Set against $20,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mid Eastctc Adult Education profile
Arnot Ogden Medical Center placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Elmira, NY, Arnot Ogden Medical Center is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,775 ten years after entry. Arnot Ogden Medical Center admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arnot Ogden Medical Center
Columbiana County Career And Technical Center ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Columbiana County Career And Technical Center is a public school based in Lisbon, OH. The median Nursing program debt is $20,637. Columbiana County Career And Technical Center alumni report median earnings of $33,552 a decade after entry. Set against $20,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbiana County Career And Technical Center
Knox County Career Center ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Mount Vernon, OH, Knox County Career Center is a public institution. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,950. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,950 median debt. Read more about Knox County Career Center
Ashtabula County Technical And Career Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Jefferson, OH, Ashtabula County Technical And Career Campus is a public institution. Graduates carry a median of $16,535 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ashtabula County Technical And Career Campus report
Tri Rivers Career Center offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Marion, OH. Tri Rivers Career Center Nursing students take on a median of $26,278 in debt. Tri Rivers Career Center alumni report median earnings of $48,707 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tri Rivers Career Center
East Mississippi Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read more about East Mississippi Community College
Galen College Of Nursing Cincinnati ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Galen College Of Nursing Cincinnati
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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