2026 Best Value Nursing Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2207 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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, Healthcare Degree Search evaluated 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Sentara College Of Health Sciences earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,840. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,821 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. Read more about Sentara College Of Health Sciences
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at La Salle University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full La Salle University profile
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, New Mexico Junior College landed the #3 spot. Based in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,440, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,472 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about New Mexico Junior College
A rank of #4 makes Aspen University one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,870. Students borrow a median of $36,787 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Aspen University profile
Coahoma Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Clarksdale, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,490. Students borrow a median of $17,846 to complete their Nursing program here. Coahoma Community College alumni report median earnings of $24,289 a decade after entry. Set against $17,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College
Graham Hospital School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set 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. Median earnings reach $63,586 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,884 median debt. Graham Hospital School Of Nursing admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Graham Hospital School Of Nursing
Oglala Lakota College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Kyle, SD, Oglala Lakota College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,684. Graduates go on to earn a median of $22,517 ten years after entry. Read more about Oglala Lakota College
Clovis Community College placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, while out-of-state students pay about $3,344. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,250. Median earnings reach $34,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. More on Clovis Community College
Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a public institution. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,224. Median earnings reach $115,318 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,224 median debt. Get the full Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health report
Southeast Community College Area placed #10 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,814 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sandusky, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $8,046. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,535. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,723. That is a strong return on a $29,535 median debt. See the full Firelands Regional Medical Center School Of Nursing profile
Seattle Community College Central Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,312 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Seattle Community College Central Campus report
Highline Community College placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,869. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Highline Community College
Central Arizona College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Central Arizona College is a public school based in Coolidge, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Students borrow a median of $16,300 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,513 ten years after entry. Set against $16,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Arizona College
Panola College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,352, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. More on Panola College
Amarillo College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Amarillo College Nursing students take on a median of $18,847 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Amarillo College report
Arkansas State University Newport offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,375 median debt. See the full Arkansas State University Newport profile
College Of The Mainland landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. College Of The Mainland Nursing students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Neosho County Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Neosho County Community College is a public school based in Chanute, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,704. Students borrow a median of $17,877 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Neosho County Community College
Cloud County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Students borrow a median of $22,268 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $39,883 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,268 median debt. See the full Cloud County Community College profile
Sowela Technical Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,305 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $5,606 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,303 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Sowela Technical Community College report
South Plains College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. South Plains College Nursing students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Plains College report
Wayne County Community College District placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Students borrow a median of $24,487 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,079 ten years after entry. Set against $24,487 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
United States University placed #24 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, United States University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,108. Students borrow a median of $32,641 to complete their Nursing program here. United States University alumni report median earnings of $80,980 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,641 median debt. Get the full United States University report
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,410. Graduates carry a median of $19,624 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,487 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,624 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Pennsylvania Hospital School Of Nursing
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Bethlehem, PA, St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,302. Graduates carry a median of $24,087 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,244 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Lukes Hospital School Of Nursing report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $6,750. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Camden County College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $22,600 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,212. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Camden County College
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
Southern Regional Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Thomasville, GA, Southern Regional Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,007, with out-of-state students paying around $5,575. Graduates carry a median of $10,531 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,293 ten years after entry. Set against $10,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Regional Technical College
South Louisiana Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,210 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $23,354. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public school based in Batesville, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. The median Nursing program debt is $12,654. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,706. That is a strong return on a $12,654 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Alvin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Alvin Community College is a public school based in Alvin, TX. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,231. Median earnings reach $45,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Alvin Community College
Centralia College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Centralia College is a public school based in Centralia, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,140 ten years after entry. More on Centralia College
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,882. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $17,882 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
New Mexico State University Carlsbad landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, while out-of-state students pay about $4,008. Students borrow a median of $16,467 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Tyler Junior College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tyler Junior College
Hutchinson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Students borrow a median of $21,889 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $21,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Northwest Technical College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,254 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,053 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,930 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,053 median debt. Get the full Northwest Technical College report
Wenatchee Valley College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,552, while out-of-state students pay about $5,054. Wenatchee Valley College Nursing students take on a median of $14,644 in debt. Wenatchee Valley College alumni report median earnings of $41,127 a decade after entry. Set against $14,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wenatchee Valley College
Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing is a private for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,148. Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,323 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Roxborough Memorial Hospital School Of Nursing
Madison Area Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Madison Area Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $26,235 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $26,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Clarendon College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,788 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $23,788 median debt. Get the full Clarendon College report
Lee College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. More on Lee College
Wharton County Junior College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Wharton County Junior College is a public school based in Wharton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,346 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wharton County Junior College
Delgado Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. Students borrow a median of $35,330 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $33,305 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,330 median debt. More on Delgado Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,176. Median earnings reach $30,438 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Louisiana Delta Community College report
San Jacinto Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Nursing program debt is $13,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #50 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,500. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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 has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Athens Technical College placed #51 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Athens Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Athens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,951 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Athens Technical College
Best Value Nursing Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- 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
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Healthcare Degree Search (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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