2026 Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing bachelor’s 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.
So you can compare your options, Healthcare Degree Search 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Sentara College Of Health Sciences to be the best-value Nursing school in the United States. Based in Chesapeake, VA, Sentara College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $2,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,821. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. Read the full report on Sentara College Of Health Sciences
A rank of #2 makes Aspen University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,870 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,787 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Aspen University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,750. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Governors University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $22,660. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $22,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University
You'll get strong value at United States University, which ranked #5 this year. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,108. Graduates carry a median of $32,641 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,980 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,641 median debt. Read the full report on United States University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Brigham Young University Idaho placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Nursing students take on a median of $12,207 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,207 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Wenatchee Valley College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,552, with out-of-state students paying around $5,054. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,644. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,127. Set against $14,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wenatchee Valley College profile
Grantham University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,600 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,496. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. Read more about Grantham University
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,830. 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
American Public University System came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,384. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
Bemidji State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Students borrow a median of $27,990 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $27,990 median debt. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Collin County Community College District landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. Graduates carry a median of $13,687 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. Set against $13,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Collin County Community College District
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $33,560 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. Set against $33,560 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Oklahoma Panhandle State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public school based in Goodwell, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,092, while out-of-state students pay about $8,675. Graduates carry a median of $29,416 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,933. Set against $29,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Touro University Nevada came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Henderson, NV, Touro University Nevada is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $10,380 in tuition and fees. Touro University Nevada Nursing students take on a median of $16,002 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,805. Set against $16,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Touro University Nevada
Western Carolina University placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $23,163 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $23,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Mississippi University For Women ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $19,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $19,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi University For Women has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Mississippi University For Women
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,750. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
University Of Phoenix California offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private for-profit school is set in Ontario, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $27,235 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $27,235 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix California
Grayson College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denison, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Grayson College Nursing students take on a median of $15,087 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Grayson College
Ottawa University Kansas City landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,296. The median Nursing program debt is $34,747. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,552. Set against $34,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ottawa University Kansas City report
Mayville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Mayville State University Nursing students take on a median of $28,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $27,111 in student loans. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,111 median debt. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Minot State University profile
Laredo Community College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $6,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Laredo Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical Nursing student debt is $32,800. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $32,800 median debt. See the full Walden University profile
Wilmington University placed #30 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Wilmington University Nursing students take on a median of $23,333 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $23,333 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile
Granite State College placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Read more about Granite State College
Ottawa University Milwaukee landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookfield, WI, Ottawa University Milwaukee is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,296. Typical Nursing student debt is $34,747. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,552 ten years after entry. Set against $34,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ottawa University Milwaukee
Delaware Technical Community College Terry offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Dover, DE, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,332 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,763. Students borrow a median of $16,125 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,448 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,125 median debt. Get the full Delaware Technical Community College Terry report
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Students borrow a median of $27,235 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $27,235 median debt. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Columbia Basin College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Columbia Basin College is a public school based in Pasco, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,555, compared with $8,668 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,680 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia Basin College report
Nicholls State University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. The median Nursing program debt is $25,631. Nicholls State University alumni report median earnings of $45,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Nicholls State University profile
Chipola College placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Marianna, FL, Chipola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $8,950. The median Nursing program debt is $12,944. Median earnings reach $37,378 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,944 median debt. Read more about Chipola College
National University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $37,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $37,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Henderson State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Henderson State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $16,593 in student loans. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Delta State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,590. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Delta State University profile
Thomas Edison State College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Thomas Edison State College is a public school based in Trenton, NJ. Students from in state pay about $6,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,856. Thomas Edison State College Nursing students take on a median of $22,618 in debt. Thomas Edison State College alumni report median earnings of $69,331 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,618 median debt. See the full Thomas Edison State College profile
Franklin University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,577. Students borrow a median of $35,890 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $51,892 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Franklin University profile
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Metropolitan State University Nursing students take on a median of $35,762 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Set against $35,762 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. The median Nursing program debt is $29,710. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $29,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit school based in Concord, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,550. Students borrow a median of $24,968 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $58,708 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,968 median debt. The acceptance rate is 23%. Get the full Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences report
Suny Downstate Medical Center came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Suny Downstate Medical Center is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,822, while out-of-state students pay about $19,662. Students borrow a median of $22,023 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Suny Downstate Medical Center profile
Carolinas College Of Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Charlotte, NC, Carolinas College Of Health Sciences is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,882 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $64,624 ten years out. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carolinas College Of Health Sciences admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Carolinas College Of Health Sciences report
Centra College Of Nursing came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Centra College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $10,449 in tuition and fees. Centra College Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $17,598 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,122 ten years out. Set against $17,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Centra College Of Nursing profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Capella University placed #51 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. The median Nursing program debt is $27,826. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $27,826 median debt. More on Capella University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Nursing program debt is $26,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Dickinson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Dickinson State University is a public school based in Dickinson, ND. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,720. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Dickinson State University has an acceptance rate of 37%. More on Dickinson State University
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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’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
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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