2026 Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2207 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value Nursing school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. See the full La Salle University profile
You'll get strong value at Aspen University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Aspen University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,870. Aspen University Nursing students take on a median of $36,787 in debt. Get the full Aspen University report
A rank of #3 makes Morningside College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Morningside College report
You'll get strong value at Mount Marty College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. More on Mount Marty College
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilmington University landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Wilmington University Nursing students take on a median of $23,333 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Set against $23,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wilmington University
Ferris State University placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Point Loma Nazarene University placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. Point Loma Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. Students from in state pay about $22,008 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing profile
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. The median Nursing program debt is $30,250. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Ashland University profile
Delta State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,590 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Delta State University
Viterbo University placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,013 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Viterbo University
Mayo Medical School came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,040. Typical Nursing student debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,652. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Mayo Medical School admits about 39% of applicants. See the full Mayo Medical School profile
Mckendree University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $26,534 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mckendree University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete their Nursing program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Nursing students take on a median of $25,125 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private for-profit school is set in Addison, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,536. Students borrow a median of $39,146 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,405. That is a strong return on a $39,146 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois report
University Of Scranton came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, 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. More on University Of Scranton
York College Pennsylvania landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Students borrow a median of $32,800 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,800 median debt. Get the full Walden University report
Webster University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Webster University
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $18,934 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,362 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,071. That is a strong return on a $35,362 median debt. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Nursing students take on a median of $23,043 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,043 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Mississippi University For Women Nursing students take on a median of $19,260 in debt. 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%. More on Mississippi University For Women
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Grand Canyon University
University Of St Francis came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,926. That is a strong return on a $30,700 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of St Francis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Gonzaga University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Gonzaga University
Graceland University Lamoni offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,848 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,754. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,361. Set against $30,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Graceland University Lamoni
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,010 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $26,252 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,252 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Winona State University
Otterbein University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westerville, OH. Students from in state pay about $35,548 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Otterbein University alumni report median earnings of $53,313 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Otterbein University
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Fort Hays State University Nursing students take on a median of $24,726 in debt. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Set against $24,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Frontier Nursing University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Versailles, KY, Frontier Nursing University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Frontier Nursing University
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Nursing students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Nursing students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Briar Cliff University placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,642. Graduates carry a median of $29,918 in student loans. Briar Cliff University alumni report median earnings of $54,475 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Briar Cliff University report
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $23,075. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $23,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Augsburg College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. Augsburg College Nursing students take on a median of $23,441 in debt. Augsburg College alumni report median earnings of $58,829 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augsburg College admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Augsburg College
Holy Family University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,000. Holy Family University alumni report median earnings of $62,235 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Holy Family University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Holy Family University report
Northwestern Oklahoma State University placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Alva, OK. Students from in state pay about $5,970 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,210. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,358. That is a strong return on a $23,210 median debt. Northwestern Oklahoma State University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Alcorn State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,785. Students borrow a median of $24,683 to complete their Nursing program here. Alcorn State University alumni report median earnings of $36,421 a decade after entry. Set against $24,683 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alcorn State University admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full Alcorn State University report
Lenoir Rhyne University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hickory, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,300. Median earnings reach $45,543 ten years out. Set against $26,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lenoir Rhyne University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Lenoir Rhyne University report
Seattle University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,053. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $26,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,150. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,750. Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $84,393 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing report
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
University Of Mary ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,578 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,909. Set against $28,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Mary
Lewis University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Lewis University
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $27,776. The median Nursing program debt is $24,439. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,206. Set against $24,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
Maryville University Of Saint Louis came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,166 in tuition and fees. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Nursing students take on a median of $29,881 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,105. That is a strong return on a $29,881 median debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Salisbury University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Students borrow a median of $24,297 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $24,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Salisbury University report
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Healthcare Degree Search (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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