2026 Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Sentara College Of Health Sciences tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing master's degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chesapeake, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,840. Typical Nursing student debt is $29,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,821 ten years after entry. Set against $29,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sentara College Of Health Sciences report
La Salle University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. More on La Salle University
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Denver School Of Nursing landed the #3 spot. Located in Denver, CO, Denver School Of Nursing is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,458. Graduates carry a median of $32,832 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,809 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Denver School Of Nursing
You'll get strong value at Aspen University, which ranked #4 this year. Aspen University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,870. Graduates carry a median of $36,787 in student loans. Read more about Aspen University
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, United States University landed the #5 spot. Set in San Diego, CA, United States University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,108. United States University Nursing students take on a median of $32,641 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,980. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full United States University profile
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. The median Nursing program debt is $29,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of The Cumberlands
Mount Marty College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,179. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full Mount Marty College profile
Newman University placed #8 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,500. Newman University Nursing students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,041 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Newman University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Newman University
Kentucky Christian University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Grayson, KY, Kentucky Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,300. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,375 ten years after entry. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kentucky Christian University
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $26,223 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Morningside College alumni report median earnings of $55,494 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Morningside College
Rasmussen College North Dakota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,404. Students borrow a median of $34,866 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College North Dakota profile
Rasmussen College Florida placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,256. Graduates carry a median of $34,866 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. That is a strong return on a $34,866 median debt. More on Rasmussen College Florida
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in St. Cloud, MN, Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,199. Graduates carry a median of $34,866 in student loans. Rasmussen College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Set against $34,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Minnesota
Nebraska Wesleyan University placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $43,572. Nebraska Wesleyan University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,405. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Nebraska Wesleyan University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Nebraska Wesleyan University
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,660. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt. See the full Western Governors University profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $40,188. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $40,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Saint Vincent College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,396. Saint Vincent College Nursing students take on a median of $26,986 in debt. Saint Vincent College alumni report median earnings of $59,982 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,986 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full Saint Vincent College profile
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,500. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
Southwest Baptist University placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. The median Nursing program debt is $28,290. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants. More on Southwest Baptist University
Midwestern State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Midwestern State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Stevenson University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,560. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Stevenson University alumni report median earnings of $62,079 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stevenson University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Stevenson University report
York College Pennsylvania ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
West Coast University Orange County landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,506. The median Nursing program debt is $38,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,672. Set against $38,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on West Coast University Orange County
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,539 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Spring Arbor University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. The median Nursing program debt is $29,748. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,748 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. More on Spring Arbor University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Peoria, IL, Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,008. Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing Nursing students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing alumni report median earnings of $72,850 a decade after entry. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Nursing students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. Students borrow a median of $19,260 to complete their Nursing program here. 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mississippi University For Women
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Lubbock Christian University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Lubbock Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,540. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lubbock Christian University
Grantham University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Median earnings reach $63,496 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. Read the full report on Grantham University
Ottawa University Kansas City ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit school based in Overland Park, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Ottawa University Kansas City Nursing students take on a median of $34,747 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ottawa University Kansas City
American Public University System ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $28,384. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $28,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
West Coast University Dallas came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Richardson, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574. Typical Nursing student debt is $38,145. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,672 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,145 median debt. Get the full West Coast University Dallas report
Clarkson College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,104. Clarkson College Nursing students take on a median of $31,289 in debt. Clarkson College alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Clarkson College
Walden University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $32,800 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $7,830. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,830 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,333. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,333 median debt. Read more about Wilmington University
Ferris State University placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Cedarville University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,150. The median Nursing program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $55,443 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Cedarville University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Cedarville University profile
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Fitchburg State University placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Barranquitas, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,742. Students borrow a median of $5,850 to complete their Nursing program here. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas alumni report median earnings of $23,204 a decade after entry. Set against $5,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas profile
University Of Scranton placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Scranton
Vanguard University Of Southern California ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Costa Mesa, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,700. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,832. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,541. That is a strong return on a $20,832 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on Vanguard University Of Southern California
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,150 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,393 ten years out. Set against $27,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing report
Worcester State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,849. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Worcester State University
Webster University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Webster University Nursing students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Webster 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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