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