Skip to main content

Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

St Petersburg College offers nursing students an extraordinary financial advantage with a negative net cost of $52, meaning students receive more aid than tuition costs. This contrasts sharply with programs at CSU Stanislaus where graduates earn the highest median salary of $99,447 but pay $5,671 net annually. The nursing field benefits from strong regional healthcare systems, with major medical centers across Florida, California, and New York driving demand for registered nurses and nursing administrators. CUNY schools dominate the middle tier, offering solid value with graduates earning between $87,000 and $95,000 while keeping costs under $5,200. California State University campuses show the strongest earnings potential, with five programs producing graduates earning above $85,000 annually. Community colleges like Gulf Coast State and Florida State College at Jacksonville provide affordable entry points with net costs below $3,000, though graduation rates vary significantly from 32% to 45%.
50
Programs
$-52 – $12,882
Net Price Range
$77,287
Avg. Program Earnings
44.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $65,512 $2,682 37.5%
2 $200 $20,140 $2,340 30.1% 98.5%
3 $2,446 $94,255 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $3,482 $95,348 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,659 $93,875 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
6 $2,760 $68,563 $2,878 32.4%
7 $2,339 $50,270 $2,370 44.8%
8 $4,113 $87,548 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
9 $3,061 $64,990 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
10 $4,734 $87,973 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
11 $5,115 $94,579 $7,490 32.8%
12 $4,783 $88,399 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
13 $5,671 $99,447 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
14 $5,646 $86,042 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
15 $5,881 $89,044 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
16 $5,918 $88,739 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
17 $5,458 $81,333 $3,148 26.8%
18 $5,825 $80,521 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
19 $4,483 $61,814 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
20 $4,694 $63,005 $3,283 29.6%
21 $6,480 $85,159 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
22 $5,202 $66,461 $2,764 42.5%
23 $4,702 $59,576 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
24 $5,154 $64,990 $3,155 42.9%
25 $6,007 $73,231 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
26 $7,599 $92,124 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
27 $6,199 $74,953 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
28 $5,554 $62,747 $3,246 42.9%
29 $10,512 $108,495 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
30 $5,970 $61,516 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
31 $7,912 $81,333 $7,868 34.9%
32 $9,173 $93,439 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
33 $11,276 $113,585 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
34 $8,931 $85,795 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
35 $6,500 $61,334 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
36 $6,351 $59,576 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
37 $7,523 $70,009 $3,855 51.5%
38 $6,276 $58,303 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
39 $6,747 $62,384 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
40 $9,792 $89,613 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
41 $7,755 $69,338 $4,197 34.0%
42 $8,624 $77,087 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
43 $7,201 $63,600 $3,106 41.2%
44 $12,882 $111,769 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
45 $9,477 $81,491 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
46 $7,557 $64,196 $7,922 26.1%
47 $9,325 $78,971 $8,280 24.3%
48 $7,360 $61,814 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
49 $10,550 $88,074 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
50 $9,832 $81,997 $3,050 41.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's nursing program such an strong value?

St Petersburg College offers a negative net cost of $52, meaning students receive $52 more in financial aid than they pay in expenses. Graduates earn a median salary of $65,512 with relatively low debt of $15,578. The program maintains a 37.5% graduation rate while providing one of the most affordable pathways to nursing careers in Florida.

How do California State University nursing programs compare in terms of earning potential?

CSU nursing programs produce some of the highest-earning graduates, with Stanislaus leading at $99,447 median earnings. Cal State LA graduates earn $87,548 while Fullerton graduates earn $86,042 annually. Despite higher net costs ranging from $3,659 to $5,671, the strong earning potential creates favorable long-term returns on investment.

Is there a significant earnings difference between community college and university nursing programs?

University programs typically produce higher earnings, with CUNY schools averaging around $90,000 compared to community colleges averaging $50,000-$68,000. However, community colleges offer much lower costs, with Florida State College at Jacksonville costing just $2,760 net while graduates still earn $68,563. The earnings gap reflects different degree levels and career advancement opportunities.

Does geographic location significantly impact nursing program value?

New York nursing programs show the strongest earnings potential, with CUNY graduates earning $87,000-$95,000 annually despite modest graduation rates of 19%-61%. California programs balance high costs with strong earnings, while Florida offers the most affordable options with graduates earning $50,000-$68,000. Regional healthcare markets and cost of living directly influence both program costs and graduate earning potential.

What graduation rate patterns exist among affordable nursing programs?

Graduation rates vary widely even among similar cost programs, from 19.4% at CUNY NYC College of Technology to 69.2% at CSU Fullerton. Community colleges typically show rates between 30%-45%, while four-year programs range from 22% to 69%. Higher graduation rates generally correlate with better student support services rather than program cost or earning potential.

More Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Rankings

Cheapest Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Under $20,000

Related

All Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.