2026 Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Stanislaus the best value for a degree in clinical nurse leader in the Far Western Region. Set in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates carry a median of $23,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, clinical nurse leader degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $46,807. Set against $23,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

2

University Of Nevada Reno
Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno is a great value for students pursuing a degree in clinical nurse leader, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public school located in the city of Reno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $20,813. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of University Of Nevada Reno earn a median of $50,691 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

3

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pacific Lutheran University earned it the #3 place for clinical nurse leader. Located in the suburb of Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $50,916. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of $91,961 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4

Northwest Christian University
Eugene, OR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Christian University earned it the #4 place for clinical nurse leader. Located in the city of Eugene, Northwest Christian University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $35,800 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $28,704. Early-career clinical nurse leader graduates make about $102,985. Set against $28,704 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%.

5

Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science
Los Angeles, CA

Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value clinical nurse leader schools. Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete the clinical nurse leader program here. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science earn a median of $132,827 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%.

6

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

University Of San Diego earned the #6 position for value in clinical nurse leader this year. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $59,486. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete the clinical nurse leader program here. Soon after graduation, clinical nurse leader degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $124,795. That is a strong return on a $23,795 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.

7

Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University earned the #7 position for value in clinical nurse leader this year. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of Seattle University earn a median of $63,214 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.