2026 Best Value Critical Care Nursing Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Winona State University
Winona, MN

Leading the list is Winona State University, our #1 best value for critical care nursing in the The Plains States Region. Located in the town of Winona, Winona State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for critical care nursing graduates is $26,252. Critical Care Nursing graduates of Winona State University earn a median of $101,220 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO

A rank of #2 makes Maryville University Of Saint Louis one of the best values for critical care nursing. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Students borrow a median of $29,881 to complete the critical care nursing program here. Critical Care Nursing graduates of Maryville University Of Saint Louis earn a median of $103,656 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

3

Saint Louis University Main Campus
Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in critical care nursing, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the critical care nursing program here. Early-career critical care nursing graduates make about $84,374. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

4

Creighton University
Omaha, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Creighton University earned it the #4 place for critical care nursing. Located in the city of Omaha, Creighton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the critical care nursing program here. Soon after graduation, critical care nursing degree recipients from Creighton University generally make around $64,369. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.