2026 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

For return on investment in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing, no school beat Cuny Hunter College this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Students borrow a median of $16,944 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $121,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.

2

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nevada Las Vegas earned it the #2 place for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $19,733. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $103,941. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3

Florida International University
Miami, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Florida International University earned it the #3 place for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $18,895 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $96,525 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

4

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,070. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $96,397. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.

5

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

Students looking for strong value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing will find it at The University Of Texas Pan American, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $11,674 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $46,404. Set against $11,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

6

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,379. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $88,713. Set against $21,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.

7

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #7 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $18,484 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $75,870. Set against $18,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

8

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,408 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $89,364. Set against $28,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN

University Of Southern Indiana landed the #9 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,066, while out-of-state students pay about $22,907. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,089 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $91,255 early in their careers. Set against $25,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

10

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus earned the #10 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $20,455. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $91,063. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.

11

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University earned the #11 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $23,665 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $84,066. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

12

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus earned the #12 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $21,450 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $91,554 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

13

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah placed #13 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $22,106. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $60,527. Set against $22,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

14

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome
Utica, NY

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Utica, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,625, while out-of-state students pay about $21,215. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,500. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $97,415. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome admits about 81% of applicants.

15

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $54,697. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

16

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #16 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $19,000. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $66,254. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

17

University Of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI

University Of Michigan Flint came in at #17 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Flint, University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,236, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $39,231. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Michigan Flint generally make around $108,929. That is a strong return on a $39,231 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

18

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Mcneese State University landed the #18 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Located in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,489, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $26,100 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $94,976. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

19

University Of Southern Maine
Portland, ME

University Of Southern Maine earned the #19 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Southern Maine earn a median of $87,246 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.

20

Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY

Eastern Kentucky University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,685 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $79,966 early in their careers. Set against $25,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.

21

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Southeastern Louisiana University came in at #21 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,373, compared with $20,851 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $26,500. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Southeastern Louisiana University generally make around $89,337. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeastern Louisiana University admits about 99% of applicants.

22

The University Of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX

The University Of Texas At Tyler ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the city of Tyler, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,512, compared with $24,512 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $24,356 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of The University Of Texas At Tyler earn a median of $98,109 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #23 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Missouri Kansas City earn a median of $107,719 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.

24

Washburn University
Topeka, KS

Washburn University came in at #24 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Washburn University earn a median of $98,985 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Global landed the #25 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,101, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $38,512 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Global generally make around $96,363. Set against $38,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.