2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Wisconsin

1

Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI

For return on investment in nursing, no school beat Gateway Technical College this year. Located in the city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the nursing program here. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Gateway Technical College generally make around $68,134. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, WI

Lakeshore Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. Set in the rural area of Cleveland, Lakeshore Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,144 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of Lakeshore Technical College earn a median of $61,635 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Rice Lake, WI

Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Rice Lake, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. Nursing graduates carry a median of $17,499 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College generally make around $64,281. Set against $17,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Moraine Park Technical College
Fond du Lac, WI

Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Moraine Park Technical College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Fond du Lac, Moraine Park Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Nursing graduates carry a median of $17,025 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $66,776. That is a strong return on a $17,025 median debt.

5

Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI

Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Milwaukee Area Technical College, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Milwaukee Area Technical College generally make around $69,145. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt.

6

Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WI

Waukesha County Technical College placed #6 among the best values for nursing. Waukesha County Technical College is a large public school located in the suburb of Pewaukee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,674 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of Waukesha County Technical College earn a median of $68,434 early in their careers. Set against $23,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Nicolet Area Technical College
Rhinelander, WI

Nicolet Area Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. Set in the rural area of Rhinelander, Nicolet Area Technical College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,793, while out-of-state students pay about $7,066. Nursing graduates carry a median of $16,837 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $65,071. Set against $16,837 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #8 among the best values for nursing. Located in the city of Green Bay, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $17,876 to complete the nursing program here. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College generally make around $61,633. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore, WI

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #9 for value in nursing this year. Located in the rural area of Fennimore, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $15,329. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College generally make around $61,748. That is a strong return on a $15,329 median debt.

10

Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI

Fox Valley Technical College earned the #10 position for value in nursing this year. Fox Valley Technical College is a large public school located in the suburb of Appleton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $18,386. Early-career nursing graduates make about $63,050. Set against $18,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

11

Blackhawk Technical College
Janesville, WI

Blackhawk Technical College landed the #11 spot for nursing value this year. Located in the suburb of Janesville, Blackhawk Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,747, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. Nursing graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $69,492. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt.

12

Mid State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Mid State Technical College landed the #12 spot for nursing value this year. Located in the town of Wisconsin Rapids, Mid State Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $17,447. Early-career nursing graduates make about $64,716. That is a strong return on a $17,447 median debt.

13

Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, WI

Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. Located in the city of Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Nursing graduates carry a median of $23,151 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $64,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Northcentral Technical College
Wausau, WI

Northcentral Technical College landed the #14 spot for nursing value this year. Northcentral Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Wausau. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $13,750. Early-career nursing graduates make about $63,958. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Western Technical College La Cross
La Crosse, WI

Western Technical College La Cross earned the #15 position for value in nursing this year. Located in the city of La Crosse, Western Technical College La Cross is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Students borrow a median of $19,937 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $64,274. That is a strong return on a $19,937 median debt.

16

Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI

Madison Area Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. Set in the city of Madison, Madison Area Technical College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Students borrow a median of $26,235 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of Madison Area Technical College earn a median of $66,446 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #17 spot for nursing value this year. Set in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $91,263. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Green Bay, WI

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #18 for value in nursing this year. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a large public school located in the city of Green Bay. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $28,045 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of University Of Wisconsin Green Bay earn a median of $70,213 early in their careers. Set against $28,045 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants.

19

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #19 among the best values for nursing. Located in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Students borrow a median of $18,987 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $68,395. Set against $18,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $92,233. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

21

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earned the #21 position for value in nursing this year. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $86,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants.

22

Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa, WI

Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa earned the #22 position for value in nursing this year. Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wauwatosa. Students from in state pay about $20,469 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $37,278 to complete the nursing program here. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Bryant And Stratton College Wauwatosa generally make around $70,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earned the #23 position for value in nursing this year. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Nursing graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $87,284. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

24

Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College placed #24 among the best values for nursing. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Alverno College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,086 in tuition and fees. Nursing graduates carry a median of $34,000 in student loans. Nursing graduates of Alverno College earn a median of $91,109 early in their careers. Set against $34,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

25

Herzing University Kenosha
Kenosha, WI

Herzing University Kenosha earned the #25 position for value in nursing this year. Herzing University Kenosha is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Kenosha. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $43,985 to complete the nursing program here. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Herzing University Kenosha generally make around $95,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Kenosha admits about 92% of applicants.