2026 Best Value Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region
[Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/registered-nursing-nursing-administration-nursing-research-and-clinical-nursing-other/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 33 schools to find the best return on investment for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing students.
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2026 Best Value Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Schools
Indiana University Kokomo earned the #1 spot for value among other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing schools in the Great Lakes Region. Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Kokomo. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Students borrow a median of $26,832 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from Indiana University Kokomo generally make around $92,379. Set against $26,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Kokomo admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing will find it at Cincinnati State Technical And Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $26,903 in student loans. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $47,975. Set against $26,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Purdue University Northwest came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Hammond, Purdue University Northwest is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $24,552 in student loans. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of Purdue University Northwest earn a median of $93,180 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing will find it at Indiana University Northwest, which ranked #4. Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Gary. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Students borrow a median of $29,890 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from Indiana University Northwest generally make around $73,335. Set against $29,890 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing will find it at Indiana University Southeast, which ranked #5. Indiana University Southeast is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of New Albany. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,719 in student loans. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of Indiana University Southeast earn a median of $66,302 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Southeast admits about 84% of applicants.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #6 spot for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing value this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical student debt for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates is $28,408. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $89,364. Set against $28,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.
Indiana University South Bend earned the #7 position for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of South Bend. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $26,412 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $86,559. That is a strong return on a $26,412 median debt. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants.
Indiana University East ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing schools. Located in the town of Richmond, Indiana University East is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from Indiana University East generally make around $92,367. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
Vincennes University placed #9 among the best values for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Vincennes University is a very large public school located in the town of Vincennes. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Typical student debt for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates is $21,530. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of Vincennes University earn a median of $61,818 early in their careers. Set against $21,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Indiana State University came in at #10 for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical student debt for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates is $30,155. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $95,570. Set against $30,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.
University Of Southern Indiana came in at #11 for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Students borrow a median of $25,089 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from University Of Southern Indiana generally make around $91,255. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of Michigan Flint earned the #12 position for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Flint. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,236, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates is $39,231. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $108,929. Set against $39,231 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Purdue University Global placed #13 among the best values for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,101, with out-of-state students paying around $14,412. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $38,512 in student loans. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $96,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing value this year. Wright State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Dayton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical student debt for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates is $25,987. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of Wright State University Main Campus earn a median of $87,340 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University earned the #15 position for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $47,863 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of Detroit Mercy earned the #16 position for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Set in the city of Detroit, University Of Detroit Mercy is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,946. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $95,228. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
College Of Mount St Joseph placed #17 among the best values for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. College Of Mount St Joseph is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Cincinnati. Students from in state pay about $38,150 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from College Of Mount St Joseph generally make around $95,267. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%.
Illinois State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,075 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $90,432 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,075 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Illinois College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing schools. Illinois College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Jacksonville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,676. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $26,922 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from Illinois College generally make around $41,184. That is a strong return on a $26,922 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Madonna University came in at #20 for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Madonna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Livonia. In-state tuition and fees average $28,440. Typical student debt for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates is $31,000. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $56,984. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #21 among the best values for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Students borrow a median of $22,920 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $109,491 early in their careers. Set against $22,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
Bethel College Mishawaka ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing schools. Set in the city of Mishawaka, Bethel College Mishawaka is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from Bethel College Mishawaka generally make around $44,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.
University Of Evansville landed the #23 spot for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing value this year. Located in the city of Evansville, University Of Evansville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,172. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from University Of Evansville generally make around $71,066. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Evansville admits about 78% of applicants.
Bradley University came in at #24 for value in other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year. Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Peoria. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Early-career other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates make about $54,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Franciscan University Of Steubenville placed #25 among the best values for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Steubenville. In-state tuition and fees average $34,100. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing program here. Soon after graduation, other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing degree recipients from Franciscan University Of Steubenville generally make around $84,678. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 30 Best Value Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing this year:
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 33 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
