2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Maine

1

Kennebec Valley Community College
Fairfield, ME

Leading the list is Kennebec Valley Community College, our #1 best value for registered nursing in Maine. Set in the town of Fairfield, Kennebec Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $25,922. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Kennebec Valley Community College generally make around $69,117. Set against $25,922 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

York County Community College
Wells, ME

Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at York County Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Wells, York County Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $12,757. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $35,803. That is a strong return on a $12,757 median debt.

3

Central Maine Community College
Auburn, ME

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Maine Community College earned it the #3 place for registered nursing. Located in the city of Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,140, with out-of-state students paying around $7,020. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $23,724 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Central Maine Community College earn a median of $66,734 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Eastern Maine Community College
Bangor, ME

Eastern Maine Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Bangor, Eastern Maine Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $32,818 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Eastern Maine Community College generally make around $69,158. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Northern Maine Community College
Presque Isle, ME

Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Northern Maine Community College, which ranked #5. Northern Maine Community College is a small public school located in the town of Presque Isle. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $66,455. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME

Southern Maine Community College landed the #6 spot for registered nursing value this year. Southern Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of South Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $67,850. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

University Of Maine At Augusta
Augusta, ME

University Of Maine At Augusta came in at #7 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the town of Augusta, University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,888, with out-of-state students paying around $22,178. Students borrow a median of $29,510 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $82,845. Set against $29,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

University Of Southern Maine
Portland, ME

University Of Southern Maine earned the #8 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $29,242. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $87,246. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.

9

University Of Maine
Orono, ME

University Of Maine ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $27,000. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $91,413 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

10

Central Maine Medical Center College Of Nursing And Health Professions
Lewiston, ME

Central Maine Medical Center College Of Nursing And Health Professions came in at #10 for value in registered nursing this year. Central Maine Medical Center College Of Nursing And Health Professions is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lewiston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,952. Students borrow a median of $25,875 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Central Maine Medical Center College Of Nursing And Health Professions generally make around $68,704. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

11

Husson University
Bangor, ME

Husson University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Bangor, Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,304 in tuition and fees. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $96,750. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

12

Saint Josephs College Of Maine
Standish, ME

Saint Josephs College Of Maine earned the #12 position for value in registered nursing this year. Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Standish. In-state tuition and fees average $44,420. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Saint Josephs College Of Maine earn a median of $91,389 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs College Of Maine admits about 84% of applicants.

13

Beal College
Bangor, ME

Beal College placed #13 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the city of Bangor, Beal College is a small private for-profit institution. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $23,557 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Beal College earn a median of $47,794 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

University Of New England
Biddeford, ME

University Of New England placed #14 among the best values for registered nursing. University Of New England is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Biddeford. In-state tuition and fees average $44,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of New England earn a median of $155,409 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.