2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Alabama

1

George C Wallace State Community College Dothan
Dothan, AL

George C Wallace State Community College Dothan earned the #1 spot for value among registered nursing schools in Alabama. Set in the city of Dothan, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,980, compared with $8,850 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $9,412. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from George C Wallace State Community College Dothan generally make around $59,653. That is a strong return on a $9,412 median debt.

2

Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Andalusia, AL

Lurleen B Wallace Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Lurleen B Wallace Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Andalusia. In-state tuition and fees average $5,190, with out-of-state students paying around $9,060. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $65,605. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt.

3

George C Wallace State Community College Selma
Selma, AL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at George C Wallace State Community College Selma earned it the #3 place for registered nursing. Located in the town of Selma, George C Wallace State Community College Selma is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,740, while out-of-state students pay about $8,610. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $21,000. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from George C Wallace State Community College Selma generally make around $67,158. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt.

4

Northeast Alabama Community College
Rainsville, AL

Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Northeast Alabama Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the rural area of Rainsville, Northeast Alabama Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Students borrow a median of $7,459 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $52,569. Set against $7,459 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden, AL

Gadsden State Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in registered nursing, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Gadsden, Gadsden State Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,272, compared with $7,368 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $10,850 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Gadsden State Community College earn a median of $61,443 early in their careers. Set against $10,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Bishop State Community College
Mobile, AL

Bishop State Community College earned the #6 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Mobile, Bishop State Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,210. Students borrow a median of $16,250 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Bishop State Community College generally make around $71,034. That is a strong return on a $16,250 median debt.

7

Bevill State Community College
Jasper, AL

Bevill State Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Bevill State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Jasper. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,734, compared with $8,346 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $12,750. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Bevill State Community College generally make around $63,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Northwest Shoals Community College
Muscle Shoals, AL

Northwest Shoals Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Northwest Shoals Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Muscle Shoals. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,131, with out-of-state students paying around $9,001. Students borrow a median of $13,124 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $56,177. Set against $13,124 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Phenix City, AL

Chattahoochee Valley Community College earned the #9 position for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Phenix City, Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $18,588. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Chattahoochee Valley Community College generally make around $67,491. Set against $18,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

J F Drake State Community And Technical College
Huntsville, AL

J F Drake State Community And Technical College earned the #10 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Huntsville, J F Drake State Community And Technical College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,190, with out-of-state students paying around $9,060. Median earnings reach $28,281 ten years out.

11

Snead State Community College
Boaz, AL

Snead State Community College came in at #11 for value in registered nursing this year. Snead State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Boaz. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,278, while out-of-state students pay about $9,148. Students borrow a median of $14,569 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Snead State Community College earn a median of $58,694 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL

John C Calhoun State Community College placed #12 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of Tanner, John C Calhoun State Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,990. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $18,041. Registered Nursing graduates of John C Calhoun State Community College earn a median of $56,995 early in their careers. Set against $18,041 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus
Birmingham, AL

Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Birmingham, Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Students borrow a median of $11,882 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus earn a median of $64,547 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Southern Union State Community College
Wadley, AL

Southern Union State Community College placed #14 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the rural area of Wadley, Southern Union State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,030, while out-of-state students pay about $8,874. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $13,250. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $69,147. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Jefferson State Community College
Birmingham, AL

Jefferson State Community College placed #15 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of Birmingham, Jefferson State Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $16,375. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $63,811. Set against $16,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

16

James H Faulkner State Community College
Bay Minette, AL

James H Faulkner State Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the town of Bay Minette, James H Faulkner State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $8,910. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,653. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $67,900. Set against $17,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

University Of North Alabama
Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama placed #17 among the best values for registered nursing. University Of North Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Florence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of North Alabama earn a median of $69,449 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants.

18

Shelton State Community College
Tuscaloosa, AL

Shelton State Community College came in at #18 for value in registered nursing this year. Shelton State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tuscaloosa. In-state tuition and fees average $5,127, with out-of-state students paying around $8,997. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Shelton State Community College generally make around $60,540. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt.

19

Troy University
Troy, AL

Troy University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Troy University is a large public school located in the town of Troy. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $27,153. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Troy University generally make around $75,680. Set against $27,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

20

George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville
Hanceville, AL

George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville placed #20 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the rural area of Hanceville, George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,090 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville generally make around $59,770. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt.

21

University Of West Alabama
Livingston, AL

University Of West Alabama ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the rural area of Livingston, University Of West Alabama is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,990 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,090 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of West Alabama earn a median of $66,312 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants.

22

Auburn University At Montgomery
Montgomery, AL

Auburn University At Montgomery earned the #22 position for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the city of Montgomery, Auburn University At Montgomery is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,700 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,668. Students borrow a median of $26,375 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Auburn University At Montgomery generally make around $69,625. Set against $26,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

23

Central Alabama Community College
Alexander City, AL

Central Alabama Community College landed the #23 spot for registered nursing value this year. Central Alabama Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Alexander City. Students from in state pay about $5,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,980 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $15,967 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $59,634. Set against $15,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State University landed the #24 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,894, compared with $23,334 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $74,453. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

25

University Of South Alabama
Mobile, AL

University Of South Alabama landed the #25 spot for registered nursing value this year. University Of South Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Mobile. In-state tuition and fees average $10,116, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of South Alabama earn a median of $100,588 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants.