2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Louisiana

1

Sowela Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA

Our analysis ranked Sowela Technical Community College the best value for a degree in registered nursing in Louisiana. Sowela Technical Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Lake Charles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. Students borrow a median of $5,606 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Sowela Technical Community College earn a median of $72,690 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $5,606 median debt.

2

Louisiana State University Alexandria
Alexandria, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Louisiana State University Alexandria earned it the #2 place for registered nursing. Set in the rural area of Alexandria, Louisiana State University Alexandria is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,050, compared with $14,725 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $28,022 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Louisiana State University Alexandria generally make around $76,967. That is a strong return on a $28,022 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

3

Louisiana Delta Community College
Monroe, LA

Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Louisiana Delta Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Monroe, Louisiana Delta Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,159. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $22,176. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $74,622. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Louisiana State University Eunice
Eunice, LA

A rank of #4 makes Louisiana State University Eunice one of the best values for registered nursing. Set in the town of Eunice, Louisiana State University Eunice is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,802 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,166. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $23,750. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Louisiana State University Eunice generally make around $69,964. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

South Louisiana Community College
Lafayette, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Louisiana Community College earned it the #5 place for registered nursing. South Louisiana Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lafayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Students borrow a median of $23,354 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of South Louisiana Community College earn a median of $66,842 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,354 median debt.

6

Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, LA

Bossier Parish Community College landed the #6 spot for registered nursing value this year. Bossier Parish Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Bossier City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,268. Students borrow a median of $26,618 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Bossier Parish Community College earn a median of $72,944 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Schriever, LA

L E Fletcher Technical Community College came in at #7 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the rural area of Schriever, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $5,396 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from L E Fletcher Technical Community College generally make around $76,405. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt.

8

Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge Community College earned the #8 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,321. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $28,824 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Baton Rouge Community College earn a median of $74,249 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

University Of Louisiana Monroe
Monroe, LA

University Of Louisiana Monroe ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. University Of Louisiana Monroe is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Monroe. Students from in state pay about $9,190 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,290. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $23,550 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Louisiana Monroe generally make around $85,666. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

10

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Mcneese State University came in at #10 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,489, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $26,100. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $94,976. Set against $26,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

11

Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA

Delgado Community College landed the #11 spot for registered nursing value this year. Delgado Community College is a large public school located in the city of New Orleans. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. Students borrow a median of $35,330 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $75,597. That is a strong return on a $35,330 median debt.

12

Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA

Nicholls State University placed #12 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of Thibodaux, Nicholls State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,631 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Nicholls State University earn a median of $94,507 early in their careers. Set against $25,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants.

13

Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University landed the #13 spot for registered nursing value this year. Louisiana Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Ruston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $21,192 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $75,694. That is a strong return on a $21,192 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

14

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Southeastern Louisiana University placed #14 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the city of Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,373, while out-of-state students pay about $20,851. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered 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.

15

University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

University Of Louisiana Lafayette earned the #15 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from University Of Louisiana Lafayette generally make around $91,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

16

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana earned the #16 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the town of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,864, with out-of-state students paying around $19,652. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $28,444. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Northwestern State University Of Louisiana generally make around $80,699. Set against $28,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana admits about 92% of applicants.

17

Southern University At Shreveport
Shreveport, LA

Southern University At Shreveport came in at #17 for value in registered nursing this year. Southern University At Shreveport is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Shreveport. Students from in state pay about $4,958 in tuition and fees. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $35,875 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Southern University At Shreveport generally make around $78,352. Set against $35,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Our Lady Of Holy Cross College
New Orleans, LA

Our Lady Of Holy Cross College placed #18 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of New Orleans, Our Lady Of Holy Cross College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,576. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $43,500 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Our Lady Of Holy Cross College earn a median of $70,806 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $43,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

19

Louisiana College
Pineville, LA

Louisiana College landed the #19 spot for registered nursing value this year. Louisiana College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Pineville. Students from in state pay about $20,266 in tuition and fees. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $41,492 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Louisiana College earn a median of $80,263 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $41,492 median debt. Louisiana College admits about 77% of applicants.

20

Our Lady Of The Lake College
Baton Rouge, LA

Our Lady Of The Lake College came in at #20 for value in registered nursing this year. Our Lady Of The Lake College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baton Rouge. Students from in state pay about $17,959 in tuition and fees. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $39,565 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Our Lady Of The Lake College earn a median of $142,312 early in their careers. Set against $39,565 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Our Lady Of The Lake College admits about 99% of applicants.

21

Dillard University
New Orleans, LA

Dillard University came in at #21 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the city of New Orleans, Dillard University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $22,734 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $33,177 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Dillard University generally make around $86,585. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

22

Grambling State University
Grambling, LA

Grambling State University earned the #22 position for value in registered nursing this year. Grambling State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Grambling. Students from in state pay about $7,683 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,706. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $40,941. Registered Nursing graduates of Grambling State University earn a median of $88,898 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $40,941 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%.

23

Southern University And A And M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University And A And M College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Baton Rouge. Students from in state pay about $9,922 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $39,678 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Southern University And A And M College generally make around $87,942. That is a strong return on a $39,678 median debt. The acceptance rate is 35%.

24

Herzing University Kenner
Metairie, LA

Herzing University Kenner ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the city of Metairie, Herzing University Kenner is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $33,897 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $44,738. That is a strong return on a $33,897 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

25

Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Loyola University New Orleans ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the city of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,440. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $26,606. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Loyola University New Orleans generally make around $115,056. That is a strong return on a $26,606 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.