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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in the The Plains States Region

183 Colleges in the United States
$25,801 Avg Student Debt
$49,316 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Badge [Registered Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/registered-nursing/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong registered nursing education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 214 schools to find the best return on investment for registered nursing students.

What’s on this page:

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DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 91
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.38), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Programs (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Programs (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN to MSN Programs (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing BSN to MSN Programs (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN to PhD Programs (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing BSN to PhD Programs (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "DNP - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing MSN to DNP (Doctorate) Programs (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing MSN to DNP (Doctorate) Programs (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing MSN to PhD (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing MSN to PhD (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Associates) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Associates) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Bachelors) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Bachelors) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing RN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health Systems Management (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health Systems Management (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Administrator (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Administrator (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Care Coordination (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Care Coordination (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Case Management (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Case Management (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 31
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 29 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 29
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 11 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in the The Plains States Region

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the registered nursing degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Registered Nursing Schools

1

Leading the list is Metropolitan Community College Area, our #1 best value for registered nursing in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Students borrow a median of $17,882 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $68,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

Central Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Grand Island, Central Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $14,805. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Central Community College generally make around $64,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3
Crowder College crest
Crowder College
Neosho, MO

Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Crowder College, which ranked #3. Crowder College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Neosho. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,104, with out-of-state students paying around $5,784. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $14,528. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Crowder College generally make around $62,875. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Saint Louis Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $16,667 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $68,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hutchinson Community College earned it the #5 place for registered nursing. Located in the town of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,889 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Hutchinson Community College earn a median of $60,330 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,889 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

St Charles Community College landed the #6 spot for registered nursing value this year. St Charles Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Cottleville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,810, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $18,712 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of St Charles Community College earn a median of $68,488 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,712 median debt.

7

Western Nebraska Community College landed the #7 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the town of Scottsbluff, Western Nebraska Community College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, compared with $4,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,249 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Western Nebraska Community College earn a median of $62,413 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Salina Area Technical College landed the #8 spot for registered nursing value this year. Located in the town of Salina, Salina Area Technical College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $7,128 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,124. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Salina Area Technical College generally make around $38,440. Set against $17,124 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Southeast Community College Area ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $25,814. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $71,239. Set against $25,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Metropolitan Community College Kansas City earned the #10 position for value in registered nursing this year. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $21,188. Registered Nursing graduates of Metropolitan Community College Kansas City earn a median of $63,534 early in their careers. Set against $21,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Moberly Area Community College placed #11 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the town of Moberly, Moberly Area Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,587 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Moberly Area Community College earn a median of $67,023 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,587 median debt.

12

Western Iowa Tech Community College earned the #12 position for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $22,597. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College generally make around $63,214. That is a strong return on a $22,597 median debt.

13

Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #13 spot for registered nursing value this year. Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $18,250 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $61,192. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Mid Plains Community College placed #14 among the best values for registered nursing. Mid Plains Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of North Platte. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $4,530. Students borrow a median of $20,376 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $59,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Seward County Community College And Area Technical School earned the #15 position for value in registered nursing this year. Seward County Community College And Area Technical School is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Liberal. In-state tuition and fees average $4,032, compared with $5,408 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,175 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Seward County Community College And Area Technical School generally make around $53,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Fort Scott Community College placed #16 among the best values for registered nursing. Fort Scott Community College is a small public school located in the town of Fort Scott. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $3,840. Students borrow a median of $23,832 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $55,847. That is a strong return on a $23,832 median debt.

17

Riverland Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the town of Austin, Riverland Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,297. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Riverland Community College generally make around $69,481. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt.

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Coffeyville Community College came in at #18 for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the town of Coffeyville, Coffeyville Community College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $3,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,680. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,677. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Coffeyville Community College generally make around $62,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Marshalltown Community College landed the #19 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the town of Marshalltown, Marshalltown Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,935. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Marshalltown Community College generally make around $61,954. Set against $17,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

Northeast Community College placed #20 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $19,053 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Northeast Community College generally make around $62,930. Set against $19,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Oglala Lakota College placed #21 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.

22

Labette Community College placed #22 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the town of Parsons, Labette Community College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,064, compared with $4,864 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $16,150. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Labette Community College generally make around $66,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN

Century College came in at #23 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the suburb of White Bear Lake, Century College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Century College earn a median of $66,512 early in their careers. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

Dodge City Community College came in at #24 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the town of Dodge City, Dodge City Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,650, while out-of-state students pay about $5,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,427.

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North Iowa Area Community College earned the #25 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the rural area of Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,653 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,551. Students borrow a median of $15,600 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $58,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for registered nursing this year:

26
Kirkwood Community College crest
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA
27
Jefferson College crest
Jefferson College
Hillsboro, MO
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
College Of The Ozarks crest
College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Ridgewater College crest
Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN
44
45
Inver Hills Community College crest
Inver Hills Community College
Inver Grove Heights, MN
46
47
48
49
South Central College crest
South Central College
North Mankato, MN
50
Truman State University crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

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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 · 214 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 183 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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