2026 Best Value School Nursing Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Leading the list is Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, our #1 best value for school nursing in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,408 to complete the school nursing program here. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $89,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $91,969. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.

3

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Students looking for strong value in school nursing will find it at Youngstown State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $49,025. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

4

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in school nursing, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Students borrow a median of $30,165 to complete the school nursing program here. School Nursing graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $103,835 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

5

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Set in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,987 in student loans. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $49,077. Set against $25,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.

6

University Of Toledo
Toledo, OH

University Of Toledo placed #6 among the best values for school nursing. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $22,400. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $76,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

7

Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Alverno College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $34,000. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Alverno College generally make around $91,109. Set against $34,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

8

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent placed #8 among the best values for school nursing. Set in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Students borrow a median of $28,625 to complete the school nursing program here. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $83,999. Set against $28,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.

9

Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University landed the #9 spot for school nursing value this year. Located in the rural area of Spring Arbor, Spring Arbor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $29,748 in student loans. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $89,684. That is a strong return on a $29,748 median debt. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants.

10

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #10 among the best values for school nursing. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,920 to complete the school nursing program here. School Nursing graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $109,491 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,920 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

11

Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

Cedarville University placed #11 among the best values for school nursing. Cedarville University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Cedarville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,150. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Cedarville University generally make around $86,430. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cedarville University admits about 65% of applicants.

12

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University landed the #12 spot for school nursing value this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete the school nursing program here. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Marquette University generally make around $60,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

13

Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University landed the #13 spot for school nursing value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Xavier University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the school nursing program here. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $55,045. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

14

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cleveland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,608. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $26,580 in student loans. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $112,484. That is a strong return on a $26,580 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.