2026 Best Value School Nursing Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Florida International University
Miami, FL

For return on investment in school nursing, no school beat Florida International University this year. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $18,895. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $96,525. Set against $18,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.

2

Augusta University
Augusta, GA

Augusta University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Augusta University is a large public school located in the city of Augusta. Students from in state pay about $8,414 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $22,956 in student loans. Early-career school nursing graduates make about $56,168. That is a strong return on a $22,956 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in school nursing, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $18,349 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Tennessee Technological University generally make around $46,981. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

4

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Students looking for strong value in school nursing will find it at Georgia State University, which ranked #4. Georgia State University is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $28,215. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Georgia State University generally make around $51,103. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants.

5

University Of Louisville
Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in school nursing, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Louisville is a very large public school located in the city of Louisville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Students borrow a median of $23,205 to complete the school nursing program here. School Nursing graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $58,534 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,205 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.

6

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee placed #6 among the best values for school nursing. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,292 to complete the school nursing program here. School Nursing graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $49,826 early in their careers. Set against $23,292 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.

7

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $125,565. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.

8

University Of Virginia Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value school nursing schools. Set in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $15,130. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $69,126. Set against $15,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants.

9

King College
Bristol, TN

King College placed #9 among the best values for school nursing. Set in the city of Bristol, King College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,397. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the school nursing program here. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from King College generally make around $77,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.

10

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Emory University earned the #10 position for value in school nursing this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. School Nursing graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Emory University generally make around $98,673. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emory University admits about 11% of applicants.

11

Union University
Jackson, TN

Union University earned the #11 position for value in school nursing this year. Located in the city of Jackson, Union University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. Typical student debt for school nursing graduates is $29,127. Soon after graduation, school nursing degree recipients from Union University generally make around $68,508. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

12

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #12 for value in school nursing this year. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the school nursing program here. School Nursing graduates of Duke University earn a median of $116,855 early in their careers. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%.