2027 Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
[Adult Health Nurse/Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/adult-health-nurse-nursing/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 101 schools to find the best return on investment for adult health nurse/nursing students.
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Finding the Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing School for You
The right adult health nurse/nursing school can pay off for years to come. That is why we developed our Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Read more about our methodology
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
See how we build our rankings
2027 Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in adult health nurse/nursing, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
Leading the list is Cuny Hunter College, our #1 best value for adult health nurse/nursing in the United States. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $16,944. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $121,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 54%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny College Of Staten Island earned it the #2 place for adult health nurse/nursing. Cuny College Of Staten Island is a large public school located in the city of Staten Island. In-state tuition and fees average $7,490, compared with $15,440 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $17,258. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $132,090. That is a strong return on a $17,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Florida International University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in adult health nurse/nursing, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,895 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $52,517 early in their careers. Set against $18,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Students looking for strong value in adult health nurse/nursing will find it at Saint Peters College, which ranked #4. Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Jersey City. Students from in state pay about $42,552 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,457 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $108,494. Set against $24,457 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values for adult health nurse/nursing. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,455 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $63,111. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Global came in at #6 for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. In-state tuition and fees average $10,101, while out-of-state students pay about $14,412. Students borrow a median of $38,512 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Global generally make around $96,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #7 for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $28,408. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $89,364 early in their careers. Set against $28,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Saint Xavier University placed #8 among the best values for adult health nurse/nursing. Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,945. Students borrow a median of $27,188 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Saint Xavier University earn a median of $51,753 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Kentucky University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value adult health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $31,000. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $102,793 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern Indiana earned the #10 position for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,089 in student loans. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $47,216. That is a strong return on a $25,089 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Worcester State University earned the #11 position for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $26,849 in student loans. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $75,249. Set against $26,849 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome placed #12 among the best values for adult health nurse/nursing. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Utica. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,625, with out-of-state students paying around $21,215. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,500. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $56,541. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome admits about 81% of applicants.
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing earned the #13 position for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Mount Carmel College Of Nursing is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $27,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Mount Carmel College Of Nursing earn a median of $88,238 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Western Carolina University came in at #14 for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $23,163. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $44,926. Set against $23,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Youngstown State University came in at #15 for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the city of Youngstown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $49,025. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.
Vanderbilt University earned the #16 position for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $125,565 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.
National University College Bayamon landed the #17 spot for adult health nurse/nursing value this year. National University College Bayamon is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Bayamon. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,723, while out-of-state students pay about $13,886. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $14,418. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of National University College Bayamon earn a median of $26,044 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,418 median debt.
Wilmington University placed #18 among the best values for adult health nurse/nursing. Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of New Castle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $23,333. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Wilmington University generally make around $57,142. That is a strong return on a $23,333 median debt.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earned the #19 position for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Teaneck. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus generally make around $109,581. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Middle Georgia State University placed #20 among the best values for adult health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Macon, Middle Georgia State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $23,825. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Middle Georgia State University earn a median of $86,547 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants.
East Carolina University earned the #21 position for value in adult health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,264 in student loans. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $51,931. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value adult health nurse/nursing schools. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public school located in the town of Bloomsburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,046, while out-of-state students pay about $22,870. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $47,730. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of Southern Maine landed the #23 spot for adult health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,090, with out-of-state students paying around $29,940. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career adult health nurse/nursing graduates make about $47,003. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.
University Of Arizona placed #24 among the best values for adult health nurse/nursing. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for adult health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,500. Soon after graduation, adult health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $50,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value adult health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of Lowell, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the adult health nurse/nursing program here. Adult Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of $92,749 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Adult Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for adult health nurse/nursing this year:
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 101 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 101 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
