2026 Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the Southeast Region

1

University Of South Carolina Upstate
Spartanburg, SC

University Of South Carolina Upstate tops our 2026 list of the best value clinical nurse leader schools in the Southeast Region. Set in the suburb of Spartanburg, University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,588, compared with $23,090 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $26,250. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of University Of South Carolina Upstate earn a median of $75,849 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of South Carolina Upstate admits about 67% of applicants.

2

Lander University
Greenwood, SC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lander University earned it the #2 place for clinical nurse leader. Lander University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Greenwood. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,700, compared with $21,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $25,665. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of Lander University earn a median of $37,548 early in their careers. Set against $25,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky is a great value for students pursuing a degree in clinical nurse leader, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career clinical nurse leader graduates make about $49,568. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

4

Spring Hill College
Mobile, AL

Students looking for strong value in clinical nurse leader will find it at Spring Hill College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Mobile, Spring Hill College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $24,054. Median earnings reach $51,500 ten years out. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

5

Mississippi College
Clinton, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mississippi College earned it the #5 place for clinical nurse leader. Located in the suburb of Clinton, Mississippi College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career clinical nurse leader graduates make about $69,572. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

6

Queens University Of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

Queens University Of Charlotte ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value clinical nurse leader schools. Queens University Of Charlotte is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Charlotte. In-state tuition and fees average $45,846. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates carry a median of $31,757 in student loans. Early-career clinical nurse leader graduates make about $83,537. That is a strong return on a $31,757 median debt. Queens University Of Charlotte admits about 62% of applicants.