2026 Best Value Clinical Nurse Leader Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Fayette, MO

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies tops our 2026 list of the best value clinical nurse leader schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the clinical nurse leader program here. Early-career clinical nurse leader graduates make about $84,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

2

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value clinical nurse leader schools. Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $28,000. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $51,260 early in their careers. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

3

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

Students looking for strong value in clinical nurse leader will find it at Capella University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Minneapolis, Capella University is a very large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $27,826. Soon after graduation, clinical nurse leader degree recipients from Capella University generally make around $107,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in clinical nurse leader, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,811 to complete the clinical nurse leader program here. Early-career clinical nurse leader graduates make about $96,368. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

5

Morningside College
Sioux City, IA

A rank of #5 makes Morningside College one of the best values for clinical nurse leader. Set in the city of Sioux City, Morningside College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Typical student debt for clinical nurse leader graduates is $28,000. Clinical Nurse Leader graduates of Morningside College earn a median of $84,126 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.