2027 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
[Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-nursing/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 188 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools.
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Finding the Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing School for You
The right psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing school can pay off for years to come. That is why we developed our Best Value Psychiatric/Mental 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.
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One Size Does Not Fit All
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools list, to help you decide. 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.
Learn more about our methodology
2027 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
For return on investment in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing, no school beat Cuny Hunter College this year. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $16,944 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $121,767 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas Pan American one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $11,674 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $46,404. That is a strong return on a $11,674 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Florida International University one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. 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. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $18,895 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $96,525. Set against $18,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Nevada Las Vegas one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $19,733 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $103,941. That is a strong return on a $19,733 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Students looking for strong value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing will find it at Florida Atlantic University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,070 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $96,397 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #6 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Western Governors University placed #7 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $22,660. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $93,055. That is a strong return on a $22,660 median debt.
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #8 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,379. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from The University Of Texas At El Paso generally make around $88,713. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.
University Of Michigan Flint earned the #9 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Flint, University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,236, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $39,231. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Michigan Flint earn a median of $108,929 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $39,231 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Davis earned the #10 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $14,404. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $141,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #11 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $18,484. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $75,870. Set against $18,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #12 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,408 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $89,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Purdue University Global earned the #13 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,101, while out-of-state students pay about $14,412. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $38,512 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Purdue University Global earn a median of $96,363 early in their careers. Set against $38,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Center. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, while out-of-state students pay about $30,450. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $91,542. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
University Of Southern Indiana placed #15 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Students borrow a median of $25,089 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Southern Indiana generally make around $91,255. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants.
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Jonesboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $26,053 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $48,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At Tyler placed #17 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the city of Tyler, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,512, while out-of-state students pay about $24,512. Students borrow a median of $24,356 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of The University Of Texas At Tyler earn a median of $98,109 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Mount Carmel College Of Nursing is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,600. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Mount Carmel College Of Nursing generally make around $88,238. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Wayne State University landed the #19 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $30,165. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $103,835. That is a strong return on a $30,165 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Western Kentucky University ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $23,665. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $84,066 early in their careers. Set against $23,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $20,455 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $91,063 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #22 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of University. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $21,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Mississippi Main Campus generally make around $91,554. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of St Francis ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Joliet. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,700 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of St Francis earn a median of $94,166 early in their careers. Set against $30,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.
University Of Louisiana Lafayette earned the #24 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $91,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Washington State University earned the #25 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,500. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $54,697. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing:
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Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 188 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 188 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.
