2027 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
[Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-nursing/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 165 schools to find the best return on investment for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing students.
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2027 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
Cuny Hunter College earned the #1 spot for value among psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $16,944 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $139,841. That is a strong return on a $16,944 median debt. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing will find it at Florida International University, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,895 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $114,379. Set against $18,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, 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. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of $112,814 early in their careers. Set against $19,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing will find it at Florida Atlantic University, which ranked #4. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $21,070 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $95,703. That is a strong return on a $21,070 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Michigan Flint one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Flint, University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,236, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $39,231 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Michigan Flint generally make around $118,273. That is a strong return on a $39,231 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #6 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. 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. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #7 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $21,379 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $104,997. That is a strong return on a $21,379 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $28,408 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $110,592 early in their careers. Set against $28,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern Indiana ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $25,089. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $113,564 early in their careers. Set against $25,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Western Governors University placed #10 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $22,660 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Western Governors University earn a median of $100,249 early in their careers. Set against $22,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Wayne State University came in at #11 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,165 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $128,146 early in their careers. Set against $30,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants.
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #12 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,053 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $48,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing came in at #13 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Mount Carmel College Of Nursing is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,600 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Mount Carmel College Of Nursing generally make around $106,506. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Carmel College Of Nursing admits about 84% of applicants.
Purdue University Global ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. 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, compared with $14,412 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $38,512 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Purdue University Global generally make around $107,024. That is a strong return on a $38,512 median debt.
The University Of Texas At Tyler landed the #15 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Set in the city of Tyler, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,512, compared with $24,512 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $24,356. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $107,612. Set against $24,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome earned the #16 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Utica, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,625, while out-of-state students pay about $21,215. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $114,619. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Main Campus placed #17 among the best values for psychiatric/mental 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, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. 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 $110,366 early in their careers. Set against $20,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $106,840. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
University Of St Francis earned the #19 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,700 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of St Francis generally make around $112,521. That is a strong return on a $30,700 median debt. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants.
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Students borrow a median of $25,685 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $104,754 early in their careers. Set against $25,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Colorado State University Pueblo earned the #21 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Pueblo, Colorado State University Pueblo is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $27,562 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Colorado State University Pueblo earn a median of $118,401 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.
University Of Missouri Kansas City ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Missouri Kansas City generally make around $121,441. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus earned the #23 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. 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 $92,875. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Arizona University came in at #24 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $24,276 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $100,866. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Vanderbilt University landed the #25 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $109,840. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.
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:
Other Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Degree Levels
Explore the best-value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools at other degree levels:
View All Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 165 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 165 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.
