2026 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/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 190 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing students.
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2026 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
Cuny Hunter College earned the #1 spot for value among psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Set against $16,944 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Florida International University earned it the #2 place for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. 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 $114,379. Set against $18,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Florida Atlantic University one of the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. 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, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $21,070 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $95,703. Set against $21,070 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.
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. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $19,733. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of $112,814 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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 Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, which ranked #5. 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, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,408 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $110,592. Set against $28,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern Indiana ranked #6 on our 2026 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, 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. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $113,564. That is a strong return on a $25,089 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #7 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,379. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $104,997. Set against $21,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.
University Of Michigan Flint landed the #8 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Located in the city of Flint, University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,236 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $39,231. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $118,273. That is a strong return on a $39,231 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Main Campus earned the #9 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,455 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $110,366 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,455 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome earned the #10 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,625, while out-of-state students pay about $21,215. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome earn a median of $114,619 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #11 position 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, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $19,000. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.
Mcneese State University placed #12 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lake Charles. In-state tuition and fees average $8,489, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Students borrow a median of $26,100 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Mcneese State University generally make around $112,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Kentucky University placed #13 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $25,685 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $104,754. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #14 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $21,450. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $92,875. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Missouri Kansas City ranked #15 on our 2026 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. Students from in state pay about $13,371 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $121,441. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
University Of Utah landed the #16 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $22,106 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $60,527 early in their careers. Set against $22,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern Maine earned the #17 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Portland. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $29,242. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $102,817. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Tyler landed the #18 spot for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value this year. Located in the city of Tyler, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,512, with out-of-state students paying around $24,512. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $24,356 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of The University Of Texas At Tyler earn a median of $107,612 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,356 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Mount Carmel College Of Nursing ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Mount Carmel College Of Nursing is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $27,600. Typical student debt for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates is $27,000. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $106,506. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Global earned the #20 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Purdue University Global is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,101, while out-of-state students pay about $14,412. Students borrow a median of $38,512 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $107,024. That is a strong return on a $38,512 median debt.
Western Kentucky University placed #21 among the best values for psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. 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. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $103,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.
Southeastern Louisiana University earned the #22 position for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the city of Hammond, Southeastern Louisiana University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,373, with out-of-state students paying around $20,851. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $104,763. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing schools. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $30,155 in student loans. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $53,952 early in their careers. Set against $30,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Old Dominion University came in at #24 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Located in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing program here. Soon after graduation, psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $104,712. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #25 for value in psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Teaneck, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse/nursing graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Early-career psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing graduates make about $127,638. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s psychiatric/mental health nurse/nursing value ranking:
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), 2026 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 · 190 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 49 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.
