by our College Data Analytics Team
[Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value nursing schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the nursing degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Salish Kootenai College the best value for a degree in nursing in Montana. Located in the rural area of Pablo, Salish Kootenai College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $4,311 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,583 for out-of-state students. Early-career nursing graduates make about $52,607.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Flathead Valley Community College earned it the #2 place for nursing. Located in the town of Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,912, compared with $11,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,187 to complete the nursing program here. Nursing graduates of Flathead Valley Community College earn a median of $71,348 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,187 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Miles Community College one of the best values for nursing. Located in the town of Miles City, Miles Community College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,500, while out-of-state students pay about $11,220. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $29,199. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Miles Community College generally make around $67,708. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Great Falls College Montana State University, which ranked #4. Great Falls College Montana State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Great Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,028, with out-of-state students paying around $12,911. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,034.
Students looking for strong value in nursing will find it at Helena College University Of Montana, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Helena, Helena College University Of Montana is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,106, while out-of-state students pay about $11,278. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $29,692. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Helena College University Of Montana generally make around $63,902. That is a strong return on a $29,692 median debt.
Montana State University Northern landed the #6 spot for nursing value this year. Set in the town of Havre, Montana State University Northern is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,982, with out-of-state students paying around $21,875. Students borrow a median of $30,486 to complete the nursing program here. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Montana State University Northern generally make around $77,121. That is a strong return on a $30,486 median debt.
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing schools. Located in the town of Butte, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Typical student debt for nursing graduates is $35,839. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients from Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana generally make around $74,338. Set against $35,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Montana State University Billings placed #8 among the best values for nursing. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,280, compared with $22,897 for out-of-state students. Nursing graduates carry a median of $29,869 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $72,000. That is a strong return on a $29,869 median debt.
The University Of Montana ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing schools. Located in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $34,743 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $67,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of Great Falls placed #10 among the best values for nursing. Set in the city of Great Falls, University Of Great Falls is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,448. Students borrow a median of $23,847 to complete the nursing program here. Early-career nursing graduates make about $101,187. Set against $23,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.
Montana State University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing schools. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Nursing graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Nursing graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $86,654 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Carroll College placed #12 among the best values for nursing. Carroll College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Helena. Students from in state pay about $41,484 in tuition and fees. Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career nursing graduates make about $75,007. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
This list is compiled 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
