by our College Data Analytics Team
[Registered Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/registered-nursing/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for registered nursing students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the registered nursing degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Salish Kootenai College, our #1 best value for registered nursing in Montana. Located in the rural area of Pablo, Salish Kootenai College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,311, while out-of-state students pay about $11,583. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $52,607.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Flathead Valley Community College earned it the #2 place for registered nursing. Located in the town of Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,912, with out-of-state students paying around $11,659. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $21,187. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Flathead Valley Community College generally make around $71,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Miles Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the town of Miles City, Miles Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,500, while out-of-state students pay about $11,220. Students borrow a median of $29,199 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Miles Community College generally make around $67,708. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Great Falls College Montana State University one of the best values for registered nursing. Set in the city of Great Falls, Great Falls College Montana State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,028 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,911. Median earnings reach $38,034 ten years out.
Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Helena College University Of Montana, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Helena, Helena College University Of Montana is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,106 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,278 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,692 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $63,902. Set against $29,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Montana State University Northern placed #6 among the best values for registered nursing. Montana State University Northern is a small public school located in the town of Havre. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,982, while out-of-state students pay about $21,875. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $30,486 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Montana State University Northern generally make around $77,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the town of Butte, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $35,839 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered 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 landed the #8 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,280 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,897. Students borrow a median of $29,869 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Montana State University Billings generally make around $72,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Montana landed the #9 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $34,743 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $67,743 early in their careers. Set against $34,743 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.
University Of Great Falls landed the #10 spot for registered nursing value this year. University Of Great Falls is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Great Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,448. Students borrow a median of $23,847 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of Great Falls earn a median of $101,187 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,847 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
Montana State University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Montana State University is a large public school located in the city of Bozeman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $86,654. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Carroll College landed the #12 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the city of Helena, Carroll College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,484. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Carroll College earn a median of $75,007 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carroll College admits about 71% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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.
