Best State Schools for Nursing: Where RNs Earn the Most

When it comes to nursing, you don't need to attend an Ivy League school to get a world-class education. Many state schools produce graduates who earn just as much — or more — than their private school peers, at a fraction of the cost.

Why State Schools for Nursing?

State universities offer three key advantages for nursing students:

1. Lower cost — In-state tuition is typically $10,000-$15,000/yr vs $50,000+ at private schools
2. Faster break-even — Lower cost means your degree pays for itself years earlier
3. Strong employer relationships — Top state schools often have deep ties with regional and national employers

Top State Schools for Nursing by Salary Outcomes

Public university nursing programs offer some of the best ROI in higher education. Low tuition + high job placement + strong starting salary = fast break-even. Top state school BSN programs can have graduates earning $70K+ within a year of completion.

For the full rankings with Value Scores, salary data, and cost breakdowns: View Nursing Rankings on Ask Kinsley.

How to Choose the Right State School

Don't just look at rankings — look at the data that matters for your wallet:

• Median graduate salary — What do graduates actually earn?
• Net cost — What will you actually pay after financial aid?
• Break-even point — How long until the degree pays for itself?
• Completion rate — Will you actually graduate?

Use Ask Kinsley to compare these metrics side-by-side for any school and major.