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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Nursing (Income $0-$30k) in the Southeast Region

88 Ranked Colleges
3,025 Degrees Awarded
$27,200 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking.

With 313,362 degrees handed out in 2019-2020, nursing is the 3rd most popular major in the United States. In 2017-2018, nursing graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $67,065 and had an average of $26,282 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southeast region, there were 74,467 nursing graduates with average earnings and debt of $64,095 and $26,787 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 3,025 nursing graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,978 and $116,300 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 88 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in nursing. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality nursing programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the nursing program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Nursing Schools

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for southeast region doctor’s degree nursing students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Nursing (Income $0-$30k) in the Southeast Region

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Out of the 88 schools in the Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Duke University landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Durham, North Carolina, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 140 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s nursing students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree nursing students whose families make $0-$30k list, Duke has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Duke University are $59,140.

Read full report on Nursing at Duke

#2

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
#2 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Vanderbilt University. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 73 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt also took the #2 spot in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt are $50,624, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Nursing at Vanderbilt

#3

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Florida. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Gainesville, Florida, and it awarded 82 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree nursing students whose families make $0-$30k list, UF has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130.

Read more about Nursing at University of Florida

#4

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
#11 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UNC Chapel Hill is a large public school situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It awarded 25 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

UNC Chapel Hill also made our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #11. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are $30,248.

Full UNC Chapel Hill Nursing Report

Out of the 88 schools in the Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Florida International University landed the #5 spot on the list. This large school is located in Miami, Florida, and it awarded 61 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

FIU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida International University are $24,211, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Nursing at Florida International University

#6

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Florida State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. Florida State is a large public school situated in Tallahassee, Florida. It awarded 23 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State University are $26,707, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Nursing at Florida State

With a ranking of #7, University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. USF Tampa is a public institution located in Tampa, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 67 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree nursing students whose families make $0-$30k list, USF Tampa has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Florida - Main Campus are $21,126.

Read full report on Nursing at University of South Florida - Main Campus

#8

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida

University of North Florida did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. Jacksonville, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s nursing degrees to 110 students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at UNF are $21,930, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Nursing at University of North Florida

#9

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
#3 in overall quality

Emory University landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Atlanta, Georgia. It awarded 23 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Emory did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Emory are $44,676, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Nursing at Emory University

#10

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

University of Central Florida ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 17 doctorate’s nursing degrees to qualified students.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UCF are $28,657.

Full UCF Nursing Report

#11

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and it awarded 66 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northern Kentucky University are $17,358.

Read more about Nursing at Northern Kentucky University

#12

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Greensboro ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Greensboro, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s nursing degrees to 101 students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro are $21,918, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Nursing at UNC Greensboro

#13

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #13. Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution located in Fort Myers, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Gulf Coast University are $31,216, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Nursing at Florida Gulf Coast University

#14

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #14. Located in Boca Raton, Florida, this large public school awarded 45 degrees to qualified doctorate’s nursing students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at FAU are $18,482, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Nursing at Florida Atlantic University

#15

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Virginia - Main Campus landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Virginia - Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, Virginia and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 26 doctorate’s nursing degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree nursing students whose families make $0-$30k list, University of Virginia has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Virginia - Main Campus are $32,394, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Nursing at University of Virginia - Main Campus

#16

Marshall University

Huntington, West Virginia

With a ranking of #16, Marshall University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Huntington, West Virginia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s nursing degrees to 30 students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Marshall University are $21,162, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Nursing at Marshall University

#17

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia

Augusta University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Augusta, Georgia, this medium-sized public school awarded 42 degrees to qualified doctorate’s nursing students in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Augusta University are $20,712.

Full Augusta University Nursing Report

#18

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

With a ranking of #18, Shepherd University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Shepherd University is a public institution located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Shepherd University are $12,402.

Read full report on Nursing at Shepherd University

With a ranking of #19, The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UT Chattanooga is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 16 doctorate’s nursing degrees to qualified students.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga are $18,334.

Full UT Chattanooga Nursing Report

#20

University of Mississippi

University, Mississippi

University of Mississippi landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University, Mississippi is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s nursing degrees to 7 students in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Ole Miss are $25,099.

Read more about Nursing at University of Mississippi

#21

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Richmond, Virginia, this large public school awarded 60 degrees to qualified doctorate’s nursing students in 2019-2020.

VCU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Virginia Commonwealth University are $29,228, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Nursing at VCU

#22

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky State University landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This small school is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at KY State are $12,650, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Nursing at KY State

#23 in overall quality

With a ranking of #23, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UT Knoxville is a large school located in Knoxville, Tennessee that handed out 12 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UT Knoxville, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville are $31,798.

Read more about Nursing at UT Knoxville

#24

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#13 in overall quality

University of South Carolina - Columbia ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of South Carolina - Columbia is located in Columbia, South Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 18 doctorate’s nursing degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UofSC, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Carolina - Columbia are $30,160, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Nursing at University of South Carolina - Columbia

#25

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

East Carolina University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. East Carolina University is a large school located in Greenville, North Carolina that handed out 59 doctorate’s nursing degrees in 2019-2020.

ECU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Nursing Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at ECU are $20,685, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Nursing at ECU

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Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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