2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1309 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Sowela Technical Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants associate's degree schools in the United States. Sowela Technical Community College is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,305. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,303 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Sowela Technical Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State College Of Science earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,974, while out-of-state students pay about $6,973. Graduates carry a median of $24,385 in student loans. North Dakota State College Of Science alumni report median earnings of $50,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on North Dakota State College Of Science
A rank of #3 makes Central Louisiana Technical Community College one of the best values in the United States. Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,098, with out-of-state students paying around $4,363. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $9,500. Central Louisiana Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,558 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
You'll get strong value at Merced College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $6,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,815 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,250 median debt. More on Merced College
You'll get strong value at Del Mar College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,500, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Del Mar College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,656 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Del Mar College
Hennepin Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $16,466 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Cuesta College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,350, while out-of-state students pay about $11,010. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $18,958. Median earnings reach $46,047 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,958 median debt. More on Cuesta College
Imperial Valley College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Imperial, CA, Imperial Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,126, with out-of-state students paying around $8,830. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $6,176. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,487 ten years after entry. Set against $6,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Imperial Valley College profile
Butte College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Oroville, CA, Butte College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,356 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,276. Graduates carry a median of $13,382 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,810. Set against $13,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Butte College report
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Santa Barbara City College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,240, with out-of-state students paying around $10,432. Students borrow a median of $21,090 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,647. That is a strong return on a $21,090 median debt. Read the full report on Santa Barbara City College
Napa Valley College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. Napa Valley College alumni report median earnings of $49,517 a decade after entry. See the full Napa Valley College profile
College Of The Redwoods ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Eureka, CA, College Of The Redwoods is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,196 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,852. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,243 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. See the full College Of The Redwoods profile
Ata College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. Students from in state pay about $14,200 in tuition and fees. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $30,663. Median earnings reach $34,577 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,663 median debt. Get the full Ata College report
Riverside City College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Riverside, CA, Riverside City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. Graduates carry a median of $11,424 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,091. Set against $11,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Riverside City College
Sacramento City College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Sacramento City College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,180. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,214. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sacramento City College
Santa Rosa Junior College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $14,692. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,224. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt. More on Santa Rosa Junior College
Reedley College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Reedley College is a public school based in Reedley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,493. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Reedley College profile
Dickinson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,118. Graduates carry a median of $18,807 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,807 median debt. Dickinson State University admits about 37% of applicants. Read more about Dickinson State University
College Of The Desert placed #20 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Palm Desert, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,326, with out-of-state students paying around $10,174. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $7,826. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,826 median debt. More on College Of The Desert
Rio Hondo College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Whittier, CA, Rio Hondo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,388, while out-of-state students pay about $9,884. Students borrow a median of $15,510 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $44,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rio Hondo College report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo placed #22 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Set in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,117. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,539. That is a strong return on a $9,117 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Mission College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Clara, CA, Mission College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,438, compared with $12,500 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,223 in student loans. Mission College alumni report median earnings of $50,936 a decade after entry. Set against $17,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mission College profile
College Of The Siskiyous landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Weed, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,394. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,098 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Siskiyous report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Barranquitas, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $5,742 in tuition and fees. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $4,217. Median earnings reach $23,204 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Universidad Del Turabo placed #26 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Students borrow a median of $20,137 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $26,223 ten years out. Set against $20,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Media, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,850. Students borrow a median of $24,218 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $35,703 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,218 median debt. More on Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology
Quinsigamond Community College placed #28 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Quinsigamond Community College is a public school based in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,262, while out-of-state students pay about $11,206. Quinsigamond Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $19,771 in debt. Quinsigamond Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,949 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Quinsigamond Community College
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit school based in Mercedita, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,780 in tuition and fees. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $7,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,721. That is a strong return on a $7,869 median debt. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Arkansas Tech University placed #30 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Arkansas Tech University is a public school based in Russellville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $23,983. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,766 ten years after entry. Set against $23,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Arkansas Tech University
Remington College Memphis Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Remington College Memphis Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $17,083 in tuition and fees. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $18,178. Remington College Memphis Campus alumni report median earnings of $31,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Remington College Memphis Campus profile
Platt College Los Angeles ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Alhambra, CA, Platt College Los Angeles is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,847. Students borrow a median of $14,290 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,669 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Platt College Los Angeles
Caribbean University Bayamon placed #34 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Bayamon, PR, Caribbean University Bayamon is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,844. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $22,842 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Caribbean University Bayamon report
Snow College placed #34 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Set in Ephraim, UT, Snow College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,338, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Snow College
Fortis Institute Scranton came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, Fortis Institute Scranton is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,348. Fortis Institute Scranton Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $26,749 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,224. Set against $26,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fortis Institute Scranton
Central Oklahoma College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. Students borrow a median of $9,533 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $21,213. That is a strong return on a $9,533 median debt. See the full Central Oklahoma College profile
Pitc Institute placed #37 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Set in Wyncote, PA, Pitc Institute is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $20,241 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,389 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pitc Institute
Platt College Tulsa ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This private for-profit school is set in Tulsa, OK. Graduates carry a median of $21,879 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,102. Set against $21,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Platt College Tulsa
Carrington College California Sacramento landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Sacramento, CA, Carrington College California Sacramento is a private for-profit institution. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $25,104. Carrington College California Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $39,633 a decade after entry. Set against $25,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Carrington College California Sacramento
Unitek College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Fremont, CA, Unitek College is a private for-profit institution. Unitek College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $20,077 in debt. Median earnings reach $79,550 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Unitek College
Pacific College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Costa Mesa, CA, Pacific College is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $16,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $70,064 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,125 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Pacific College
Gurnick Academy Of Medical Arts offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in San Jose, CA, Gurnick Academy Of Medical Arts is a private for-profit institution. Gurnick Academy Of Medical Arts Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $18,956 in debt. Gurnick Academy Of Medical Arts alumni report median earnings of $66,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gurnick Academy Of Medical Arts
San Joaquin Valley College Visalia offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Visalia, CA, San Joaquin Valley College Visalia is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $38,317 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Get the full San Joaquin Valley College Visalia report
Carrington College California San Jose came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, Carrington College California San Jose is a private for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $25,104 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,633. Set against $25,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Carrington College California San Jose
Central Piedmont Community College placed #45 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Get the full Central Piedmont Community College report
Delgado Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read more about Delgado Community College
Laredo Community College placed #47 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. See the full Laredo Community College profile
Monmouth County Vocational School District placed #48 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Read the full report on Monmouth County Vocational School District
New Mexico Junior College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full New Mexico Junior College report
Northern New Mexico College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Northern New Mexico College
Related Practical Nursing Assistants Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1309 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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