2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1309 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Northwest Louisiana Technical College this year in the United States. Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public school based in Minden, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,109. Students borrow a median of $14,354 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,503 ten years after entry. Set against $14,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northwest Louisiana Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Neosho County Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,704. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $13,150. Neosho County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,966 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,150 median debt. More on Neosho County Community College
Clovis Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Practical Nursing Assistants ranking in the United States. Set in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,592 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,995. Clovis Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,020 a decade after entry. Set against $9,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Clovis Community College
You'll get strong value at Hutchinson Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,210. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Out of the 1309 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #5 spot. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Graduates carry a median of $14,499 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Set against $14,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,812. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Coastal Pines Technical College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Waycross, GA, Coastal Pines Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,268 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,836. Coastal Pines Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,214 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Read more about Coastal Pines Technical College
Centralia College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,140. Read more about Centralia College
Garden City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,690 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,320. Students borrow a median of $14,338 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,704. Set against $14,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Garden City Community College
Moraine Park Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $7,000. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Moraine Park Technical College
Century College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,332 in student loans. Century College alumni report median earnings of $46,424 a decade after entry. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Century College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $4,728. Graduates carry a median of $13,758 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,924 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,758 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton report
Alvin Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Alvin Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $10,215 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Alvin Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. Students borrow a median of $9,113 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,706. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville profile
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,406. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,406 median debt. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Oconee Fall Line Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, while out-of-state students pay about $5,948. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,104. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,899 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Arkansas State University Newport is a public school based in Newport, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,312 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,300. Median earnings reach $41,524 ten years out. Set against $11,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Arkansas State University Newport report
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Chippewa Valley Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Blackhawk Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,747 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $7,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,209 median debt. Read more about Blackhawk Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,448 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,479 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $30,848 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. See the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College profile
Dodge City Community College placed #23 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Dodge City, KS, Dodge City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,650, with out-of-state students paying around $5,850. Dodge City Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,427 a decade after entry. Get the full Dodge City Community College report
Lake Area Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Lake Area Technical Institute Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $17,600 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,267. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northcentral Technical College placed #26 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Northcentral Technical College is a public school based in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $9,554 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,925 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,554 median debt. Read more about Northcentral Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $6,108. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,138. That is a strong return on a $9,616 median debt. Read more about Chattahoochee Technical College
Northshore Technical Community College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Northshore Technical Community College is a public school based in Lacombe, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,299 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,696 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,734. That is a strong return on a $19,696 median debt. Get the full Northshore Technical Community College report
Seward County Community College And Area Technical School placed #29 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Liberal, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,032, compared with $5,408 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,350. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,445. Set against $11,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Seward County Community College And Area Technical School
Inver Hills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,146. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,160. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Southern Regional Technical College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Southern Regional Technical College is a public school based in Thomasville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,007, compared with $5,575 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,050. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,293 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,050 median debt. Read more about Southern Regional Technical College
Gateway Technical College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $14,829. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,264 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,829 median debt. More on Gateway Technical College
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Northland Community And Technical College is a public school based in Thief River Falls, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,289. Students borrow a median of $19,131 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $13,954 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Set against $13,954 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Barton County Community College placed #35 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Great Bend, KS, Barton County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,680, while out-of-state students pay about $4,960. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,428 ten years after entry. Set against $13,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Barton County Community College report
Northeast Texas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,980, compared with $5,620 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,945 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,870. Set against $15,945 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Texas Community College
Washburn Institute Of Technology came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,880. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $17,283. Median earnings reach $49,774 ten years out. Set against $17,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Washburn Institute Of Technology
Dakota County Technical College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Students borrow a median of $14,010 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Dakota County Technical College
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Northwest Arkansas Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $10,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,505 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Arkansas Community College profile
Kansas City Kansas Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,996, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. Graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Kansas City Kansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,795 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kansas City Kansas Community College
Waukesha County Technical College placed #41 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Schriever, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $5,396. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,326. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $17,500. Median earnings reach $38,399 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,159. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $30,438 ten years out. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Louisiana Delta Community College profile
Merced College placed #45 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. 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. Merced College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $6,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,815. Set against $6,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Merced College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Gwinnett Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $18,048 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Gwinnett Technical College
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Rochester Community And Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $20,228 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,287 ten years out. Set against $20,228 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Rich Mountain Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mena, AR, Rich Mountain Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,696 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,272 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,037. More on Rich Mountain Community College
Savannah Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,843. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Savannah Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $8,816 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. Set against $8,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Related Practical Nursing Assistants Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Associate’s 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
This list is compiled 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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