2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants undergraduate certificate 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 help you make your decision, 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Coahoma Community College, our #1 best-value Practical Nursing Assistants school in the United States. Located in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,490. Graduates carry a median of $10,788 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,788 median debt. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College
A rank of #2 makes Clovis Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Graduates carry a median of $9,995 in student loans. 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
A rank of #3 makes Southeast Community College Area one of the best values in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $15,985 in debt. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,985 median debt. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
You'll get strong value at New Mexico Junior College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,440, with out-of-state students paying around $2,280. New Mexico Junior College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $9,986 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,233 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full New Mexico Junior College profile
Northwest Louisiana Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Practical Nursing Assistants ranking in the United States. Based in Minden, LA, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,109. Graduates carry a median of $14,354 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,503 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,354 median debt. More on Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College placed #6 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,098, while out-of-state students pay about $4,363. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $29,558 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Northwest Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Springdale, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184. Median earnings reach $41,513 ten years out. Get the full Northwest Technical Institute report
Cloud County Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Cloud County Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $12,839 in debt. Cloud County Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,883 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cloud County Community College report
South Louisiana Community College placed #9 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $20,214. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Arkansas State University Newport came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,300. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,524. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Arkansas State University Newport profile
Central Community College placed #11 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read the full report on Central Community College
Panola College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. See the full Panola College profile
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Amarillo College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,302 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Amarillo College report
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #14 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $10,041. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,041 median debt. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Northshore Technical Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Northshore Technical Community College is a public school based in Lacombe, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,299. Northshore Technical Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $19,696 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,734. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northshore Technical Community College profile
Sowela Technical Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,305. Sowela Technical Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $8,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Sowela Technical Community College
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,875 median debt. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Neosho County Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chanute, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,704. Neosho County Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $13,150 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,966 ten years after entry. Set against $13,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Neosho County Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College placed #19 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,499 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. Set against $14,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Victoria College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,976, with out-of-state students paying around $5,328. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $10,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,382. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. Read the full report on Victoria College
South Plains College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. South Plains College is a public school based in Levelland, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Graduates carry a median of $16,705 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. That is a strong return on a $16,705 median debt. See the full South Plains College profile
Coastal Pines Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waycross, GA, Coastal Pines Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Coastal Pines Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,214 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College
Washington State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, with out-of-state students paying around $4,152. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $16,059. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Washington State Community College report
Northland Community And Technical College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. Northland Community And Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $19,131 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $19,131 median debt. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College placed #24 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Alexandria Technical And Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $13,671 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,393 ten years after entry. Set against $13,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
El Centro College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,470 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on El Centro College
Alvin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Alvin, TX. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Students borrow a median of $10,215 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Alvin Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,762 a decade after entry. Set against $10,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Alvin Community College
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
Athens Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Athens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,951 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens Technical College profile
Louisiana Delta Community College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,159. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $20,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
Clarendon College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Clarendon College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,789 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Clarendon College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. San Jacinto Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,062. Set against $14,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on San Jacinto Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public school based in Morrilton, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $4,728. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,758. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,924. Set against $13,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Hutchinson Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,210 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hutchinson Community College
Lake Region State College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,520. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,502 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Region State College
Garden City Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Garden City, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,690, compared with $4,320 for out-of-state students. Garden City Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,338 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,704. Set against $14,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Garden City Community College
Mid Plains Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in North Platte, NE, Mid Plains Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $4,530. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $14,596. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,059. That is a strong return on a $14,596 median debt. Read the full report on Mid Plains Community College
Hennepin Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Students borrow a median of $16,466 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $16,466 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $9,113 in debt. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville alumni report median earnings of $33,706 a decade after entry. Set against $9,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville profile
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $14,104. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,899. Set against $14,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $23,836 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,836 median debt. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
The University Of Texas At Brownsville ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Brownsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Graduates carry a median of $10,102 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,900. That is a strong return on a $10,102 median debt. Read more about The University Of Texas At Brownsville
New Mexico State University Carlsbad placed #44 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Set in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $10,284 in debt. See the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad profile
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Students borrow a median of $17,600 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Camden County College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,999. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. More on Camden County College
Southeastern Community College West Burlington placed #48 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a public school based in West Burlington, IA. Students from in state pay about $6,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,570. Graduates carry a median of $16,920 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,882 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,920 median debt. See the full Southeastern Community College West Burlington profile
Rochester Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Graduates carry a median of $20,228 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $20,228 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
Wharton County Junior College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,192 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Students borrow a median of $9,985 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,960 ten years after entry. Set against $9,985 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
Related Practical Nursing Assistants Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants 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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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