2026 Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2207 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
New Mexico Junior College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,440 in tuition and fees, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,472 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,233 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,472 median debt. Get the full New Mexico Junior College report
Coahoma Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Based in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,490. Students borrow a median of $17,846 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Coahoma Community College
You'll get strong value at Oglala Lakota College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Kyle, SD, Oglala Lakota College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,684. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $22,517. Get the full Oglala Lakota College report
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Clovis Community College landed the #4 spot. Set in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, while out-of-state students pay about $3,344. The median Nursing program debt is $12,250. Median earnings reach $34,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clovis Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health earned it the #5 place in the United States. Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The median Nursing program debt is $19,224. Graduates go on to earn a median of $115,318 ten years after entry. Set against $19,224 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health report
Southeast Community College Area placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Nursing students take on a median of $25,814 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Seattle Community College Central Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Graduates carry a median of $18,312 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,307. Set against $18,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Seattle Community College Central Campus
Highline Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. More on Highline Community College
Central Arizona College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,250, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,300. Median earnings reach $40,513 ten years out. Set against $16,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Arizona College
Panola College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. Get the full Panola College report
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,847. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $18,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Amarillo College report
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Arkansas State University Newport Nursing students take on a median of $18,375 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,524. That is a strong return on a $18,375 median debt. Read more about Arkansas State University Newport
College Of The Mainland ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about College Of The Mainland
Neosho County Community College placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chanute, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,704 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,877 to complete their Nursing program here. Neosho County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,966 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Neosho County Community College
Cloud County Community College placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Concordia, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,268. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,883. Set against $22,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cloud County Community College
Sowela Technical Community College placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Sowela Technical Community College is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. Sowela Technical Community College Nursing students take on a median of $5,606 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. Set against $5,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sowela Technical Community College
South Plains College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Plains College
Wayne County Community College District came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,487 to complete their Nursing program here. Wayne County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $29,079 a decade after entry. Set against $24,487 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wayne County Community College District
Camden County College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. The median Nursing program debt is $22,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Camden County College
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,389. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Southern Regional Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Thomasville, GA, Southern Regional Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,007, compared with $5,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,531 in student loans. Southern Regional Technical College alumni report median earnings of $31,293 a decade after entry. Set against $10,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Regional Technical College
South Louisiana Community College placed #22 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,210 in tuition and fees. South Louisiana Community College Nursing students take on a median of $23,354 in debt. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. Set against $23,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,662. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,654. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,706 ten years after entry. Set against $12,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Alvin Community College placed #24 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Students borrow a median of $14,231 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Alvin Community College
Centralia College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Centralia, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. Median earnings reach $43,140 ten years out. Read more about Centralia College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Wenatchee Valley College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,552, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,644. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. Set against $14,644 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wenatchee Valley College report
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,882 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,882 median debt. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
New Mexico State University Carlsbad placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Carlsbad, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,176, while out-of-state students pay about $4,008. Students borrow a median of $16,467 to complete their Nursing program here. More on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Tyler Junior College Nursing students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Hutchinson Community College placed #30 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,889 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hutchinson Community College report
Northwest Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Northwest Technical College is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,254. Students borrow a median of $31,053 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,930. Set against $31,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Technical College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,235 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Madison Area Technical College
Clarendon College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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 Nursing students take on a median of $23,788 in debt. Clarendon College alumni report median earnings of $38,696 a decade after entry. Set against $23,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Clarendon College
Lee College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Students borrow a median of $14,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,178. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. More on Lee College
Wharton County Junior College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,346 to complete their Nursing program here. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. Set against $13,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wharton County Junior College
Delgado Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. The median Nursing program debt is $35,330. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. Set against $35,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delgado Community College report
Louisiana Delta Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,159. The median Nursing program debt is $22,176. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $22,176 median debt. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
San Jacinto Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Athens Technical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $35,951 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. More on Athens Technical College
Central Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,805 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Community College
El Centro College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. The median Nursing program debt is $17,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about El Centro College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $4,728. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton Nursing students take on a median of $18,565 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,924. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton profile
North Hennepin Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. The median Nursing program debt is $27,779. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public school based in Bentonville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,602 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,505. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Arkansas Community College profile
Washington State Community College placed #45 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Washington State Community College Nursing students take on a median of $20,067 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,988 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Washington State Community College
Merced College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,200, compared with $8,520 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Merced College alumni report median earnings of $37,815 a decade after entry. Set against $12,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Merced College profile
Collin County Community College District placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,687. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. Set against $13,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Collin County Community College District
L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,219 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $5,396. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,189 ten years after entry. Set against $5,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full L E Fletcher Technical Community College profile
Oakland Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $16,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Northeast Texas Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,980, compared with $5,620 for out-of-state students. Northeast Texas Community College Nursing students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,870 ten years after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Texas Community College
Related Nursing Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing 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 2207 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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