2026 Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 463 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search analyzed 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 Health Medical Preparatory Programs Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Coahoma Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,490 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,745 in student loans. Median earnings reach $24,289 ten years out. Set against $11,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Coahoma Community College profile
Out of the 463 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northeast Community College landed the #4 spot. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $14,068. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northeast Community College report
Out of the 463 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Copiah Lincoln Community College landed the #5 spot. Copiah Lincoln Community College is a public school based in Wesson, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $5,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,241. Read the full report on Copiah Lincoln Community College
Mendocino College placed #6 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Set in Ukiah, CA, Mendocino College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,423, compared with $10,003 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Mendocino College alumni report median earnings of $40,243 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mendocino College
Holmes Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Goodman, MS, Holmes Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,710, while out-of-state students pay about $6,610. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,922. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about Holmes Community College
Wayne County Community College District placed #8 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,112 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $20,820. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wayne County Community College District profile
South Plains College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Graduates carry a median of $13,788 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt. Read the full report on South Plains College
Georgia Military College Milledgeville offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,605. Students borrow a median of $13,149 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Median earnings reach $39,257 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,149 median debt. Get the full Georgia Military College Milledgeville report
Howard College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. This public school is set in Big Spring, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,766 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $14,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,382 ten years after entry. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Howard College profile
Barton County Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Great Bend, KS, Barton County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,680 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,960. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $14,792. Median earnings reach $40,428 ten years out. Set against $14,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Barton County Community College profile
San Juan College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Located in Farmington, NM, San Juan College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,910, with out-of-state students paying around $5,393. San Juan College Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $16,150 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,513 ten years out. Set against $16,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Juan College report
East Mississippi Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. East Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Scooba, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $8,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on East Mississippi Community College
Dodge City Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dodge City, KS, Dodge City Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,427. Get the full Dodge City Community College report
Grayson College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Grayson College is a public school based in Denison, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,000 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $11,627. Grayson College alumni report median earnings of $40,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt. See the full Grayson College profile
Temple College placed #17 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Temple College is a public school based in Temple, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $7,524. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $16,617. Median earnings reach $38,678 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,617 median debt. Get the full Temple College report
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $10,942. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Arkansas State University Beebe came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Arkansas State University Beebe is a public school based in Beebe, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $6,625. Arkansas State University Beebe alumni report median earnings of $36,603 a decade after entry. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Arkansas State University Beebe
Essex County College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,415, with out-of-state students paying around $9,523. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $9,499. Essex County College alumni report median earnings of $37,230 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,499 median debt. Read more about Essex County College
Atlantic Cape Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Mays Landing, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,594 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,350 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,867 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Median earnings reach $34,241 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Atlantic Cape Community College report
Casper College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Casper, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,410, compared with $10,710 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $12,598. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,935 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Casper College
College Of Southern Maryland landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Plata, MD, College Of Southern Maryland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,200, compared with $9,450 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,728 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,435 ten years after entry. Set against $9,728 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of Southern Maryland profile
Northeastern Oklahoma Aandm College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Miami, OK, Northeastern Oklahoma Aandm College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,213 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,363 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,337 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. See the full Northeastern Oklahoma Aandm College profile
Tulsa Community College placed #25 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Located in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,792, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $18,744. Median earnings reach $39,746 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,744 median debt. Read more about Tulsa Community College
South Texas College placed #26 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. This public school is set in McAllen, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. South Texas College Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $6,868 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,788. That is a strong return on a $6,868 median debt. Read the full report on South Texas College
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,830, with out-of-state students paying around $6,060. Graduates carry a median of $13,481 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,442. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
College Of The Albemarle offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Elizabeth City, NC, College Of The Albemarle is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,242, with out-of-state students paying around $7,652. Graduates carry a median of $10,240 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,234 ten years after entry. Set against $10,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of The Albemarle profile
Connors State College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Warner, OK, Connors State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,530 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,071 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,469. Set against $16,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Connors State College profile
Eastern Arizona College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. This public school is set in Thatcher, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,552 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,781 in student loans. Eastern Arizona College alumni report median earnings of $38,018 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Eastern Arizona College
Alpena Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Alpena, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,840, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Alpena Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,442 a decade after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Alpena Community College profile
Butler Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in El Dorado, KS, Butler Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,541, with out-of-state students paying around $6,271. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $16,670. Median earnings reach $41,206 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Butler Community College
Hagerstown Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Based in Hagerstown, MD, Hagerstown Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $8,190. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $15,126. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,615. That is a strong return on a $15,126 median debt. Read more about Hagerstown Community College
North Idaho College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. North Idaho College is a public school based in Coeur d'Alene, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,396, while out-of-state students pay about $8,736. Students borrow a median of $14,688 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. North Idaho College alumni report median earnings of $40,081 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,688 median debt. See the full North Idaho College profile
Mitchell Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Statesville, NC, Mitchell Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,651, with out-of-state students paying around $8,795. Mitchell Community College Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $6,313 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,298 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,313 median debt. Read more about Mitchell Community College
Stark State College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. This public school is set in North Canton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $17,349. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,661 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Stark State College
Austin Community College District placed #38 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $14,949. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. Set against $14,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Salem Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Salem Community College is a public school based in Carneys Point, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,360, while out-of-state students pay about $10,260. Students borrow a median of $17,232 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,020. Set against $17,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Salem Community College
College Of Southern Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Twin Falls, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, compared with $6,840 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $11,175. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of Southern Idaho
Durham Technical Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Durham, NC, Durham Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,240, compared with $7,531 for out-of-state students. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $20,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,142. That is a strong return on a $20,408 median debt. See the full Durham Technical Community College profile
Truckee Meadows Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Truckee Meadows Community College is a public school based in Reno, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,352, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Students borrow a median of $12,290 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Median earnings reach $44,573 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Truckee Meadows Community College report
Helena College University Of Montana placed #43 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Set in Helena, MT, Helena College University Of Montana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,278. Helena College University Of Montana Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $19,906 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,738. Set against $19,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Helena College University Of Montana report
Johnston Community College placed #44 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Located in Smithfield, NC, Johnston Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,756 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,900. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $9,490. Median earnings reach $37,310 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Johnston Community College profile
Northwest College placed #45 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. This public school is set in Powell, WY. Students from in state pay about $4,962 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,262. Students borrow a median of $12,996 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Northwest College alumni report median earnings of $36,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt. See the full Northwest College profile
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Perkinston, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Health Medical Preparatory Programs student debt is $6,528. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,017 a decade after entry. Set against $6,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College profile
Western Wyoming Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Set in Rock Springs, WY, Western Wyoming Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,530. Graduates carry a median of $12,628 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Wyoming Community College
Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Located in Media, PA, Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,850 in tuition and fees. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $22,631. Median earnings reach $35,703 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pennsylvania Institute Of Technology
Sandhills Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pinehurst, NC, Sandhills Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,648. Graduates carry a median of $9,238 in student loans. Median earnings reach $31,656 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,238 median debt. More on Sandhills Community College
Rose State College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Midwest City, OK, Rose State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Rose State College Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $14,236 in debt. Rose State College alumni report median earnings of $37,555 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Rose State College
Quinsigamond Community College placed #51 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Located in Worcester, MA, Quinsigamond Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,262 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,206. Quinsigamond Community College Health Medical Preparatory Programs students take on a median of $18,456 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,949. That is a strong return on a $18,456 median debt. Read the full report on Quinsigamond Community College
University Of Alaska Anchorage ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools. Located in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,961 to complete their Health Medical Preparatory Programs program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,871 ten years after entry. Set against $21,961 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Davidson County Community College placed #53 among the best-value Health Medical Preparatory Programs schools in the United States. Located in Thomasville, NC, Davidson County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,980 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,588. The median Health Medical Preparatory Programs program debt is $16,693. Median earnings reach $36,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Davidson County Community College
Related Health Medical Preparatory Programs Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Health Medical Preparatory Programs Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 463 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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