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