2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1309 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Northwest Louisiana Technical College, our #1 best-value Practical Nursing Assistants school in the United States. This public school is set in Minden, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,109. Graduates carry a median of $14,354 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,503. Set against $14,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwest Louisiana Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Neosho County Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,704 in tuition and fees. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $13,150. Median earnings reach $45,966 ten years out. Set against $13,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Neosho County Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clovis Community College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Clovis Community College is a public school based in Clovis, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,592, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Students borrow a median of $9,995 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Clovis Community College profile
A rank of #4 makes Hutchinson Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Hutchinson Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $13,210 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $13,210 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
You'll get strong value at Western Iowa Tech Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Western Iowa Tech Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,499 in debt. Western Iowa Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,473 a decade after entry. Set against $14,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Madison Area Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Graduates carry a median of $16,812 in student loans. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Coastal Pines Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Waycross, GA, Coastal Pines Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,268 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,836. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $7,500. Coastal Pines Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College
Centralia College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Centralia College is a public school based in Centralia, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,140. See the full Centralia College profile
Garden City Community College placed #9 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,704. Set against $14,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Garden City Community College
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Moraine Park Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $7,000 in debt. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,000 median debt. Get the full Moraine Park Technical College report
Century College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $21,332. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. Get the full Century College report
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton placed #12 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. Students borrow a median of $13,758 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton alumni report median earnings of $34,924 a decade after entry. Set against $13,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Alvin Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,215. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,762. Set against $10,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alvin Community College report
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, compared with $4,662 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,113. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville alumni report median earnings of $33,706 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,113 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Johnson County Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Johnson County Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $12,406 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,406 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,104. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,899 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,104 median debt. More on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport placed #17 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $11,300 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Arkansas State University Newport alumni report median earnings of $41,524 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,300 median debt. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College placed #20 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Janesville, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. Graduates carry a median of $7,209 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,620. That is a strong return on a $7,209 median debt. See the full Blackhawk Technical College profile
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,479. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins alumni report median earnings of $30,848 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $30,864 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Dodge City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Dodge City, KS, Dodge City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,650, with out-of-state students paying around $5,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,427. More on Dodge City Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Anoka Technical College placed #25 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,000. Anoka Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,746 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Anoka Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northcentral Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Graduates carry a median of $9,554 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,925 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,554 median debt. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
Chattahoochee Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Chattahoochee Technical College is a public school based in Marietta, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,108. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $9,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,138. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chattahoochee Technical College profile
Northshore Technical Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lacombe, LA, Northshore Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,299. Students borrow a median of $19,696 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $29,734 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,696 median debt. See the full Northshore Technical Community College profile
Seward County Community College And Area Technical School ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Liberal, KS, Seward County Community College And Area Technical School is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,032, compared with $5,408 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $11,350. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,445 ten years after entry. Set against $11,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Seward County Community College And Area Technical School report
Inver Hills Community College placed #30 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,160. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,898 ten years after entry. Set against $20,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Inver Hills Community College report
Southern Regional Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Southern Regional Technical College is a public school based in Thomasville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,007, with out-of-state students paying around $5,575. Graduates carry a median of $11,050 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,293. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southern Regional Technical College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Students borrow a median of $14,829 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,264 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,829 median debt. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $13,954 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Barton County Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Great Bend, KS, Barton County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,680, compared with $4,960 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,125. Median earnings reach $40,428 ten years out. Set against $13,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Barton County Community College
Northeast Texas Community College placed #36 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $5,620. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $15,945. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,870. That is a strong return on a $15,945 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Texas Community College
Washburn Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,880. Graduates carry a median of $17,283 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,774 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,283 median debt. Read the full report on Washburn Institute Of Technology
Dakota County Technical College placed #38 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Dakota County Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,010 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,938. Set against $14,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Dakota County Technical College report
Northwest Arkansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,505. Set against $10,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Kansas City Kansas Community College placed #40 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Set in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. Kansas City Kansas Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,795 ten years out. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Kansas City Kansas Community College
Waukesha County Technical College placed #41 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $12,000. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
L E Fletcher Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. Graduates carry a median of $5,396 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,189. Set against $5,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $17,500. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Louisiana Delta Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Louisiana Delta Community College is a public school based in Monroe, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $30,438 ten years out. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Louisiana Delta Community College
Merced College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Merced, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $6,250. Merced College alumni report median earnings of $37,815 a decade after entry. Set against $6,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Merced College
Gwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $18,048. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $20,228. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. Set against $20,228 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rochester Community And Technical College
Rich Mountain Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Mena, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,696 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,272. Rich Mountain Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,037 a decade after entry. More on Rich Mountain Community College
Savannah Technical College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Savannah Technical College is a public school based in Savannah, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,843. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Savannah Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Western Technical College La Cross Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $8,816 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,816 median debt. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile
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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by 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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