2026 Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2207 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found New Mexico Junior College to be the best-value Nursing school in the United States. Set in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,440, with out-of-state students paying around $2,280. The median Nursing program debt is $13,472. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,233 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full New Mexico Junior College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Coahoma Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Coahoma Community College is a public school based in Clarksdale, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,490. The median Nursing program debt is $17,846. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,289. That is a strong return on a $17,846 median debt. More on Coahoma Community College
Oglala Lakota College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Set in Kyle, SD, Oglala Lakota College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,684. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $22,517. Read more about Oglala Lakota College
Out of the 2207 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Clovis Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Clovis, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,592 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,020. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. See the full Clovis Community College profile
A rank of #5 makes Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students borrow a median of $19,224 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $115,318. Set against $19,224 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Southeast Community College Area landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,814. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Seattle Community College Central Campus placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. Seattle Community College Central Campus Nursing students take on a median of $18,312 in debt. Seattle Community College Central Campus alumni report median earnings of $43,307 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Seattle Community College Central Campus profile
Highline Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,869 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Highline Community College
Central Arizona College placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Central Arizona College Nursing students take on a median of $16,300 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,513. Set against $16,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Arizona College
Panola College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,352, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Median earnings reach $36,072 ten years out. More on Panola College
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $18,847 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $18,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Arkansas State University Newport offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Arkansas State University Newport is a public school based in Newport, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,524. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Arkansas State University Newport
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. 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. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Neosho County Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Neosho County Community College is a public school based in Chanute, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,704. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,877. Median earnings reach $45,966 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,877 median debt. Get the full Neosho County Community College report
Cloud County Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Graduates carry a median of $22,268 in student loans. Cloud County Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,883 a decade after entry. 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. Located in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,305. Graduates carry a median of $5,606 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. That is a strong return on a $5,606 median debt. More on Sowela Technical Community College
South Plains College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on South Plains College
Wayne County Community College District placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. Students from in state pay about $3,112 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,067. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,487. Median earnings reach $29,079 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
Camden County College placed #19 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. The median Nursing program debt is $22,600. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Camden County College
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Rochester Community And Technical College is a public school based in Rochester, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,389. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $45,287 ten years out. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
Southern Regional Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Thomasville, GA, Southern Regional Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,007 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,575 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,531 to complete their Nursing program here. 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. Get the full Southern Regional Technical College report
South Louisiana Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $23,354 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on South Louisiana Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. Students borrow a median of $12,654 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $33,706 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,654 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Alvin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,231. Median earnings reach $45,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alvin Community College report
Centralia College placed #25 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Centralia College is a public school based in Centralia, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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 placed #26 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,552, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,644. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wenatchee Valley College
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $17,882. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
New Mexico State University Carlsbad placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, while out-of-state students pay about $4,008. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Nursing students take on a median of $16,467 in debt. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Tyler Junior College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Hutchinson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set 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. Hutchinson Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Northwest Technical College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,254. Northwest Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $31,053 in debt. Northwest Technical College alumni report median earnings of $42,930 a decade after entry. Set against $31,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Technical College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $26,235. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $26,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Clarendon College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,788. 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 more about Clarendon College
Lee College placed #34 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based 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. Lee College Nursing students take on a median of $14,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,178. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. Read the full report on Lee College
Wharton County Junior College placed #35 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Graduates carry a median of $13,346 in student loans. 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 more about Wharton County Junior College
Delgado Community College placed #36 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Students borrow a median of $35,330 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,305. Set against $35,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Delgado Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,176 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,438 ten years after entry. Set against $22,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Louisiana Delta Community College
San Jacinto Community College placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Nursing program debt is $13,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. 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. Get the full Athens Technical College report
Central Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $14,805 in student loans. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Set against $14,805 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Community College
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Nursing program debt is $17,187. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $17,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on El Centro College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,924 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
North Hennepin Community College placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,779. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $27,779 median debt. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bentonville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,602. Median earnings reach $43,505 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Washington State Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Washington State Community College is a public school based in Marietta, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,128, with out-of-state students paying around $4,152. Washington State Community College Nursing students take on a median of $20,067 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,988 ten years after entry. Set against $20,067 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Washington State Community College
Merced College placed #46 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Based in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,200, compared with $8,520 for out-of-state students. Merced College Nursing students take on a median of $12,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,815. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Merced College
Collin County Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in McKinney, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Collin County Community College District Nursing students take on a median of $13,687 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,701. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
L E Fletcher Technical Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,219. Typical Nursing student debt is $5,396. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,189 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Oakland Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,010 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. Set against $16,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Northeast Texas Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,980 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,620. Northeast Texas Community College Nursing students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,870. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Get the full Northeast Texas Community College report
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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
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 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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