2026 Best Value Healthcare Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Healthcare associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 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 reviewed 913 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 Healthcare Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Coahoma Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Healthcare associate's degree schools in the United States. Located in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,490. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,745. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Coahoma Community College
You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
You'll get strong value at Clovis Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, while out-of-state students pay about $3,344. Students borrow a median of $11,082 to complete their Healthcare program here. Clovis Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,082 median debt. More on Clovis Community College
Out of the 913 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Central Arizona College landed the #4 spot. Central Arizona College is a public school based in Coolidge, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Central Arizona College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,635 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Arizona College report
You'll get strong value at Panola College, which ranked #5 this year. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Median earnings reach $36,072 ten years out. Read more about Panola College
Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Seattle Community College Central Campus Healthcare students take on a median of $14,699 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Seattle Community College Central Campus profile
Hutchinson Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $18,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $18,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hutchinson Community College profile
Alvin Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Alvin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Typical Healthcare student debt is $8,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,762. That is a strong return on a $8,600 median debt. See the full Alvin Community College profile
Highline Community College placed #9 among the best-value Healthcare schools in the United States. This public school is set in Des Moines, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,772, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $8,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,869. Set against $8,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Highline Community College
Camden County College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,999 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. Read more about Camden County College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Newport, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $10,925 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Neosho County Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,704. Students borrow a median of $13,209 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $45,966 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. Read the full report on Neosho County Community College
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Healthcare program debt is $12,799. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt. Read more about College Of The Mainland
American Public University System landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. The median Healthcare program debt is $23,438. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on American Public University System
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. Rochester Community And Technical College Healthcare students take on a median of $20,291 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
South Plains College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. Typical Healthcare student debt is $13,788. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
South Louisiana Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Students borrow a median of $12,435 to complete their Healthcare program here. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. Set against $12,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Louisiana Community College
Amarillo College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. The median Healthcare program debt is $15,720. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Centralia College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Centralia College is a public school based in Centralia, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,140. Read more about Centralia College
Wayne County Community College District landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Wayne County Community College District is a public school based in Detroit, MI. Students from in state pay about $3,112 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $20,820. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,079 ten years after entry. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wayne County Community College District
Seattle Community College North Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College North Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Graduates carry a median of $16,643 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,728. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Seattle Community College North Campus report
Wharton County Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Wharton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Wharton County Junior College Healthcare students take on a median of $10,916 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
New Mexico State University Carlsbad offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $10,284. Get the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad report
Central Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Typical Healthcare student debt is $10,277. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. More on Central Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Wenatchee Valley College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,552, while out-of-state students pay about $5,054. Typical Healthcare student debt is $11,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,127. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. More on Wenatchee Valley College
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Healthcare program debt is $14,557. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
Northcentral Technical College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete their Healthcare program here. Northcentral Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,925 a decade after entry. Set against $11,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northcentral Technical College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $4,662. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville Healthcare students take on a median of $9,265 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,706 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Merced College placed #29 among the best-value Healthcare 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, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $9,024 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,815. That is a strong return on a $9,024 median debt. Read more about Merced College
Tyler Junior College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Tyler Junior College Healthcare students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Bossier Parish Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,268 in tuition and fees. Bossier Parish Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $20,593 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,502 ten years out. Set against $20,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bossier Parish Community College report
Southern Regional Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Southern Regional Technical College is a public school based in Thomasville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,007 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,575. Typical Healthcare student debt is $9,086. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,293 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southern Regional Technical College report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Healthcare students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Northwest Technical College placed #35 among the best-value Healthcare schools in the United States. Located in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,254. Northwest Technical College Healthcare students take on a median of $31,053 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,930. Set against $31,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northwest Technical College
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. The median Healthcare program debt is $19,223. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,254 ten years after entry. Set against $19,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Houston Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College placed #36 among the best-value Healthcare schools in the United States. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,342 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Typical Healthcare student debt is $12,479. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,505. That is a strong return on a $12,479 median debt. Get the full Northwest Arkansas Community College report
North Hennepin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,142. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Fennimore, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,904, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $12,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Lee College placed #40 among the best-value Healthcare schools in the United States. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Lee College Healthcare students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. Get the full Lee College report
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Anoka, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Typical Healthcare student debt is $18,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Anoka Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #41 among the best-value Healthcare schools in the United States. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,734 median debt. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Athens Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. Athens Technical College Healthcare students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,951 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. More on Athens Technical College
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. The median Healthcare program debt is $15,865. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Washington State Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Marietta, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Graduates carry a median of $16,291 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,988. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt. Get the full Washington State Community College report
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Healthcare students take on a median of $16,812 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Lake Region State College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,520 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,784 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,502 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,784 median debt. More on Lake Region State College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. San Jacinto Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,376 in debt. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,219. L E Fletcher Technical Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $5,396 in debt. L E Fletcher Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Get the full L E Fletcher Technical Community College report
Spokane Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $16,486 in student loans. Spokane Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,984 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Spokane Community College profile
Related Healthcare Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Healthcare Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Healthcare Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Healthcare Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Healthcare Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Healthcare Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Healthcare Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Healthcare Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 913 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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