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2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1309 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College reviewed 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 Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Coahoma Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking 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 Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $10,788. Median earnings reach $24,289 ten years out. Set against $10,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Coahoma Community College
A rank of #2 makes Southeast Community College Area one of the best values in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $15,985 in debt. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
A rank of #3 makes New Mexico Junior College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,440, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,986 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,233. Set against $9,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full New Mexico Junior College profile
You'll get strong value at Northwest Louisiana Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Minden, LA, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,109 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,354 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $32,503 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,354 median debt. Read more about Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Clovis Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Practical Nursing Assistants ranking in the United States. Clovis Community College is a public school based in Clovis, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,592, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $9,995. Median earnings reach $34,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Clovis Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College placed #6 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,363. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Northwest Technical Institute ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Springdale, AR, Northwest Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,513. More on Northwest Technical Institute
Cloud County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set 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. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $12,839. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,883 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,839 median debt. More on Cloud County Community College
South Louisiana Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $20,214. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Neosho County Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chanute, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,704. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $13,150. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Neosho County Community College
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Community College
Panola College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carthage, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,072. Read more about Panola College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Newport, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,300. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,300 median debt. Get the full Arkansas State University Newport report
Hutchinson Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. Students borrow a median of $13,210 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hutchinson Community College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Madison Area Technical College
Western Iowa Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Graduates carry a median of $14,499 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. That is a strong return on a $14,499 median debt. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Amarillo College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. 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. More on Amarillo College
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #18 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Graduates carry a median of $10,041 in student loans. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,041 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Centralia College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,266 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,651. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,140 ten years after entry. Read the full report on Centralia College
Sowela Technical Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,305. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $8,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,303 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sowela Technical Community College
Coastal Pines Technical College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Coastal Pines Technical College is a public school based in Waycross, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, with out-of-state students paying around $5,836. Coastal Pines Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College
Tyler Junior College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Tyler Junior College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $16,875 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,875 median debt. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Universidad Del Turabo placed #23 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $20,137 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Moraine Park Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Graduates carry a median of $7,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Moraine Park Technical College report
Garden City Community College placed #25 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. Students borrow a median of $14,338 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, 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
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $21,332. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. Get the full Century College report
Northshore Technical Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lacombe, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,299. Northshore Technical Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $19,696 in debt. Northshore Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,734 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,696 median debt. See the full Northshore Technical Community College profile
Victoria College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,976 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,328. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,382 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. See the full Victoria College profile
South Plains College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Graduates carry a median of $16,705 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. Set against $16,705 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public school based in Morrilton, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. Graduates carry a median of $13,758 in student loans. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton alumni report median earnings of $34,924 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Alvin Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. 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 Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $10,215. Median earnings reach $45,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Alvin Community College
Washington State Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,128 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,152. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,059. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,988. That is a strong return on a $16,059 median debt. Read more about Washington State Community College
Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Students borrow a median of $13,671 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $13,671 median debt. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public school based in Batesville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $4,662. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $9,113. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,706. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Johnson County Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,406. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,406 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
El Centro College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. El Centro College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $10,470 in debt. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about El Centro College
Blackhawk Technical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,747 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,803 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,209 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,620. That is a strong return on a $7,209 median debt. Read the full report on Blackhawk Technical College
North Dakota State College Of Science came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wahpeton, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,974, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,385 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full North Dakota State College Of Science profile
Oconee Fall Line Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Graduates carry a median of $14,104 in student loans. 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
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
College Of The Mainland landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. College Of The Mainland is a public school based in Texas City, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Students borrow a median of $10,928 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,639. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt. More on College Of The Mainland
Athens Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Athens Technical College
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $19,131. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,425 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,131 median debt. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Dodge City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Dodge City, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,850. Median earnings reach $45,427 ten years out. Read more about Dodge City Community College
Clarendon College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Clarendon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Clarendon College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,789 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Clarendon College report
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Northcentral Technical College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,554 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northcentral Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Lake Region State College placed #50 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,520. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,502. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. See the full Lake Region State College profile
Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools
- 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
The ranking above is published by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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