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