Find Trade Colleges
2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1309 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Northwest Louisiana Technical College, our #1 best-value Practical Nursing Assistants school in the United States. This public school is set in Minden, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,109 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,354 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,503 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northwest Louisiana Technical College report
Out of the 1309 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Neosho County Community College landed the #2 spot. Set in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,704. Students borrow a median of $13,150 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,966 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Neosho County Community College
You'll get strong value at Clovis Community College, which ranked #3 this year. 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. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,995. Median earnings reach $34,020 ten years out. Set against $9,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Clovis Community College profile
Out of the 1309 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Hutchinson Community College landed the #4 spot. Located in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Students borrow a median of $13,210 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hutchinson Community College report
You'll get strong value at Western Iowa Tech Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Western Iowa Tech Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,499 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. That is a strong return on a $14,499 median debt. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
Madison Area Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $16,812 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. More on Madison Area Technical College
Coastal Pines Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waycross, GA, Coastal Pines Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,268 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,214 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College
Centralia College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,140 ten years after entry. Read more about Centralia College
Garden City Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Garden City Community College is a public school based in Garden City, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,690, compared with $4,320 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,338 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,704 ten years after entry. Set against $14,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Garden City Community College
Moraine Park Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $7,000. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Moraine Park Technical College
Century College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $21,332 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Century College report
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton placed #12 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Set in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, compared with $4,728 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,758 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $34,924 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
Alvin Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Alvin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,215. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. Set against $10,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alvin Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Batesville, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. Graduates carry a median of $9,113 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,706. Set against $9,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Johnson County Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,406 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. That is a strong return on a $12,406 median debt. Read more about Johnson County Community College
Oconee Fall Line Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,380, compared with $5,948 for out-of-state students. Oconee Fall Line Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,104 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,899. Set against $14,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newport, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,300 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,524. That is a strong return on a $11,300 median debt. See the full Arkansas State University Newport profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $12,000. 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 more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Janesville, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. Blackhawk Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $7,209 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,620. Set against $7,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Blackhawk Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,448, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,479 median debt. Read the full report on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,480 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Dodge City Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Dodge City, KS, Dodge City Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,427. See the full Dodge City Community College profile
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Watertown, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,718. Lake Area Technical Institute Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $17,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. That is a strong return on a $17,600 median debt. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
Anoka Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northcentral Technical College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Graduates carry a median of $9,554 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,925 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,554 median debt. More on Northcentral Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,138. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chattahoochee Technical College profile
Northshore Technical Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lacombe, LA, Northshore Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,299. Northshore Technical Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $19,696 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,734. That is a strong return on a $19,696 median debt. Get the full Northshore Technical Community College report
Seward County Community College And Area Technical School offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Liberal, KS, Seward County Community College And Area Technical School is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,408. Graduates carry a median of $11,350 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,445 ten years out. Set against $11,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Seward County Community College And Area Technical School
Inver Hills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,160. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,898 ten years after entry. Set against $20,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Inver Hills Community College report
Southern Regional Technical College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Thomasville, GA, Southern Regional Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,007, compared with $5,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,050 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,293 ten years after entry. Set against $11,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Regional Technical College
Gateway Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Gateway Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,829 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Northland Community And Technical College placed #33 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. Students borrow a median of $19,131 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. 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. Read the full report on Northland Community And Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $13,954. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. Set against $13,954 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Barton County Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Barton County Community College is a public school based in Great Bend, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,680, while out-of-state students pay about $4,960. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,125. Median earnings reach $40,428 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Barton County Community College
Northeast Texas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,980 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,620. Northeast Texas Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $15,945 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,870 ten years after entry. Set against $15,945 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Texas Community College
Washburn Institute Of Technology came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,880. Washburn Institute Of Technology Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $17,283 in debt. Washburn Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Set against $17,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Washburn Institute Of Technology profile
Northwest Arkansas Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Graduates carry a median of $10,521 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,505. Set against $10,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Dakota County Technical College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,679 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,010 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,938. That is a strong return on a $14,010 median debt. Get the full Dakota County Technical College report
Kansas City Kansas Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,795. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Kansas City Kansas Community College
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Waukesha County Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Waukesha County Technical College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,219. L E Fletcher Technical Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $5,396 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Read more about L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $17,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,399 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Monroe, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $30,438 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Louisiana Delta Community College
Merced College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Merced, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,520. Students borrow a median of $6,250 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,815. Set against $6,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Merced College
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $18,048. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $20,228. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,228 median debt. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Rich Mountain Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Mena, AR, Rich Mountain Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,696, while out-of-state students pay about $4,272. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,037. Read more about Rich Mountain Community College
Savannah Technical College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Savannah Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $12,843 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,018 ten years after entry. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Savannah Technical College profile
Western Technical College La Cross landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $8,816. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile
Related Practical Nursing Assistants Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Trade College (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 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).
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.