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2026 Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1309 institutions 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 reviewed 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Coahoma Community College this year in the United States. Located in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,490. Coahoma Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $10,788 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. Set against $10,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Coahoma Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clovis Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, compared with $3,344 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,995 in student loans. Clovis Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,995 median debt. Read more about Clovis Community College
You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $15,985 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Mexico Junior College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,440, while out-of-state students pay about $2,280. Students borrow a median of $9,986 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. New Mexico Junior College alumni report median earnings of $34,233 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full New Mexico Junior College profile
Out of the 1309 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwest Louisiana Technical College landed the #5 spot. Set in Minden, LA, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,109. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $14,354. Northwest Louisiana Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,503 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,354 median debt. Read the full report on Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $4,363. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Northwest Technical Institute ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Springdale, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184. Median earnings reach $41,513 ten years out. See the full Northwest Technical Institute profile
Cloud County Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $12,839. Cloud County Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,883 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,839 median debt. Read the full report on Cloud County Community College
South Louisiana Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Students borrow a median of $20,214 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,214 median debt. See the full South Louisiana Community College profile
Arkansas State University Newport placed #10 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newport, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $11,300. Arkansas State University Newport alumni report median earnings of $41,524 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Arkansas State University Newport report
Central Community College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,277. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Community College
Panola College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,072. See the full Panola College profile
Amarillo College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Amarillo College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Amarillo College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,041 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Northshore Technical Community College placed #15 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Based in Lacombe, LA, Northshore Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,299. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $19,696. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,734 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,696 median debt. More on Northshore Technical Community College
Sowela Technical Community College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Sowela Technical Community College is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $8,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Sowela Technical Community College profile
Tyler Junior College placed #17 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Neosho County Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chanute, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,704. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $13,150. Median earnings reach $45,966 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Neosho County Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Victoria College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Victoria College is a public school based in Victoria, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,000. Median earnings reach $42,382 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. Get the full Victoria College report
South Plains College placed #21 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Students borrow a median of $16,705 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Plains College report
Coastal Pines Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. This public school is set in Waycross, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,268 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,836. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Median earnings reach $30,214 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Get the full Coastal Pines Technical College report
Washington State Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State Community College is a public school based in Marietta, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $16,059. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,988. Set against $16,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Washington State Community College
Northland Community And Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,289 in tuition and fees. Northland Community And Technical College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $19,131 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $19,131 median debt. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $13,671 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Alexandria Technical And Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Practical Nursing Assistants Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $10,470. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $10,470 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full El Centro College report
Alvin Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $10,215. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alvin Community College report
Athens Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Athens Technical College
College Of The Mainland ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $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. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Monroe, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,159. Louisiana Delta Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Louisiana Delta Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,438 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. See the full Louisiana Delta Community College profile
Clarendon College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clarendon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Graduates carry a median of $14,789 in student loans. Clarendon College alumni report median earnings of $38,696 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Clarendon College
San Jacinto Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. 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. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. Graduates carry a median of $13,758 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,924 ten years after entry. Set against $13,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton report
Hutchinson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Hutchinson Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $13,210 in debt. Hutchinson Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hutchinson Community College
Lake Region State College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Devils Lake, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,520 in tuition and fees. Lake Region State College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Garden City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Garden City Community College is a public school based in Garden City, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,690, with out-of-state students paying around $4,320. Garden City Community College Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $14,338 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,704 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Garden City Community College
Mid Plains Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in North Platte, NE, Mid Plains Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, while out-of-state students pay about $4,530. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $14,596. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,059 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mid Plains Community College
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville placed #39 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. Located in Batesville, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $4,662. Graduates carry a median of $9,113 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,706 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,113 median debt. Get the full University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville report
Hennepin Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,466. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $16,466 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public school based in Sandersville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,380, compared with $5,948 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,104 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,899. Set against $14,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #42 among the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools in the United States. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $23,836 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
The University Of Texas At Brownsville landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,148, while out-of-state students pay about $4,948. Students borrow a median of $10,102 to complete their Practical Nursing Assistants program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,900 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,102 median debt. More on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
New Mexico State University Carlsbad offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Practical Nursing Assistants students take on a median of $10,284 in debt. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Lake Area Technical Institute came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Camden County College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $12,999. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. Set against $12,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Camden County College profile
Southeastern Community College West Burlington ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Practical Nursing Assistants schools. Based in West Burlington, IA, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,420, with out-of-state students paying around $6,570. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $16,920. Median earnings reach $36,882 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeastern Community College West Burlington
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Rochester Community And Technical College is a public school based in Rochester, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,389. Typical Practical Nursing Assistants student debt is $20,228. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
Wharton County Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. The median Practical Nursing Assistants program debt is $9,985. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,960 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
Related Practical Nursing Assistants Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Practical Nursing Assistants 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
This list is compiled 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).
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