2026 Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search reviewed 840 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 Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat New Mexico Junior College this year in the United States. New Mexico Junior College is a public school based in Hobbs, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,440, while out-of-state students pay about $2,280. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,986. Median earnings reach $34,233 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,986 median debt. More on New Mexico Junior College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Coahoma Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,490 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,745 in student loans. Coahoma Community College alumni report median earnings of $24,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Coahoma Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Oglala Lakota College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Kyle, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out. Read the full report on Oglala Lakota College
You'll get strong value at Clovis Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Clovis Community College is a public school based in Clovis, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,592 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Clovis Community College Nursing students take on a median of $11,082 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,020. Set against $11,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Clovis Community College report
Out of the 840 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,935. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
Seattle Community College Central Campus placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,699. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Seattle Community College Central Campus
Highline Community College placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Students borrow a median of $8,958 to complete their Nursing program here. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Highline Community College
Central Arizona College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Coolidge, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $11,635. Central Arizona College alumni report median earnings of $40,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Arizona College profile
Panola College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,352, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. More on Panola College
Amarillo College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,720. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Amarillo College profile
Arkansas State University Newport offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,925 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,524 ten years out. Set against $10,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Arkansas State University Newport profile
College Of The Mainland landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. College Of The Mainland Nursing students take on a median of $10,928 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,639. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
Neosho County Community College placed #13 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,704. The median Nursing program debt is $13,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,966 ten years after entry. Set against $13,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Neosho County Community College
Cloud County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. The median Nursing program debt is $12,839. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,883. That is a strong return on a $12,839 median debt. Read the full report on Cloud County Community College
South Plains College placed #15 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,788 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Plains College
Wayne County Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,112, while out-of-state students pay about $4,067. Wayne County Community College District Nursing students take on a median of $20,820 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wayne County Community College District
Camden County College placed #17 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blackwood, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $12,999. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,212. Set against $12,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Camden County College report
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $20,291. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Southern Regional Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Thomasville, GA, Southern Regional Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,007, compared with $5,575 for out-of-state students. Southern Regional Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $9,086 in debt. Median earnings reach $31,293 ten years out. Set against $9,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southern Regional Technical College report
South Louisiana Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $12,435 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,432 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,435 median debt. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Batesville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $4,662. The median Nursing program debt is $9,265. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,706 ten years after entry. Set against $9,265 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Batesville
Alvin Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Typical Nursing student debt is $8,600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,600 median debt. Read more about Alvin Community College
Centralia College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,266, while out-of-state students pay about $5,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,140. See the full Centralia College profile
Wenatchee Valley College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,552, while out-of-state students pay about $5,054. Wenatchee Valley College Nursing students take on a median of $11,462 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. See the full Wenatchee Valley College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,799. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
New Mexico State University Carlsbad offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Carlsbad, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,284 in student loans. Get the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad report
Tyler Junior College placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete their Nursing program here. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. More on Tyler Junior College
Hutchinson Community College placed #28 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hutchinson, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. The median Nursing program debt is $18,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Northwest Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bemidji, MN, Northwest Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,254. Northwest Technical College Nursing students take on a median of $31,053 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,930. That is a strong return on a $31,053 median debt. More on Northwest Technical College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Nursing program here. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Clarendon College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. The median Nursing program debt is $14,789. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $14,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Clarendon College
Lee College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Lee College Nursing students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,178 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lee College
Wharton County Junior College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Wharton County Junior College is a public school based in Wharton, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,192 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,916 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,960 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,916 median debt. More on Wharton County Junior College
Delgado Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Graduates carry a median of $25,283 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. Set against $25,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delgado Community College report
San Jacinto Community College placed #35 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,376. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,159. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,024. Median earnings reach $30,438 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Louisiana Delta Community College
Athens Technical College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. The median Nursing program debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Get the full Athens Technical College report
Central Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Central Community College Nursing students take on a median of $10,277 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Community College report
El Centro College placed #39 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,557. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. Read more about El Centro College
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $4,728. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton Nursing students take on a median of $13,758 in debt. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton alumni report median earnings of $34,924 a decade after entry. Set against $13,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
North Hennepin Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. The median Nursing program debt is $21,241. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. The median Nursing program debt is $12,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. Set against $12,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Washington State Community College placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Washington State Community College is a public school based in Marietta, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,128, compared with $4,152 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,291 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,988 ten years after entry. Set against $16,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Washington State Community College profile
Merced College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $9,024 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,815 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,024 median debt. More on Merced College
Collin County Community College District ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. The median Nursing program debt is $9,716. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
L E Fletcher Technical Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public school based in Schriever, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,219. Students borrow a median of $5,396 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Read the full report on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Oakland Community College placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Oakland Community College Nursing students take on a median of $15,865 in debt. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oakland Community College
Northeast Texas Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,980, compared with $5,620 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $15,089. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,870. Set against $15,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Texas Community College
Lake Region State College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,520. Lake Region State College Nursing students take on a median of $15,784 in debt. Lake Region State College alumni report median earnings of $49,502 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,784 median debt. Get the full Lake Region State College report
Mid Plains Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Mid Plains Community College is a public school based in North Platte, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,530. Students borrow a median of $14,596 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $40,059 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mid Plains Community College
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 840 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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