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Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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2023 Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

108 Schools Ranked
$6,614 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,495 Avg Student Debt*

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for nursing students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. This report analyzed 108 schools in the Far Western US Region to see which ones offered the best value associate degree programs for nursing students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

This ranking is not just a list of inexpensive schools. We also consider each school's quality, since we believe a low-quality school may not be a 'bargain' at any price. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

For nationwide and regional rankings, we use out-of-state tuition and fees in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Seattle Central College

Seattle, Washington
145 Total Awards
$4,670 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Seattle Central College the best value school in the Far Western US Region for nursing students working on their associate degree. Seattle, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 145 students in 2020-2021.

Seattle Central undergraduate students pay an average of $4,670 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,671 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Seattle Central. During the 2019-2020 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#2

Highline College

Des Moines, Washington
142 Total Awards
$4,813 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Highline College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Highline is a small public school situated in Des Moines, Washington. It awarded 142 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Highline are $4,813 a year. On average, associate degree students take out $14,827 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at Highline, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 75% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Highline also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Full Highline College Report

#3

Centralia College

Centralia, Washington
23 Total Awards
$5,239 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,250 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Centralia College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in the Far Western US Region . Centralia, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 23 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Centralia College are $5,239 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $12,250 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Centralia College. In 2019-2020 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Centralia College

#4

Wenatchee Valley College

Wenatchee, Washington
52 Total Awards
$4,734 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,116 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 108 schools in the Far Western US Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Wenatchee Valley College landed the # 4 spot on the list. WVC is a public institution located in Wenatchee, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 52 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at WVC are $4,734 a year. On average, associate degree students take out $15,116 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since WVC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 48% took at least some of their classes online.

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#5

Merced College

Merced, California
66 Total Awards
$7,444 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent associate degree programs at Merced College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value nursing schools in the Far Western US Region . Merced Community College District is located in Merced, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 66 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Merced Community College District are $7,444 a year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $10,503 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Merced Community College District, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Merced Community College District is ranked #1 for overall quality in the Far Western US Region .

Read full report on Merced College

#6

Umpqua Community College

Roseburg, Oregon
46 Total Awards
$5,945 Average Tuition & Fees

Umpqua Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #6 on the list. Umpqua Community College is a public institution located in Roseburg, Oregon. The school has a small population, and it awarded 46 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Umpqua Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,945 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,410 in student loans.

Umpqua Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#7

Yakima Valley College

Yakima, Washington
57 Total Awards
$5,352 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,170 Avg Student Debt

Yakima Valley College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. YVC is located in Yakima, Washington and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 57 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at YVC are $5,352 a year. On average, associate degree students take out $16,170 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since YVC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Yakima Valley College Report

#8

Lower Columbia College

Longview, Washington
111 Total Awards
$5,403 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,286 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Lower Columbia College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Lower Columbia College is a small public school located in Longview, Washington that handed out 111 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

LCC undergraduate students pay an average of $5,403 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,286 in student loans.

LCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Lower Columbia College

#9

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
88 Total Awards
$5,135 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,615 Avg Student Debt

Spokane Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Located in Spokane, Washington, the medium-sized public school handed out 88 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Spokane Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,135 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,615 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that Spokane Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 65% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Spokane Community College

#10

Butte College

Oroville, California
114 Total Awards
$7,848 Average Tuition & Fees

Butte College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Butte College is located in Oroville, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 114 associate degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Butte College are $7,848 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $16,685 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Butte College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 33% took at least some of their classes online.

Butte College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list.

Read full report on Butte College

#11

Yuba College

Marysville, California
58 Total Awards
$7,488 Average Tuition & Fees

Yuba College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Marysville, California, and it awarded 58 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Yuba College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,488 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,195 in student loans.

Yuba College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 39% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

In addition to its great value ranking, Yuba College is in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list.

Read full report on Yuba College

#12

Ventura College

Ventura, California
82 Total Awards
$7,398 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #12, Ventura College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Ventura, California, the fairly large public school handed out 82 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Ventura College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,398 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $14,425 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Ventura College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 79% took at least some of their classes online.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, Ventura College also did well on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Full Ventura College Report

#13

Modesto Junior College

Modesto, California
112 Total Awards
$8,550 Average Tuition & Fees

Modesto Junior College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Modesto, California, the fairly large public school awarded 112 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at MJC are $8,550 per year. On average, associate degree students take out $11,121 in loans while pursuing their degree.

MJC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 84% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

MJC also took the #3 spot in our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region rankings.

Read full report on Modesto Junior College

#14

Big Bend Community College

Moses Lake, Washington
18 Total Awards
$5,098 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,909 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Big Bend Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Big Bend Community College is a public institution located in Moses Lake, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 18 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Big Bend Community College are $5,098 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $8,909 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Big Bend Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 85% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Big Bend Community College Report

42 Total Awards
$6,483 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,134 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Oregon Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Located in Coos Bay, Oregon, the small public school awarded 42 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at SWOCC are $6,483 per year. On average, associate degree students take out $17,134 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at SWOCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 76% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Southwestern Oregon Community College

#16

Antelope Valley College

Lancaster, California
102 Total Awards
$6,980 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,884 Avg Student Debt

Antelope Valley College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Antelope Valley College is located in Lancaster, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 102 associate degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Antelope Valley College are $6,980 per year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,884 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Antelope Valley College. In fact, around 24% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Antelope Valley College Report

#17

Cabrillo College

Aptos, California
68 Total Awards
$8,630 Average Tuition & Fees

Cabrillo College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. Cabrillo College is located in Aptos, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 68 associate degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Cabrillo College are $8,630 per year.

Online courses are available at Cabrillo College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 53% took at least some of their classes online.

In addition to its great value ranking, Cabrillo College is in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list.

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#18

Rogue Community College

Grants Pass, Oregon
33 Total Awards
$6,192 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,659 Avg Student Debt

Rogue Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Rogue Community College is a public institution located in Grants Pass, Oregon. The school has a small population, and it awarded 33 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Rogue Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,192 in tuition and fees each year. On average, associate degree students take out $21,659 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Rogue Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Rogue Community College Report

#19

Glendale Community College

Glendale, California
87 Total Awards
$7,531 Average Tuition & Fees

Glendale Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value associate degree nursing programs. GCC is located in Glendale, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 87 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at GCC are $7,531 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,878 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at GCC. In 2019-2020 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#20

Moorpark College

Moorpark, California
68 Total Awards
$7,398 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,214 Avg Student Debt

Moorpark College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Moorpark College is a fairly large public school located in Moorpark, California that handed out 68 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Moorpark College are $7,398 a year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,214 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Moorpark College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

Columbia Gorge Community College

The Dalles, Oregon
16 Total Awards
$9,468 Average Tuition & Fees

Columbia Gorge Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking. Columbia Gorge Community College is a very small public school situated in The Dalles, Oregon. It awarded 16 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Columbia Gorge Community College are $9,468 per year. On average, associate degree students take out $22,392 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Columbia Gorge Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 76% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Columbia Gorge Community College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list.

Read full report on Columbia Gorge Community College

#22

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
72 Total Awards
$5,227 Average Tuition & Fees

Bellingham Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list. This small public school is located in Bellingham, Washington, and it awarded 72 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute undergraduate students pay an average of $5,227 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 72% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Bellingham Technical College

#23

Cuesta College

San Luis Obispo, California
54 Total Awards
$8,702 Average Tuition & Fees

Cuesta College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. Cuesta College is a medium-sized public school situated in San Luis Obispo, California. It awarded 54 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Cuesta College are $8,702 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $10,466 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Cuesta College. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Cuesta College excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list.

Read More…

#24

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline, Washington
96 Total Awards
$7,013 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,378 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Shoreline Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Shoreline, Washington, the small public school handed out 96 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Shoreline Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,013 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,378 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Shoreline Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 51% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
92 Total Awards
$6,350 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,336 Avg Student Debt

Walla Walla Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region list. This small public school is located in Walla Walla, Washington, and it awarded 92 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Walla Walla Community College are $6,350 per year. Associate Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $19,336 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Walla Walla Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 53% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Walla Walla Community College

View Best Value Associate Degree Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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