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2026 Best Value Medical/Clinical Assistant Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in medical/clinical assistant, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Medical/Clinical Assistant Schools
For return on investment in medical/clinical assistant, no school beat Lake Land College this year. Set in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Typical student debt for medical/clinical assistant graduates is $7,769. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates of Lake Land College earn a median of $30,529 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College one of the best values for medical/clinical assistant. City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the medical/clinical assistant program here. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College earn a median of $36,524 early in their careers. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lewis And Clark Community College earned it the #3 place for medical/clinical assistant. Set in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates carry a median of $8,801 in student loans. Soon after graduation, medical/clinical assistant degree recipients from Lewis And Clark Community College generally make around $31,916. That is a strong return on a $8,801 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in medical/clinical assistant will find it at Triton College, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,070 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,330. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Early-career medical/clinical assistant graduates make about $43,278. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt.
Elgin Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value medical/clinical assistant schools. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $46,319 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.
ADBLOCK #101
Lincoln Land Community College placed #6 among the best values for medical/clinical assistant. Lincoln Land Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for medical/clinical assistant graduates is $16,681. Soon after graduation, medical/clinical assistant degree recipients from Lincoln Land Community College generally make around $31,324. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Joliet Junior College earned the #7 position for value in medical/clinical assistant this year. Set in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for medical/clinical assistant graduates is $11,995. Soon after graduation, medical/clinical assistant degree recipients from Joliet Junior College generally make around $40,118. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt.
Harper College placed #8 among the best values for medical/clinical assistant. Set in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates carry a median of $9,834 in student loans. Soon after graduation, medical/clinical assistant degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $36,111. That is a strong return on a $9,834 median debt.
College Of Dupage ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value medical/clinical assistant schools. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for medical/clinical assistant graduates is $13,891. Early-career medical/clinical assistant graduates make about $41,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Waubonsee Community College came in at #10 for value in medical/clinical assistant this year. Set in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,504, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Medical/clinical Assistant graduates carry a median of $9,939 in student loans. Soon after graduation, medical/clinical assistant degree recipients from Waubonsee Community College generally make around $39,659. Set against $9,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.