2026 Best Value Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician Schools in the Southwest Region
[Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician](/majors/health-care-professions/allied-health-professions/diagnostic-medical-sonography-sonographer-and-ultrasound-technician/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 47 schools to find the best return on investment for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician students.
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2026 Best Value Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician Schools in the Southwest Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician Schools
For return on investment in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician, no school beat El Centro College this year. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $15,926 in student loans. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $73,102 early in their careers. Set against $15,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Texas College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates is $7,548. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $55,553. Set against $7,548 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Central New Mexico Community College one of the best values for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician. Set in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,833 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $57,486. Set against $10,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
El Paso Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, compared with $5,314 for out-of-state students. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $11,875 in student loans. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from El Paso Community College generally make around $58,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician will find it at Alvin Community College, which ranked #5. Alvin Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Alvin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates is $8,876. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of Alvin Community College earn a median of $59,760 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,876 median debt.
Central Arizona College earned the #6 position for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Central Arizona College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Coolidge. Students from in state pay about $2,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Students borrow a median of $11,084 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $48,826. That is a strong return on a $11,084 median debt.
Del Mar College placed #7 among the best values for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician. Located in the city of Corpus Christi, Del Mar College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from Del Mar College generally make around $52,431. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #8 among the best values for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician. Located in the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,322, compared with $6,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,995 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of New Mexico State University Dona Ana earn a median of $56,196 early in their careers. Set against $9,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
St Philips College placed #9 among the best values for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician. Located in the city of San Antonio, St Philips College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,412, compared with $9,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,950 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $49,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Laredo Community College landed the #10 spot for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value this year. Set in the city of Laredo, Laredo Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $46,701. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Tarrant County College District placed #11 among the best values for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Tarrant County College District is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical student debt for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates is $12,812. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from Tarrant County College District generally make around $57,721. Set against $12,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Midland College landed the #12 spot for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value this year. Midland College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Midland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,180, compared with $6,180 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates is $9,000. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $43,454. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Austin Community College District ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician schools. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $14,759 in student loans. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $63,075. That is a strong return on a $14,759 median debt.
The University Of Texas At Brownsville came in at #14 for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a large public school located in the city of Brownsville. In-state tuition and fees average $3,148, while out-of-state students pay about $4,948. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $12,349 in student loans. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Brownsville generally make around $61,406. That is a strong return on a $12,349 median debt.
Amarillo College came in at #15 for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Set in the city of Amarillo, Amarillo College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of Amarillo College earn a median of $53,099 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt.
Tulsa Community College landed the #16 spot for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value this year. Located in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,792, while out-of-state students pay about $9,720. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of Tulsa Community College earn a median of $54,621 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Houston Community College earned the #17 position for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Houston Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $15,612 in student loans. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from Houston Community College generally make around $65,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hill College earned the #18 position for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Set in the town of Hillsboro, Hill College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,862. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $12,302 in student loans. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $78,100. Set against $12,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Paris Junior College earned the #19 position for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Located in the town of Paris, Paris Junior College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,700, with out-of-state students paying around $5,700. Students borrow a median of $8,846 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of Paris Junior College earn a median of $58,439 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
San Jacinto Community College landed the #20 spot for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value this year. San Jacinto Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Pasadena. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates is $10,157. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from San Jacinto Community College generally make around $58,037. That is a strong return on a $10,157 median debt.
Temple College landed the #21 spot for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value this year. Located in the city of Temple, Temple College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $7,524. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $20,377 in student loans. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $62,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Galveston College came in at #22 for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Set in the city of Galveston, Galveston College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,726, while out-of-state students pay about $6,176. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician degree recipients from Galveston College generally make around $57,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Weatherford College came in at #23 for value in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician this year. Located in the town of Weatherford, Weatherford College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $10,860. Students borrow a median of $15,506 to complete the diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician program here. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $67,339. That is a strong return on a $15,506 median debt.
Lamar Institute Of Technology placed #24 among the best values for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician. Located in the city of Beaumont, Lamar Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,844, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $15,292 in student loans. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates of Lamar Institute Of Technology earn a median of $44,255 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,292 median debt.
Lone Star College System landed the #25 spot for diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value this year. Located in the city of The Woodlands, Lone Star College System is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Diagnostic Medical Sonography/sonographer And Ultrasound Technician graduates carry a median of $11,080 in student loans. Early-career diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician graduates make about $64,114. Set against $11,080 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 42 Best Value Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician value ranking:
Narrow Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician Schools by State
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 47 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 28 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
