2026 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in the The Plains States Region
[Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)](/majors/health-care-professions/allied-health-professions/emergency-medical-technology-technician-emt-paramedic/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 68 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) students.
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2026 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in the The Plains States Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools
Hutchinson Community College earned the #1 spot for value among emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools in the The Plains States Region. Hutchinson Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Hutchinson. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. Students borrow a median of $21,917 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Hutchinson Community College generally make around $54,878. Set against $21,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Western Nebraska Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Western Nebraska Community College is a small public school located in the town of Scottsbluff. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $4,410. Students borrow a median of $14,507 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Western Nebraska Community College earn a median of $62,413 early in their careers. Set against $14,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) will find it at Metropolitan Community College Area, which ranked #3. Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public school located in the city of Omaha. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Students borrow a median of $19,246 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $56,569. That is a strong return on a $19,246 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Louis Community College earned it the #4 place for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Saint Louis Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Bridgeton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $13,750. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Saint Louis Community College earn a median of $53,829 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Crowder College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic), landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Neosho, Crowder College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,784. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $9,887 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Crowder College earn a median of $33,869 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,887 median debt.
Central Community College landed the #6 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Grand Island. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Central Community College generally make around $43,218. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cowley County Community College came in at #7 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the town of Arkansas City, Cowley County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800, while out-of-state students pay about $6,600. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $9,312. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $34,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mid Plains Community College landed the #8 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Located in the rural area of North Platte, Mid Plains Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,600 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,530. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $14,596 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Mid Plains Community College earn a median of $39,396 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southeast Community College Area landed the #9 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $17,713 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $48,917 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City landed the #10 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the city of Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $14,843. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Metropolitan Community College Kansas City earn a median of $51,901 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Jefferson College came in at #11 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Jefferson College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Hillsboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, compared with $8,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,250 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $46,769. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt.
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Located in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $7,935. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $43,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Indian Hills Community College placed #13 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the town of Ottumwa, Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Students borrow a median of $15,390 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Indian Hills Community College earn a median of $43,781 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,390 median debt.
Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #14 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Students borrow a median of $20,096 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $48,313. That is a strong return on a $20,096 median debt.
Century College landed the #15 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Students borrow a median of $20,837 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Century College earn a median of $65,588 early in their careers. Set against $20,837 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northeast Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Set in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Northeast Community College generally make around $40,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kirkwood Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Kirkwood Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Students borrow a median of $21,945 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Kirkwood Community College generally make around $52,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Central Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Fort Dodge. Students from in state pay about $5,496 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $15,186. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Iowa Central Community College earn a median of $50,501 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hawkeye Community College landed the #19 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Waterloo. Students from in state pay about $6,525 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $17,001. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Hawkeye Community College generally make around $55,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Eastern Iowa Community College District came in at #20 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public school located in the city of Davenport. Students from in state pay about $4,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,456 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,943 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Eastern Iowa Community College District earn a median of $42,927 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar landed the #21 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Located in the rural area of Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $17,000. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar generally make around $51,206. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Bismarck State College landed the #22 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the city of Bismarck, Bismarck State College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,340 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Bismarck State College earn a median of $61,364 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
North Central Missouri College landed the #23 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. North Central Missouri College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Trenton. In-state tuition and fees average $5,370, with out-of-state students paying around $8,820. Students borrow a median of $16,685 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $40,934. That is a strong return on a $16,685 median debt.
Wichita Area Technical College came in at #24 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Wichita Area Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Wichita. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $11,828 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Wichita Area Technical College earn a median of $35,358 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt.
Ridgewater College came in at #25 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the town of Willmar, Ridgewater College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $15,556. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $42,178. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value ranking:
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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 · 68 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 27 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.
