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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Associate Degree Schools Associate’s Degree Schools

2 Colleges in the United States
$12,974 Avg Student Debt
$39,106 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Associate Degree Schools Associate's Degree Badge [Associate Degree Schools](/majors/health-care-professions/health-medical-preparatory-programs/pre-physician-assistant/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong associate degree schools education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 17 schools to find the best return on investment for associate degree schools students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Associate Degree Schools Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in associate degree schools, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Associate Degree Schools Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Holmes Community College the best value for a degree in associate degree schools in the United States. Set in the rural area of Goodman, Holmes Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,710, compared with $6,610 for out-of-state students. Associate Degree Schools graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, associate degree schools degree recipients from Holmes Community College generally make around $32,145. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2
Snow College crest
Snow College
Ephraim, UT

A rank of #2 makes Snow College one of the best values for associate degree schools. Set in the town of Ephraim, Snow College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,338 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,288. Typical student debt for associate degree schools graduates is $10,440. Soon after graduation, associate degree schools degree recipients from Snow College generally make around $42,776. Set against $10,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3
South Plains College crest
South Plains College
Levelland, TX

South Plains College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in associate degree schools, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Levelland, South Plains College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for associate degree schools graduates is $13,788. Early-career associate degree schools graduates make about $30,949. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt.

4

Butler Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value associate degree schools schools. Set in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. Associate Degree Schools graduates carry a median of $16,670 in student loans. Soon after graduation, associate degree schools degree recipients from Butler Community College generally make around $39,404. Set against $16,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

Other Associate Degree Schools Degree Levels

Explore the best-value associate degree schools schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Associate Degree Schools
Bachelor's Degrees in Associate Degree Schools
Master's Degrees in Associate Degree Schools
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View All Associate Degree Schools Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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