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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools in the Southwest Region

1 Colleges in the United States
$12,613 Avg Student Debt
$37,708 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Badge [Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide](/majors/health-care-professions/practical-nursing-assistants/nursing-assistant-aide-and-patient-care-assistant-aide/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

College Factual analyzed 83 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools.

What’s on this page:

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DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 94
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 51.39), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Patient Care Technician (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Patient Care Technician (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a BSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have a MSN)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing ADN or ASN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Nursing LPN/LVN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Case Management (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Case Management (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Accelerated BSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Programs (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Programs (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to BSN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Paramedic to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health/Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Health Systems Management (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Health Systems Management (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Administrator (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Administrator (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Administrator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leader (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Executive Leadership (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Leadership (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Midwifery (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN to MSN Programs (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing BSN to MSN Programs (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN to PhD Programs (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing BSN to PhD Programs (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Care Coordination (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Care Coordination (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Care Coordination (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Dual MSN/MBA (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nurse Education (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nursing Education (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nurse Educator (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Nursing Leadership (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing MSN to DNP (Doctorate) Programs (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing MSN to DNP (Doctorate) Programs (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "PhD in Nursing (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing MSN to PhD (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing MSN to PhD (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Associates) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Associates) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Bachelors) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing RN (With Non-Nursing Bachelors) to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Nursing RN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 14
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 11 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 11
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.9

2026 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools in the Southwest Region

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools

1

For return on investment in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide, no school beat Clovis Community College this year. Located in the town of Clovis, Clovis Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,592, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $9,995 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Clovis Community College earn a median of $44,390 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

Students looking for strong value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide will find it at El Centro College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $10,470. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $41,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Alvin Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Alvin, Alvin Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,215 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Alvin Community College earn a median of $64,976 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,215 median debt.

4

A rank of #4 makes South Texas College one of the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $6,507 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of South Texas College earn a median of $33,171 early in their careers. Set against $6,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Students looking for strong value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide will find it at Trinity Valley Community College, which ranked #5. Trinity Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,640, with out-of-state students paying around $5,970. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $13,704. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $39,356. That is a strong return on a $13,704 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Central New Mexico Community College earned the #6 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Central New Mexico Community College earn a median of $30,137 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt.

7
Coastal Bend College crest
Coastal Bend College
Beeville, TX

Coastal Bend College placed #7 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Set in the town of Beeville, Coastal Bend College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,916, with out-of-state students paying around $5,226. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $14,609. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,086. That is a strong return on a $14,609 median debt.

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Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus landed the #8 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Roswell. Students from in state pay about $2,256 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,616 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $11,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Eastern New Mexico University Roswell Campus generally make around $21,129. That is a strong return on a $11,110 median debt.

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Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Campus landed the #9 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Campus is a small public school located in the town of Ruidoso. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,372, while out-of-state students pay about $3,268. Students borrow a median of $11,110 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Campus generally make around $21,129. That is a strong return on a $11,110 median debt.

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San Juan College crest
San Juan College
Farmington, NM

San Juan College earned the #10 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the rural area of Farmington, San Juan College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,910, compared with $5,393 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $16,150. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from San Juan College generally make around $41,697. Set against $16,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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St Philips College crest
St Philips College
San Antonio, TX

St Philips College came in at #11 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. Students borrow a median of $10,391 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $43,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Pontotoc Technology Center ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Located in the rural area of Ada, Pontotoc Technology Center is a small public university. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Pontotoc Technology Center generally make around $44,846.

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New Mexico State University Dona Ana ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $6,360. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $10,284. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of New Mexico State University Dona Ana earn a median of $39,399 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Western Technology Center came in at #14 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Western Technology Center is a small public school located in the rural area of Burns Flat. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Western Technology Center generally make around $40,264.

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Lamar State College Port Arthur earned the #15 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the city of Port Arthur, Lamar State College Port Arthur is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,770, while out-of-state students pay about $8,070. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $33,385 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $78,580. That is a strong return on a $33,385 median debt.

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Gordon Cooper Technology Center earned the #16 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Set in the town of Shawnee, Gordon Cooper Technology Center is a small public institution. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Gordon Cooper Technology Center generally make around $47,573.

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University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus landed the #17 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Gallup. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,906, while out-of-state students pay about $5,682. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $10,986 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus generally make around $35,132. Set against $10,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Meridian Technology Center placed #18 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Set in the town of Stillwater, Meridian Technology Center is a small public institution. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Meridian Technology Center earn a median of $61,765 early in their careers.

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Tarrant County College District ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $16,093 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Tarrant County College District earn a median of $45,158 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,093 median debt.

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Yavapai College crest
Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ

Yavapai College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Set in the city of Prescott, Yavapai College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,486. Students borrow a median of $14,087 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Yavapai College generally make around $52,087. That is a strong return on a $14,087 median debt.

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Amarillo College crest
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX

Amarillo College placed #21 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Amarillo College is a large public school located in the city of Amarillo. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $14,250. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Amarillo College earn a median of $42,037 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Southern Oklahoma Technology Center landed the #22 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Located in the rural area of Ardmore, Southern Oklahoma Technology Center is a small public university. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,012 ten years after entry.

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Paris Junior College landed the #23 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Paris Junior College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Paris. Students from in state pay about $2,700 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,700. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $8,846. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Paris Junior College earn a median of $38,811 early in their careers. Set against $8,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Cochise College crest
Cochise College
Sierra Vista, AZ

Cochise College placed #24 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Located in the city of Sierra Vista, Cochise College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,280 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $7,861. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $40,712. Set against $7,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Francis Tuttle Technology Center came in at #25 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Francis Tuttle Technology Center is a mid-sized public university. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $17,468 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Francis Tuttle Technology Center generally make around $41,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide:

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Howard College crest
Howard College
Big Spring, TX
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Metro Technology Centers crest
Metro Technology Centers
Oklahoma City, OK
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Galveston College
Galveston, TX
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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 · 83 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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