2026 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in the Great Lakes 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.
College Factual analyzed 115 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools.
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2026 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in the Great Lakes 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
Moraine Valley Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,822, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $55,739. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) will find it at Lake Land College, which ranked #2. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. Students from in state pay about $4,415 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $7,769 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $30,294. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic), landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $12,924 in student loans. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College generally make around $46,222. That is a strong return on a $12,924 median debt.
Carl Sandburg College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Carl Sandburg College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Galesburg. In-state tuition and fees average $5,390, with out-of-state students paying around $8,900. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $8,604. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Carl Sandburg College earn a median of $48,534 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Henry Ford Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic), landing the #5 spot this year. Henry Ford Community College is a large public school located in the city of Dearborn. In-state tuition and fees average $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,828 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Henry Ford Community College generally make around $58,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #6 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $14,870 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $52,018. That is a strong return on a $14,870 median debt.
Lansing Community College earned the #7 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $20,172 in student loans. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Lansing Community College generally make around $57,457. That is a strong return on a $20,172 median debt.
South Suburban College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. South Suburban College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of South Holland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,093, compared with $12,683 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $8,347. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of South Suburban College earn a median of $52,242 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Triton College landed the #9 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,070, compared with $15,330 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $14,285. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Triton College generally make around $62,280. Set against $14,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lewis And Clark Community College landed the #10 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $9,602. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $41,313. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College landed the #11 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the suburb of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,144, compared with $9,094 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $20,985. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Kalamazoo Valley Community College generally make around $54,134. Set against $20,985 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Illinois Valley Community College landed the #12 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Located in the town of Oglesby, Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $8,099. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Illinois Valley Community College generally make around $33,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lorain County Community College earned the #13 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the suburb of Elyria, Lorain County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $16,298 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $47,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kankakee Community College placed #14 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Set in the city of Kankakee, Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, compared with $25,830 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,418 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $54,757. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Oakland Community College placed #15 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Set in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $16,339 in student loans. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Oakland Community College generally make around $46,485. That is a strong return on a $16,339 median debt.
North Central State College placed #16 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). North Central State College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Mansfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,786, while out-of-state students pay about $11,374. Students borrow a median of $12,475 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of North Central State College earn a median of $47,262 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,475 median debt.
Lincoln Land Community College earned the #17 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the rural area of Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,744 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $14,897 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Lincoln Land Community College earn a median of $52,750 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Sinclair Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Sinclair Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Dayton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $15,593. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $46,633 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Joliet Junior College came in at #19 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Joliet Junior College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Joliet. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $12,355 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $57,778 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,355 median debt.
Elgin Community College earned the #20 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. 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, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.
Harper College placed #21 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,894 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $13,842. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $64,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kellogg Community College landed the #22 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the city of Battle Creek, Kellogg Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,118, while out-of-state students pay about $8,282. Students borrow a median of $20,432 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $32,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Macomb Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $8,350. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Macomb Community College generally make around $57,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Prairie State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Chicago Heights. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,176, with out-of-state students paying around $11,064. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $13,209. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Prairie State College earn a median of $35,362 early in their careers. Set against $13,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Schoolcraft College earned the #25 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the city of Livonia, Schoolcraft College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,799, with out-of-state students paying around $6,501. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $15,677 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $46,283. That is a strong return on a $15,677 median debt.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic):
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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 · 115 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 41 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.