2026 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in Illinois
[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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 33 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 Illinois
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
Our analysis ranked Moraine Valley Community College the best value for a degree in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) in Illinois. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,822, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $10,000. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $55,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carl Sandburg College earned it the #2 place for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the town of Galesburg, Carl Sandburg College is a mid-sized public university. 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. Set against $8,604 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lake Land 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 rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, 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. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Lake Land College earn a median of $30,294 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College one of the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $12,924. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College earn a median of $46,222 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,924 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) will find it at South Suburban College, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of South Holland, South Suburban College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,093, with out-of-state students paying around $12,683. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $8,347 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $52,242. That is a strong return on a $8,347 median debt.
Lewis And Clark Community College earned the #6 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Godfrey. In-state tuition and fees average $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $9,602 in student loans. 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.
Triton College came in at #7 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $14,285. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $62,280. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Illinois Valley Community College landed the #8 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $8,099 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Illinois Valley Community College earn a median of $33,224 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kankakee Community College landed the #9 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Located in the city of Kankakee, Kankakee Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, compared with $25,830 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $10,418. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Kankakee Community College generally make around $54,757. That is a strong return on a $10,418 median debt.
Lincoln Land Community College came in at #10 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the rural area of Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,897 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Lincoln Land Community College generally make around $52,750. That is a strong return on a $14,897 median debt.
Prairie State College placed #11 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the suburb of Chicago Heights, Prairie State College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,176, compared with $11,064 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $13,209 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $35,362. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Joliet Junior College came in at #12 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,530, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $12,355. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $57,778. That is a strong return on a $12,355 median debt.
Elgin Community College came in at #13 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Elgin Community College is a large public school located in the city of Elgin. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Elgin Community College generally make around $43,975. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.
Richland Community College placed #14 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the city of Decatur, Richland Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,680, with out-of-state students paying around $17,070. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $9,562. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Richland Community College generally make around $46,542. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Dupage landed the #15 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $14,349. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of College Of Dupage earn a median of $58,004 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Harper College placed #16 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,842 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. 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.
Oakton Community College landed the #17 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the city of Des Plaines, Oakton Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,985 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,462. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $7,750. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Oakton Community College earn a median of $48,838 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Lake County came in at #18 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $9,785 in student loans. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,103. Set against $9,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kaskaskia College placed #19 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Kaskaskia College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Centralia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800, compared with $12,570 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $7,875. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Kaskaskia College earn a median of $45,658 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwestern Illinois College earned the #20 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Southwestern Illinois College is a large public school located in the suburb of Belleville. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $10,860 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Southwestern Illinois College earn a median of $57,296 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rend Lake College placed #21 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the rural area of Ina, Rend Lake College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,500, while out-of-state students pay about $7,800. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $8,688. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Rend Lake College earn a median of $48,950 early in their careers. Set against $8,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rock Valley College placed #22 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Rock Valley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rockford. Students from in state pay about $4,334 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,379 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,236 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Rock Valley College generally make around $41,080. That is a strong return on a $9,236 median debt.
Mchenry County College placed #23 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Mchenry County College is a large public school located in the rural area of Crystal Lake. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,162, compared with $14,399 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $7,440. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Mchenry County College generally make around $24,177. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Parkland College came in at #24 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the city of Champaign, Parkland College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,284, with out-of-state students paying around $13,266. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $13,500. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Parkland College earn a median of $55,060 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt.
Heartland Community College came in at #25 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Heartland Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,550, with out-of-state students paying around $13,110. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $13,266 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $48,710. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 26 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:
More Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Rankings
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 33 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 13 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.
