2027 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in North Carolina

[Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)](/majors/health-care-professions/allied-health-professions/emergency-medical-technology-technician-emt-paramedic/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 30 schools to find the best return on investment for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) students.
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2027 Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools in North Carolina
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic), balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Schools
Wilkes Community College earned the #1 spot for value among emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools in North Carolina. Set in the town of Wilkesboro, Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,572, while out-of-state students pay about $8,716. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $36,341. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Durham Technical Community College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Located in the city of Durham, Durham Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,240 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,531. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $20,408. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $46,293. Set against $20,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Johnston Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Smithfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,756, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Students borrow a median of $9,490 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Johnston Community College generally make around $52,281. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cleveland Community College earned it the #4 place for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the town of Shelby, Cleveland Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,602, compared with $8,746 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $7,131. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $45,763. That is a strong return on a $7,131 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) will find it at Central Piedmont Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Students borrow a median of $16,422 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $61,455. That is a strong return on a $16,422 median debt.
Robeson Community College came in at #6 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the town of Lumberton, Robeson Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,604 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,748. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $9,949. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Robeson Community College earn a median of $54,305 early in their careers. Set against $9,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rockingham Community College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Located in the rural area of Wentworth, Rockingham Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $1,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,574. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $5,500. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Rockingham Community College earn a median of $55,849 early in their careers. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Albemarle earned the #8 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. College Of The Albemarle is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elizabeth City. In-state tuition and fees average $2,242, with out-of-state students paying around $7,652. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $10,240. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of College Of The Albemarle earn a median of $50,506 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Fayetteville Technical Community College came in at #9 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,628, with out-of-state students paying around $8,772. Students borrow a median of $14,486 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Fayetteville Technical Community College generally make around $50,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lenoir Community College earned the #10 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Lenoir Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Kinston. Students from in state pay about $2,578 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,822. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $8,833 in student loans. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Lenoir Community College generally make around $47,685. Set against $8,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Sandhills Community College ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Sandhills Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Pinehurst. In-state tuition and fees average $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,648. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $9,238. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $51,685. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwestern Community College Sylva earned the #12 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Southwestern Community College Sylva is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Sylva. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,112, compared with $13,184 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $10,408 in student loans. Soon after graduation, emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) degree recipients from Southwestern Community College Sylva generally make around $48,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Richmond Community College placed #13 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Set in the town of Hamlet, Richmond Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,956, while out-of-state students pay about $6,564. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $8,407. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Richmond Community College earn a median of $46,757 early in their careers. Set against $8,407 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Stanly Community College landed the #14 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Stanly Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Albemarle. Students from in state pay about $2,672 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,816. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Stanly Community College earn a median of $41,920 early in their careers.
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock earned the #15 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Flat Rock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,804. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $16,252 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $42,443. Set against $16,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Gaston College landed the #16 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Gaston College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $3,186, with out-of-state students paying around $9,330. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $10,915 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $39,937. Set against $10,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Piedmont Community College ranked #17 on our 2027 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. South Piedmont Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Polkton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,022, compared with $6,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $10,098. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $39,321. That is a strong return on a $10,098 median debt.
Forsyth Technical Community College ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) schools. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Forsyth Technical Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,276 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,884 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $13,588 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $54,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pitt Community College placed #19 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the suburb of Winterville, Pitt Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,871, compared with $13,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,763 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Pitt Community College earn a median of $60,240 early in their careers. Set against $13,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rowan Cabarrus Community College earned the #20 position for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Set in the suburb of Salisbury, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,064, with out-of-state students paying around $6,672. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $13,160 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $50,837. Set against $13,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Davidson County Community College came in at #21 for value in emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) this year. Located in the rural area of Thomasville, Davidson County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $1,980 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,588 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates is $11,748. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Davidson County Community College earn a median of $45,161 early in their careers. Set against $11,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Wake Technical Community College placed #22 among the best values for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic). Located in the suburb of Raleigh, Wake Technical Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $17,090 in student loans. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $51,707. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Coastal Carolina Community College landed the #23 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the city of Jacksonville, Coastal Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,512, compared with $8,656 for out-of-state students. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates carry a median of $7,125 in student loans. Emergency Medical Technology/technician (Emt Paramedic) graduates of Coastal Carolina Community College earn a median of $37,831 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cape Fear Community College landed the #24 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Cape Fear Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Wilmington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,748, with out-of-state students paying around $8,892. Students borrow a median of $12,388 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $42,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Catawba Valley Community College landed the #25 spot for emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) value this year. Set in the city of Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,427, with out-of-state students paying around $7,803. Students borrow a median of $7,125 to complete the emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) program here. Early-career emergency medical technology/technician (emt paramedic) graduates make about $46,732. That is a strong return on a $7,125 median debt.
Rest of the Top 30 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):
More Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 30 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 30 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.