2027 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
[Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide](/majors/health-care-professions/practical-nursing-assistants/nursing-assistant-aide-and-patient-care-assistant-aide/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 29 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools
Leading the list is Snow College, our #1 best value for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide in the Rocky Mountains Region. Snow College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Ephraim. In-state tuition and fees average $4,338, with out-of-state students paying around $14,288. 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 Snow College earn a median of $42,776 early in their careers. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pikes Peak Community College earned it the #2 place for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Set in the suburb of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,510, while out-of-state students pay about $17,110. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $16,066 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $41,037. That is a strong return on a $16,066 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Southern Idaho earned it the #3 place for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Located in the city of Twin Falls, College Of Southern Idaho is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $6,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $10,964. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of College Of Southern Idaho earn a median of $41,598 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Colorado Mountain College one of the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Glenwood Springs. Students from in state pay about $2,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,840. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $9,450 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $48,694. Set against $9,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide will find it at Red Rocks Community College, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Lakewood, Red Rocks Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,859, compared with $17,459 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $7,006 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Red Rocks Community College generally make around $76,340. That is a strong return on a $7,006 median debt.
Ogden Weber Technical College came in at #6 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Ogden Weber Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Ogden. Students borrow a median of $9,000 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 Ogden Weber Technical College generally make around $24,690. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt.
Northwest College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Located in the town of Powell, Northwest College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,962, compared with $11,262 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $12,996 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $40,014. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt.
Bridgerland Technical College placed #8 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Set in the city of Logan, Bridgerland Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $12,000. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Bridgerland Technical College earn a median of $28,884 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Community College Of Aurora ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Located in the city of Aurora, Community College Of Aurora is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,470, with out-of-state students paying around $17,070. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $17,667 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Community College Of Aurora earn a median of $38,587 early in their careers. Set against $17,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Morgan Community College ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Located in the rural area of Fort Morgan, Morgan Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,252, while out-of-state students pay about $16,852. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $11,750 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $64,066. Set against $11,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Delta Montrose Technical College came in at #11 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the rural area of Delta, Delta Montrose Technical College is a small public university. Students borrow a median of $22,133 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 $42,451. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lamar Community College placed #12 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Lamar Community College is a small public school located in the town of Lamar. In-state tuition and fees average $4,550, while out-of-state students pay about $7,260. Students borrow a median of $9,300 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 Lamar Community College generally make around $25,669. Set against $9,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Community College Of Denver earned the #13 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Set in the city of Denver, Community College Of Denver is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,058, while out-of-state students pay about $17,658. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Community College Of Denver earn a median of $23,614 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.
Salt Lake Community College earned the #14 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Set in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,426 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $10,855. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College generally make around $42,031. That is a strong return on a $10,855 median debt.
Trinidad State Junior College earned the #15 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the town of Trinidad, Trinidad State Junior College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,608, with out-of-state students paying around $7,318. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $7,625 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Trinidad State Junior College earn a median of $53,086 early in their careers. Set against $7,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Emily Griffith Technical College ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Set in the city of Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $13,267 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Emily Griffith Technical College earn a median of $37,744 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Otero Junior College landed the #17 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Located in the town of La Junta, Otero Junior College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,270. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $24,150 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $74,405. That is a strong return on a $24,150 median debt.
Aims Community College came in at #18 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the city of Greeley, Aims Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,258, with out-of-state students paying around $11,786. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $10,000. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Aims Community College earn a median of $45,909 early in their careers. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arapahoe Community College came in at #19 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Arapahoe Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Littleton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,434, with out-of-state students paying around $17,034. Students borrow a median of $13,750 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 $36,234. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Pueblo Community College landed the #20 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Pueblo Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Pueblo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,049, while out-of-state students pay about $17,649. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $9,975 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Pueblo Community College earn a median of $25,507 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Front Range Community College came in at #21 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the suburb of Westminster, Front Range Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,663 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $13,107 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $29,021. Set against $13,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Davis Technical College placed #22 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Davis Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Kaysville. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $8,048. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Davis Technical College earn a median of $26,369 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,048 median debt.
Northeastern Junior College landed the #23 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Northeastern Junior College is a small public school located in the town of Sterling. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,730, while out-of-state students pay about $8,267. Students borrow a median of $13,156 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Northeastern Junior College earn a median of $38,543 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Utah State University earned the #24 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $14,000 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 Utah State University generally make around $50,348. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.
Highlands College Of Montana Tech earned the #25 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Set in the town of Butte, Highlands College Of Montana Tech is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,127 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,948. Students borrow a median of $2,750 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 Highlands College Of Montana Tech generally make around $58,838. That is a strong return on a $2,750 median debt.
Rest of the Top 29 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year:
Narrow Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools by State
More Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Rankings
View All Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Rankings >
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 · 29 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 29 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.
