2026 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/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 35 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools.
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2026 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
Colorado Mountain College earned the #1 spot for value among nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools in the Rocky Mountains Region. Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Glenwood Springs. In-state tuition and fees average $2,616, while out-of-state students pay about $12,840. Students borrow a median of $9,450 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 Colorado Mountain College generally make around $48,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Snow College one of the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Snow College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Ephraim. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,338, with out-of-state students paying around $14,288. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Snow College earn a median of $42,776 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt.
College Of Southern Idaho came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. College Of Southern Idaho is a large public school located in the city of Twin Falls. 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. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from College Of Southern Idaho generally make around $41,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Morgan Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Fort Morgan, Morgan Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,252, with out-of-state students paying around $16,852. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $11,750 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Morgan Community College earn a median of $64,066 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,750 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Salt Lake Community College earned it the #5 place for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,426 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $10,855 in student loans. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Salt Lake Community College earn a median of $42,031 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,855 median debt.
Ogden Weber Technical College came in at #6 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Set in the city of Ogden, Ogden Weber Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. 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. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Bridgerland Technical College landed the #7 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Set in the city of Logan, Bridgerland Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Students borrow a median of $12,000 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 $28,884. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.
Community College Of Aurora earned the #8 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the city of Aurora, Community College Of Aurora is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $17,667. 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.
Northwest College landed the #9 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Northwest College is a small public school located in the town of Powell. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Northwest College earn a median of $40,014 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Aims Community College landed the #10 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Set in the city of Greeley, Aims Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,258, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $10,000. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $45,909. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt.
Red Rocks Community College earned the #11 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. 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. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $7,006. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Red Rocks Community College earn a median of $76,340 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Delta Montrose Technical College came in at #12 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Delta Montrose Technical College is a small public school located in the rural area of Delta. 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. Set against $22,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Community College Of Denver placed #13 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Set in the city of Denver, Community College Of Denver is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,058, compared with $17,658 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. 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.
Pikes Peak Community College earned the #14 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Located in the suburb of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,510 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,110. Students borrow a median of $16,066 to complete the nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide program here. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates of Pikes Peak Community College earn a median of $41,037 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,066 median debt.
Emily Griffith Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Emily Griffith Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Denver. 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. Set against $13,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arapahoe Community College earned the #16 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Arapahoe Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Littleton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,434, with out-of-state students paying around $17,034. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Arapahoe Community College generally make around $36,234. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Front Range Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Set in the suburb of Westminster, Front Range Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. 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.
Trinidad State Junior College earned the #18 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. In-state tuition and fees average $4,608, with out-of-state students paying around $7,318. Typical student debt for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates is $7,625. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Trinidad State Junior College generally make around $53,086. That is a strong return on a $7,625 median debt.
Pueblo Community College landed the #19 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Located in the city of Pueblo, Pueblo Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,049, with out-of-state students paying around $17,649. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $9,975 in student loans. Early-career nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide graduates make about $25,507. Set against $9,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Davis Technical College came in at #20 for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Davis Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Kaysville. Students borrow a median of $8,048 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 $26,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Otero Junior College earned the #21 position for value in nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide this year. Set in the town of La Junta, Otero Junior College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,270 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Highlands College Of Montana Tech placed #22 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Located in the town of Butte, Highlands College Of Montana Tech is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $4,127 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,948. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $2,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Highlands College Of Montana Tech generally make around $58,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Utah State University placed #23 among the best values for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Nursing Assistant/aide And Patient Care Assistant/aide graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Northeastern Junior College landed the #24 spot for nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value this year. Set in the town of Sterling, Northeastern Junior College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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.
Dixie State College Of Utah ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide schools. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,666 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 Dixie State College Of Utah generally make around $42,266. Set against $18,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 27 Best Value Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide value ranking:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 35 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.
