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2027 Best Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools

1,078 Colleges in the United States
54,666 Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Degrees Awarded
$45,829 Avg Early-Career Salary

Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 1078 schools to find the best for practical nursing & nursing assistants students.

What’s on this page:

Choosing a Great Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants School

Best Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools

Where you study practical nursing & nursing assistants matters for your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants rankings. For our Best Overall Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants
Bachelor's Degrees in Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants

We offer several rankings, including this Best Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

Best Schools for Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall practical nursing & nursing assistants education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants

1

Neosho County Community College tops our 2027 ranking of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Located in the town of Chanute, Neosho County Community College is a mid-sized public university. About 251 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Neosho County Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Neosho County Community College earn around $44,672 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,150 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Neosho County Community College

2

A rank of #2 makes Seward County Community College And Area Technical School one of the top schools for practical nursing & nursing assistants. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Liberal. Seward County Community College And Area Technical School awarded about 84 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Seward County Community College And Area Technical School earn around $53,375 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $11,350 to complete this degree. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Seward County Community College And Area Technical School

3

Students looking for a strong practical nursing & nursing assistants program will find one at Garden City Community College, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Garden City, Garden City Community College is a mid-sized public institution. About 190 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Garden City Community College in the most recent year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Garden City Community College earn a median of $35,476 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,338. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Garden City Community College

4

Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants, ranking #4. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a small public university. There were roughly 26 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health earn around $89,536 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,224 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health

5

A rank of #5 makes College Of Lake County one of the top schools for practical nursing & nursing assistants. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Grayslake. About 564 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at College Of Lake County in the most recent year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of College Of Lake County earn a median of $50,314 early in their careers. College Of Lake County graduates carry a median of $9,400 in student loans. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for College Of Lake County

6

Gateway Technical College landed the #6 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the city of Kenosha, Gateway Technical College is a large public institution. There were roughly 976 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Gateway Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Gateway Technical College earn around $42,410 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,829 to complete this degree. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Gateway Technical College

7

Carolinas College Of Health Sciences came in at #7 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Located in the city of Charlotte, Carolinas College Of Health Sciences is a small public university. Carolinas College Of Health Sciences awarded about 134 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Carolinas College Of Health Sciences earn a median of $63,608 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,874 to complete this degree. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Carolinas College Of Health Sciences

8

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College placed #8 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College is a large public school located in the town of Olney. Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College awarded about 181 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the practical nursing & nursing assistants program make about $56,008 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $7,500. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College

9

Pratt Community College earned the #9 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the town of Pratt, Pratt Community College is a mid-sized public institution. There were roughly 84 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Pratt Community College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Pratt Community College generally make around $61,703. Typical student debt for the program is $10,327. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Pratt Community College

10
Carthage College crest
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI

Carthage College earned the #10 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Located in the city of Kenosha, Carthage College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Carthage College graduates 64% of students within six years. Carthage College awarded about 84 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Carthage College generally make around $41,923. Carthage College graduates carry a median of $25,708 in student loans. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Carthage College

11

Highland Community College Highland placed #11 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. This mid-sized public university is located in the rural area of Highland. There were roughly 241 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Highland Community College Highland in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Highland Community College Highland earn a median of $22,909 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $11,000. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Highland Community College Highland

12

Kansas City Kansas Community College earned the #12 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Kansas City. Kansas City Kansas Community College awarded about 242 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Kansas City Kansas Community College earn a median of $48,862 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,750. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Kansas City Kansas Community College

13

Hutchinson Community College came in at #13 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Hutchinson. There were roughly 302 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Hutchinson Community College in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Hutchinson Community College earn a median of $45,344 early in their careers. Hutchinson Community College graduates carry a median of $13,210 in student loans. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Hutchinson Community College

14
Ashland University crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH

Ashland University placed #14 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Set in the town of Ashland, Ashland University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. There were roughly 27 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Ashland University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Ashland University generally make around $48,852. Students borrow a median of $24,536 to complete this degree. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Ashland University

15

North Central Kansas Technical College came in at #15 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. This small public university is located in the rural area of Beloit. About 193 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at North Central Kansas Technical College in the most recent year. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from North Central Kansas Technical College

16

Flint Hills Technical College ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Set in the town of Emporia, Flint Hills Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. There were roughly 110 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Flint Hills Technical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the practical nursing & nursing assistants program make about $34,930 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,600 to complete this degree. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Flint Hills Technical College

17

Elgin Community College landed the #17 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Elgin Community College is a large public school located in the city of Elgin. About 131 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Elgin Community College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Elgin Community College generally make around $43,975. Typical student debt for the program is $7,727. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Elgin Community College

18

Salina Area Technical College landed the #18 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the town of Salina, Salina Area Technical College is a small public institution. Salina Area Technical College awarded about 202 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Salina Area Technical College earn a median of $38,440 early in their careers. Salina Area Technical College graduates carry a median of $17,124 in student loans. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Salina Area Technical College

19
Parkland College crest
Parkland College
Champaign, IL

Parkland College earned the #19 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Parkland College is a large public school located in the city of Champaign. There were roughly 152 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Parkland College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Parkland College generally make around $40,409. Typical student debt for the program is $9,007. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Parkland College

20

Cloud County Community College placed #20 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Located in the rural area of Concordia, Cloud County Community College is a mid-sized public university. Cloud County Community College awarded about 153 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Cloud County Community College earn a median of $53,004 early in their careers. Cloud County Community College graduates carry a median of $12,839 in student loans. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Cloud County Community College

21

Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #21 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. About 83 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent year. Graduates of the practical nursing & nursing assistants program make about $80,047 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,692. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Santa Rosa Junior College

22

Minnesota West Community And Technical College came in at #22 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Located in the rural area of Granite Falls, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. There were roughly 323 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota West Community And Technical College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Minnesota West Community And Technical College earn around $43,009 in the first couple years of their career. Minnesota West Community And Technical College graduates carry a median of $13,946 in student loans. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Minnesota West Community And Technical College

23
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College earned the #23 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. About 3,241 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the practical nursing & nursing assistants program make about $50,081 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,317 to complete this degree. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Ivy Tech Community College

24

Barton County Community College ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Set in the rural area of Great Bend, Barton County Community College is a large public institution. About 127 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Barton County Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Barton County Community College earn around $44,536 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,125 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Barton County Community College

25
Nightingale College crest
Nightingale College
Salt Lake City, UT

Nightingale College earned the #25 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, Nightingale College is a moderately-sized private for-profit university. Nightingale College graduates 26% of students within six years. About 44 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Nightingale College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Nightingale College generally make around $73,271. Nightingale College graduates carry a median of $27,875 in student loans. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Nightingale College

Rest of the Top 50 Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s practical nursing & nursing assistants ranking:

26
27
Pacific College crest
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, CA
28
29
Inver Hills Community College crest
Inver Hills Community College
Inver Grove Heights, MN
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE
42
Butte College crest
Butte College
Oroville, CA
43
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
44
45
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA
46
Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
47
48
Snow College crest
Snow College
Ephraim, UT
49
50

Additional Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Award Winners

These schools also stood out for practical nursing & nursing assistants:

Rank School Location
#51 Alvin Community College Alvin, TX
#52 Odessa College Odessa, TX
#53 Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY
#54 Harper College Palatine, IL
#55 Central Maine Medical Center College Of Nursing And Health Professions Lewiston, ME
#56 Utah State University Logan, UT
#57 Kapiolani Community College Honolulu, HI
#58 Wor Wic Community College Salisbury, MD
#59 Arkansas State University Newport Newport, AR
#60 Galen College Of Nursing San Antonio San Antonio, TX
#61 Washburn Institute Of Technology Topeka, KS
#62 New England Institute Of Technology East Greenwich, RI
#63 Houston Community College Houston, TX
#64 Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FL
#65 Clover Park Technical College Lakewood, WA
#66 Clovis Community College Clovis, NM
#67 Southeastern Community College West Burlington West Burlington, IA
#68 Butler Community College El Dorado, KS
#69 Casper College Casper, WY
#70 Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI
#71 Paris Junior College Paris, TX
#72 University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton Morrilton, AR
#73 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
#74 Gateway Community College Phoenix Phoenix, AZ
#75 Central Louisiana Technical Community College Alexandria, LA

Honorable Mentions

A few more practical nursing & nursing assistants schools worth a look:

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Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants by Region

View the Best Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Far Western US
Southwest
Outlying Areas

View All Rankings >

Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.

Major Annual Graduates
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide 32,502
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training 21,770
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other 394

View All Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Concentrations >

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1078 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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