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2026 Best Value Construction Trades Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 893 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Construction Trades Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
North Hennepin Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Construction Trades programs schools in the United States. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. The median Construction Trades program debt is $21,241. Median earnings reach $51,142 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Hennepin Community College
Southeast Community College Area came in at #2 on this year's best-value Construction Trades ranking in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southeast Community College Area
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Technical College La Cross landed the #3 spot. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $13,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. Read more about Western Technical College La Cross
You'll get strong value at Northwest Iowa Community College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Sheldon, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,350, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Northwest Iowa Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,776. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northwest Iowa Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Iowa Tech Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,389. Rochester Community And Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $20,291 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. Read the full report on Rochester Community And Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,225 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Set against $5,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Northeast Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Raritan Valley Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Branchburg, NJ, Raritan Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,584. Graduates carry a median of $9,668 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,145 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,668 median debt. More on Raritan Valley Community College
Trinidad State Junior College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Trinidad State Junior College is a public school based in Trinidad, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,608, compared with $7,318 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $3,588. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,475 ten years after entry. Set against $3,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Trinidad State Junior College
Bismarck State College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,666 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,277. Set against $6,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bismarck State College
Moraine Park Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Moraine Park Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $7,308 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $7,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
North Georgia Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,932. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full North Georgia Technical College report
Minnesota State Community And Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fergus Falls, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,908. Graduates carry a median of $8,939 in student loans. Minnesota State Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,591 a decade after entry. Set against $8,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Metropolitan Community College Area Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,350 in debt. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Augusta Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Students borrow a median of $11,875 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. Set against $11,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Augusta Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $8,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
Ridgewater College placed #20 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. The median Construction Trades program debt is $15,556. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
Mitchell Technical Institute came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mitchell, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,524. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,683. Mitchell Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $50,743 a decade after entry. Set against $10,683 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mitchell Technical Institute
Dakota County Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $11,974 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,974 median debt. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Anoka Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,850 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Anoka Technical College report
South Louisiana Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $7,409 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,432. Set against $7,409 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Louisiana Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Central Louisiana Technical Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,098, with out-of-state students paying around $4,363. The median Construction Trades program debt is $8,625. Central Louisiana Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,558 a decade after entry. Set against $8,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,718. Lake Area Technical Institute Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Lake Area Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,473 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Lincroft, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brookdale Community College
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,289 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Des Moines Area Community College placed #30 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,956 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Lansing Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Lansing Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $16,700 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,206. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lansing Community College profile
East Mississippi Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Scooba, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,095, with out-of-state students paying around $7,445. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $33,772 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full East Mississippi Community College report
Texas State Technical College placed #33 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,212, compared with $11,812 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,923 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,916. That is a strong return on a $9,923 median debt. Read the full report on Texas State Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College placed #34 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, with out-of-state students paying around $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $31,248 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Washburn Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Topeka, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,880 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,774. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. More on Washburn Institute Of Technology
Honolulu Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,174, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,105. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Honolulu Community College profile
Itawamba Community College placed #37 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,942. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Richmond Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Hamlet, NC. Students from in state pay about $1,956 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,564. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,951. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Richmond Community College report
Reading Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Reading, PA, Reading Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,480 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,510. Students borrow a median of $13,979 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,082. That is a strong return on a $13,979 median debt. Read more about Reading Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $14,348. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar alumni report median earnings of $41,306 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Hillsborough Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. The median Construction Trades program debt is $16,142. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,782. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. More on Hillsborough Community College
Lake Superior College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785. Students borrow a median of $17,156 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $17,156 median debt. See the full Lake Superior College profile
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Pierpont Community And Technical College placed #44 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Pierpont Community And Technical College is a public school based in Fairmont, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,762, compared with $13,660 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,268 in student loans. Pierpont Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,132 a decade after entry. Set against $16,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pierpont Community And Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $8,380. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,681. Set against $8,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology profile
Wake Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,784. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,784 median debt. Read more about Wake Technical Community College
Hinds Community College placed #47 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. The median Construction Trades program debt is $16,385. Hinds Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,774 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hinds Community College profile
Danville Community College placed #48 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Danville, VA, Danville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,992, compared with $11,430 for out-of-state students. Danville Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $9,494 in debt. Median earnings reach $31,664 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,494 median debt. Get the full Danville Community College report
Linn State Technical College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Linn, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,160, compared with $14,610 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,901. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Linn State Technical College profile
Southwestern Illinois College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Graduates carry a median of $10,388 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
Best Value Construction Trades Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 893 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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