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2026 Best Value Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 893 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Trade College evaluated 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Southeast Community College Area, our #1 best-value Construction Trades school in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #2 makes North Hennepin Community College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. The median Construction Trades program debt is $21,241. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Technical College La Cross landed the #3 spot. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Western Technical College La Cross Construction Trades students take on a median of $13,669 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #4 spot. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $20,291. Median earnings reach $45,287 ten years out. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
You'll get strong value at Northeast Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Northeast Community College
Raritan Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Branchburg, NJ. 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. Median earnings reach $48,145 ten years out. Set against $9,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Raritan Valley Community College report
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. The median Construction Trades program debt is $7,308. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Set against $7,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Northwest Iowa Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,350, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $50,776 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Northwest Iowa Community College report
Ridgewater College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. Graduates carry a median of $15,556 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. Read more about Ridgewater College
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #11 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $8,250. St Cloud Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,874 a decade after entry. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lake Area Technical Institute report
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brookdale Community College
Bismarck State College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bismarck State College
Mitchell Technical Institute came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mitchell, SD. Students from in state pay about $7,524 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,683 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,743. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. Get the full Mitchell Technical Institute report
Dakota County Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,974. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. Set against $11,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Dakota County Technical College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fergus Falls, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,908. Students borrow a median of $8,939 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $45,591 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Minnesota State Community And Technical College
East Mississippi Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. East Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Scooba, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,772. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full East Mississippi Community College report
Lansing Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. The median Construction Trades program debt is $16,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,206 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt. More on Lansing Community College
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Itawamba Community College
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Ogeechee Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ogeechee Technical College report
Richmond Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Richmond Community College is a public school based in Hamlet, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,956, with out-of-state students paying around $6,564. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Richmond Community College profile
Honolulu Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Honolulu Community College is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,174, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $45,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Honolulu Community College profile
Reading Area Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Reading, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,480, while out-of-state students pay about $12,510. Students borrow a median of $13,979 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $39,082 ten years out. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Reading Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar placed #25 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $14,348. Median earnings reach $41,306 ten years out. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Construction Trades students take on a median of $18,442 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,709. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Texas State Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Students borrow a median of $9,923 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,916 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,923 median debt. Read more about Texas State Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,050. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology Construction Trades students take on a median of $8,380 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,681. That is a strong return on a $8,380 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology report
Pierpont Community And Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Fairmont, WV, Pierpont Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,660 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $16,268. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,132. That is a strong return on a $16,268 median debt. Get the full Pierpont Community And Technical College report
Lake Superior College placed #30 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Duluth, MN, Lake Superior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,785. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $17,156. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,449 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,156 median debt. See the full Lake Superior College profile
Linn State Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Linn, MO, Linn State Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, compared with $14,610 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,901 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Linn State Technical College profile
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,388. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
Pima Community College placed #33 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,655 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,810. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt. See the full Pima Community College profile
Manhattan Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Manhattan, KS, Manhattan Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,844. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Manhattan Area Technical College report
Wake Technical Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,784 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. Set against $11,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wake Technical Community College
Alpena Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,840, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $6,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,442. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Alpena Community College
Minnesota West Community And Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,491. Minnesota West Community And Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,089 in debt. Minnesota West Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,285 a decade after entry. Set against $11,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Hinds Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, compared with $7,300 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,385 in student loans. 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. Get the full Hinds Community College report
Bellingham Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,431, with out-of-state students paying around $5,809. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,748 ten years after entry. Get the full Bellingham Technical College report
Western Dakota Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Rapid City, SD, Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,294. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,548. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,240. That is a strong return on a $12,548 median debt. See the full Western Dakota Technical Institute profile
Utah Valley University placed #42 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,484 in student loans. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,484 median debt. Get the full Utah Valley University report
Erie Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,710 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,228 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,710 median debt. Read more about Erie Community College
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $6,974. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $28,467. That is a strong return on a $6,974 median debt. See the full City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College profile
Northern Michigan University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,322, with out-of-state students paying around $19,944. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,107. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Northern Michigan University profile
Hudson Valley Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Hudson Valley Community College is a public school based in Troy, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,973. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,460 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hudson Valley Community College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $14,833. Los Angeles Trade Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,233 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. Read more about Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Triangle Tech Inc Greensburg came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greensburg, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Greensburg is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,413 in tuition and fees. The median Construction Trades program debt is $17,583. Median earnings reach $53,788 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,583 median debt. See the full Triangle Tech Inc Greensburg profile
Triangle Tech Inc Dubois offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Falls Creek, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Dubois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,462. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,538. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Triangle Tech Inc Dubois
Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,513. Students borrow a median of $17,583 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem alumni report median earnings of $53,788 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem
Dunwoody College Of Technology landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,477. Graduates carry a median of $18,423 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,511. Set against $18,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dunwoody College Of Technology profile
Related Construction Trades Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Trades Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate 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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