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2026 Best Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 893 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College reviewed schools to compile 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
North Hennepin Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Construction Trades certificate degree schools in the United States. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,142 ten years out. 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 Iowa Tech Community College landed the #2 spot. Located in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Construction Trades ranking in the United States. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #4 spot. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Fennimore, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,225. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,225 median debt. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Trinidad State Junior College landed the #5 spot. Located in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,475. That is a strong return on a $3,588 median debt. Read more about Trinidad State Junior College
Moraine Park Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
North Georgia Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,279. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Georgia Technical College
Augusta Technical College came in at #8 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, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. Set against $11,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
South Louisiana Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,210. Students borrow a median of $7,409 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,432 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,409 median debt. More on South Louisiana Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,363. Graduates carry a median of $8,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,558. That is a strong return on a $8,625 median debt. Get the full Central Louisiana Technical Community College report
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $7,308 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Mitchell Technical Institute landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,524. Students borrow a median of $10,683 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Mitchell Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $50,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. Read the full report on Mitchell Technical Institute
Washburn Institute Of Technology ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Topeka, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,880. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,774 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. See the full Washburn Institute Of Technology profile
Lansing Community College placed #14 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,700 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,206. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lansing Community College
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #15 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,350. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,350 median debt. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
East Mississippi Community College placed #16 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Scooba, MS, East Mississippi Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,095, with out-of-state students paying around $7,445. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,772. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on East Mississippi Community College
Anoka Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Lake Superior College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees. Lake Superior College Construction Trades students take on a median of $17,156 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,449 ten years out. Set against $17,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lake Superior College report
Ogeechee Technical College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Honolulu Community College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Honolulu Community College is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,174, compared with $8,310 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,500. Median earnings reach $45,105 ten years out. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Honolulu Community College
Richmond Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,956 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,564. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Richmond Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,951 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Richmond Community College report
Wake Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,254 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Students borrow a median of $11,784 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. Set against $11,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Manhattan Area Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Manhattan, KS, Manhattan Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,844. Graduates carry a median of $15,499 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,864. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. Read the full report on Manhattan Area Technical College
Atlanta Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,382, while out-of-state students pay about $5,950. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,646. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Atlanta Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Minnesota West Community And Technical College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,491 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,089 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,285 ten years after entry. Set against $11,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Delgado Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,279. Graduates carry a median of $11,977 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,305 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Delgado Community College profile
Southwestern Illinois College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. 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. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,388. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
Horry Georgetown Technical College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Conway, SC, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,518, with out-of-state students paying around $10,978. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,507 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Horry Georgetown Technical College
Texas State Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas State Technical College is a public school based in Waco, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, with out-of-state students paying around $11,812. The median Construction Trades program debt is $9,923. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,916 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Texas State Technical College
Tidewater Tech Trades ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Tidewater Tech Trades is a private for-profit school based in Norfolk, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,337. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,657. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tidewater Tech Trades
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Students borrow a median of $6,974 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $28,467 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,974 median debt. Get the full City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College report
Western Dakota Technical Institute landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rapid City, SD, Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,548. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,240. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Dakota Technical Institute
Pima Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,655. Pima Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pima Community College
Mesa State College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,823. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Mesa State College
Austin Community College District placed #36 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $15,624. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. Set against $15,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Austin Community College District
Alpena Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Alpena Community College
Virginia Western Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Roanoke, VA, Virginia Western Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,400, compared with $11,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,715 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Virginia Western Community College
Ranken Technical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Ranken Technical College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,008. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $6,712. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,955 ten years after entry. Set against $6,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ranken Technical College report
Central New Mexico Community College placed #40 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Big Sandy Community And Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Prestonsburg, KY, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $9,625 in student loans. Big Sandy Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,954 a decade after entry. Set against $9,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Big Sandy Community And Technical College profile
Red Rocks Community College placed #42 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Lakewood, CO, Red Rocks Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,859 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,459. Red Rocks Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $14,471 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,288 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,471 median debt. See the full Red Rocks Community College profile
Delaware County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Delaware County Community College is a public school based in Media, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $15,540. Delaware County Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $14,866 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,391. That is a strong return on a $14,866 median debt. More on Delaware County Community College
Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Boston, MA, Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,906. Graduates carry a median of $8,663 in student loans. Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $57,556 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology profile
National Career Education came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. National Career Education is a private for-profit school based in Citrus Heights, CA. Graduates carry a median of $8,867 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,015. That is a strong return on a $8,867 median debt. More on National Career Education
Orleans Technical Institute placed #45 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Orleans Technical Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Orleans Technical Institute Construction Trades students take on a median of $7,521 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,521 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Orleans Technical Institute profile
Berk Trade And Business School offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Long Island City, NY, Berk Trade And Business School is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $6,333 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,748. That is a strong return on a $6,333 median debt. See the full Berk Trade And Business School profile
Ehove Career Center placed #45 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Milan, OH, Ehove Career Center is a public institution. Ehove Career Center Construction Trades students take on a median of $6,333 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,333 median debt. Get the full Ehove Career Center report
Institute For Business And Technology came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, Institute For Business And Technology is a private for-profit institution. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $8,867. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Institute For Business And Technology
Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Chillicothe, OH, Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District is a public institution. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,485 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District
Related Construction Trades Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Trades Schools (All Levels)
- 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
These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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