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2026 Best Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 893 schools 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 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Northwest Iowa Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Construction Trades undergraduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,650. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $50,776 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Iowa Community College
Western Technical College La Cross came in at #2 on this year's best-value Construction Trades ranking in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,669 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #3 spot. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
A rank of #4 makes North Hennepin Community College one of the best values in the United States. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. The median Construction Trades program debt is $21,241. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on North Hennepin Community College
Out of the 893 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,225. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set 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. Western Iowa Tech Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,886 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,473. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Southeast Community College Area placed #8 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $14,935. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
Bismarck State College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bismarck, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, with out-of-state students paying around $7,331. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $6,666. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,277 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bismarck State College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fergus Falls, MN, Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,908. The median Construction Trades program debt is $8,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,591 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,939 median debt. Get the full Minnesota State Community And Technical College report
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $7,308 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $7,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Mitchell Technical Institute placed #12 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mitchell, SD. 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. Median earnings reach $50,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. Read the full report on Mitchell Technical Institute
Moraine Park Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fond du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, 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. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Moraine Park Technical College report
Dakota County Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,938. That is a strong return on a $11,974 median debt. See the full Dakota County Technical College profile
North Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,932. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. More on North Georgia Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. 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. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
Northeast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Northeast Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Ridgewater College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,556 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Anoka Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,850. Median earnings reach $47,746 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,850 median debt. Read more about Anoka Technical College
South Louisiana Community College placed #21 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $7,409 in student loans. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,409 median debt. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Augusta Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Central Louisiana Technical Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,098, compared with $4,363 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $8,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,558 ten years after entry. Set against $8,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Northland Community And Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Northland Community And Technical College is a public school based in Thief River Falls, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. Northland Community And Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,425. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Des Moines Area Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Texas State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,212 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,812. The median Construction Trades program debt is $9,923. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Texas State Technical College
Lansing Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Lansing Community College is a public school based in Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Lansing Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,206 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt. Read more about Lansing Community College
East Mississippi Community College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scooba, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Get the full East Mississippi Community College report
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,350 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Ogeechee Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,894. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Washburn Institute Of Technology came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,880. Washburn Institute Of Technology Construction Trades students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. 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
Hillsborough Community College placed #32 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located 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. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $16,142. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,782 ten years after entry. Set against $16,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Hillsborough Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public school based in Calmar, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar report
Itawamba Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,942. Median earnings reach $32,912 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Itawamba Community College report
Lake Superior College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Duluth, MN, Lake Superior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,785. The median Construction Trades program debt is $17,156. Median earnings reach $46,449 ten years out. Set against $17,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lake Superior College
Hinds Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Raymond, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Get the full Hinds Community College report
Southwestern Illinois College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Southwestern Illinois College alumni report median earnings of $36,884 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
Richmond Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,956, while out-of-state students pay about $6,564. Richmond Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lancaster, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. Graduates carry a median of $8,380 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,681 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,380 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology report
Danville Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Danville, VA, Danville Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,430. Danville Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $9,494 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,664. Set against $9,494 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Danville Community College
Manhattan Area Technical College placed #41 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Manhattan Area Technical College is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,844. The median Construction Trades program debt is $15,499. 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
Minnesota West Community And Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Granite Falls, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,491. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,089. Median earnings reach $45,285 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,089 median debt. More on Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Southeast Technical Institute is a public school based in Sioux Falls, SD. Students from in state pay about $7,650 in tuition and fees. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $18,442. A decade after starting, 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
Delgado Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Delgado Community College is a public school based in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Students borrow a median of $11,977 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. That is a strong return on a $11,977 median debt. Read the full report on Delgado Community College
Alpena Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Alpena, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $6,840, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,442. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Alpena Community College profile
Lamar Institute Of Technology placed #46 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,844, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. Students borrow a median of $14,278 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $38,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,278 median debt. Read more about Lamar Institute Of Technology
Honolulu Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Honolulu, HI, Honolulu Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,174, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Honolulu Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,105 a decade after entry. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Honolulu Community College report
Atlanta Technical College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,646. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,350 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,646 median debt. More on Atlanta Technical College
Penn Commercial Business Technical School landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, PA, Penn Commercial Business Technical School is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,654. The median Construction Trades program debt is $7,912. Penn Commercial Business Technical School alumni report median earnings of $31,736 a decade after entry. Set against $7,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Penn Commercial Business Technical School admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Penn Commercial Business Technical School profile
Los Angeles Trade Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,233. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. Read the full report on Los Angeles Trade Technical College
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 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. Rankings consider 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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