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2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering Technology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 160 schools 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 help you make your decision, Trade College reviewed schools to build 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 Civil Engineering Technology Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
You'll get strong value at Alpena Community College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Alpena, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,840, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Alpena Community College Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,442 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Alpena Community College
Out of the 160 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #3 spot. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. St Cloud Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,734 median debt. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Central College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in North Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,146. Graduates carry a median of $13,268 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,068 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Central College report
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $20,721. Median earnings reach $40,137 ten years out. Set against $20,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $16,812. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Dakota County Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,679 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,938 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Dakota County Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $14,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Florence Darlington Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Florence Darlington Technical College is a public school based in Florence, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,636, while out-of-state students pay about $6,772. Students borrow a median of $7,230 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Florence Darlington Technical College
North Dakota State College Of Science placed #11 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Wahpeton, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,974 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,973. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $15,706. Median earnings reach $50,513 ten years out. Set against $15,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Dakota State College Of Science
Stark State College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. Get the full Stark State College report
Valencia College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Valencia College Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,413 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,594. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Valencia College
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee placed #14 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Okmulgee, OK, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,774, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,356 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,634. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt. See the full Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee profile
Ferris State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Colorado State University Pueblo placed #16 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,563 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado State University Pueblo report
Central Maine Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Auburn, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,140, with out-of-state students paying around $7,020. Graduates carry a median of $14,700 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,448. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Maine Community College
Portland Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $20,648. Portland Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,648 median debt. See the full Portland Community College profile
Midlands Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Midlands Technical College is a public school based in West Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, compared with $14,700 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $17,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,701 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Midlands Technical College
Murray State University placed #20 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $22,500. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Murray State University report
Youngstown State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,500 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $23,183. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Tidewater Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,858 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $14,001. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,349 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,001 median debt. Read the full report on Tidewater Community College
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome placed #24 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Utica, NY, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,625 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,215. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $22,934. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome alumni report median earnings of $64,355 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,934 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome report
Linn State Technical College placed #25 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Linn, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, with out-of-state students paying around $14,610. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $11,042. Linn State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $55,901 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Linn State Technical College profile
Dunwoody College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,477. Dunwoody College Of Technology Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $18,973 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dunwoody College Of Technology admits about 99% of applicants. More on Dunwoody College Of Technology
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Technology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Students borrow a median of $18,419 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,733. Set against $18,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Seminole State College Of Florida
Lake Land College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Lake Land College Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $7,769 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,877 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt. Read more about Lake Land College
Hudson Valley Community College placed #29 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,796 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,852. Students borrow a median of $12,868 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,460. That is a strong return on a $12,868 median debt. Read more about Hudson Valley Community College
Erie Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Erie Community College is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Students borrow a median of $12,580 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Erie Community College
University Of Houston Downtown landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Graduates carry a median of $23,925 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,551 ten years out. Set against $23,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Houston Downtown profile
Fairmont State University placed #32 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Fairmont, WV, Fairmont State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,708, compared with $18,924 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $26,447. Fairmont State University alumni report median earnings of $46,857 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Fairmont State University report
Sinclair Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $12,525. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Sinclair Community College
Des Moines Area Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $14,956. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
New England Institute Of Technology placed #35 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,275. Graduates carry a median of $24,586 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,684. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. New England Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on New England Institute Of Technology
Idaho State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Idaho State University is a public school based in Pocatello, ID. Students from in state pay about $8,610 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Idaho State University Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $24,640 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,608. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Idaho State University
Indiana State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $25,582. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
Metropolitan State College Of Denver came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. Metropolitan State College Of Denver Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $31,998 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. Set against $31,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
Indian River State College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. Indian River State College is a public school based in Fort Pierce, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Indian River State College alumni report median earnings of $38,315 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. More on Indian River State College
Pennsylvania College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Williamsport, PA, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,940, with out-of-state students paying around $25,680. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $52,567 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pennsylvania College Of Technology
Bridgevalley Community And Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in South Charleston, WV, Bridgevalley Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,800 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,428. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $11,958. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,432. That is a strong return on a $11,958 median debt. More on Bridgevalley Community And Technical College
Cuny New York City College Of Technology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, with out-of-state students paying around $15,282. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $11,492. Median earnings reach $49,365 ten years out. Set against $11,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny New York City College Of Technology admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,210. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,571. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rochester Institute Of Technology report
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #44 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $24,770. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology placed #45 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Flushing, NY, Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,810 in tuition and fees. Typical Civil Engineering Technology student debt is $24,688. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,973 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Vaughn College Of Aeronautics And Technology profile
Cleveland State Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools. Based in Cleveland, TN, Cleveland State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,762, compared with $17,746 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,742 to complete their Civil Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,671 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,742 median debt. Read the full report on Cleveland State Community College
Pellissippi State Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Pellissippi State Community College is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,786, compared with $17,770 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering Technology program debt is $8,951. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pellissippi State Community College
South Carolina State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orangeburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,060, while out-of-state students pay about $21,750. South Carolina State University Civil Engineering Technology students take on a median of $31,740 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,262 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Carolina State University profile
Vermont Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Vermont Technical College is a public school based in Randolph, VT. Students from in state pay about $11,952 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,296. Graduates carry a median of $24,208 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,331. Set against $24,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Vermont Technical College
Savannah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Get the full Savannah State University report
Nassau Community College placed #50 among the best-value Civil Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Nassau Community College
Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 160 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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