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2026 Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Engineering Technology programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 168 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College 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 Engineering Technology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Lake Area Technical Institute to be the best-value Construction Engineering Technology school in the United States. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
San Jacinto Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Construction Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $11,376. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Out of the 168 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Technical Institute landed the #3 spot. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Construction Engineering Technology 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. Read more about Southeast Technical Institute
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Spokane Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Spokane Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State College Of Science earned it the #5 place in the United States. North Dakota State College Of Science is a public school based in Wahpeton, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,974, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $15,706. North Dakota State College Of Science alumni report median earnings of $50,513 a decade after entry. Set against $15,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Dakota State College Of Science
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,495, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $16,411. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Greenville Technical College
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $14,413. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,594. Set against $14,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Valencia College
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $14,636. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuyahoga Community College District report
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Ferris State University Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Western Carolina University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. Houston Community College Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $19,223 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,223 median debt. Read the full report on Houston Community College
Owens Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Owens Community College is a public school based in Perrysburg, OH. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $19,383. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,275. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Owens Community College report
Macomb Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Macomb Community College is a public school based in Warren, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Macomb Community College Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $9,862 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Macomb Community College
Texas State Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Waco, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Graduates carry a median of $12,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,916. Set against $12,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Texas State Technical College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Perkinston, MS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Students borrow a median of $11,653 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,017. That is a strong return on a $11,653 median debt. Get the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College report
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $17,866. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,866 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Lorain County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Lorain County Community College is a public school based in Elyria, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,265, with out-of-state students paying around $8,860. Lorain County Community College Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $17,611 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,837. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt. Read more about Lorain County Community College
Midlands Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Set in West Columbia, SC, Midlands Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, compared with $14,700 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $17,611. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,701. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt. Read the full report on Midlands Technical College
Purdue University Northwest came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Graduates carry a median of $25,083 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
San Diego State University placed #22 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $16,417. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Tarrant County College District placed #23 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,148 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,727 ten years after entry. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tarrant County College District
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $24,855 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,855 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
California State University Northridge landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. California State University Northridge Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on California State University Northridge
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Engineering Technology Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $16,067 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,067 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Fulton Montgomery Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Located in Johnstown, NY, Fulton Montgomery Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,198, while out-of-state students pay about $6,798. Graduates carry a median of $16,142 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,535 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. More on Fulton Montgomery Community College
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $17,116. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,733. Set against $17,116 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
California State University Chico came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $21,104. Median earnings reach $64,172 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on California State University Chico
Washington State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $28,550. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Washington State University report
California State University Fresno placed #31 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $12,985. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,985 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Georgia Southern University placed #31 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgia Southern University
University Of North Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, while out-of-state students pay about $19,407. Students borrow a median of $22,364 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $56,343 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 53%. Read the full report on University Of North Florida
University Of Florida ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,738 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $14,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Florida International University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
Pittsburg State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Set in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $22,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,579. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Pittsburg State University report
University Of Houston landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $22,629. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $22,629 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,302 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Tarleton State University Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,222 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Tarleton State University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $24,964 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $24,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Jefferson State Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Birmingham, AL, Jefferson State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $15,083. Median earnings reach $40,719 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Jefferson State Community College profile
Sam Houston State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $22,718. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $22,718 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Farmingdale State College placed #43 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Farmingdale, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $17,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,781 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read the full report on Farmingdale State College
Cuny New York City College Of Technology came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, while out-of-state students pay about $15,282. Cuny New York City College Of Technology Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,900 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,365. Set against $10,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Cuny New York City College Of Technology report
Louisiana Tech University placed #45 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Louisiana Tech University Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $21,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $21,750 median debt. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of North Texas ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $24,525. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Set against $24,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Arizona State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $22,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Kansas State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Kansas State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 168 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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