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2026 Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Engineering Technology associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 168 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College analyzed 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 Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Lake Area Technical Institute tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology associate's degree schools in the United States. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
Out of the 168 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, San Jacinto Community College landed the #2 spot. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $11,376. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Technical Institute earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Technical Institute
Spokane Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Construction Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Spokane Community College Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $16,486 in debt. Spokane Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,984 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Spokane Community College report
You'll get strong value at North Dakota State College Of Science, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,974, while out-of-state students pay about $6,973. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $15,706. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,513 ten years after entry. Set against $15,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Dakota State College Of Science
Valencia College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $14,413. Valencia College alumni report median earnings of $40,594 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Valencia College report
Houston Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Students borrow a median of $19,223 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Houston Community College
Greenville Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,495, while out-of-state students pay about $10,775. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $16,411. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. Set against $16,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Greenville Technical College
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuyahoga Community College District profile
Ferris State University placed #10 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report
Texas State Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Located in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, compared with $11,812 for out-of-state students. 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
Macomb Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Macomb Community College is a public school based in Warren, MI. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, 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. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt. More on Macomb Community College
Owens Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Based in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $37,275 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Owens Community College profile
Tarrant County College District landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $15,148. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,148 median debt. Read more about Tarrant County College District
South Dakota State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $24,855 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $24,855 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Perkinston, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $11,653. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,017 a decade after entry. Set against $11,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College report
Lorain County Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Based in Elyria, OH, Lorain County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. Lorain County Community College Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $17,611 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,837. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt. Read the full report on Lorain County Community College
Fulton Montgomery Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Johnstown, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,198, compared with $6,798 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $16,142. Fulton Montgomery Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,535 a decade after entry. Set against $16,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fulton Montgomery Community College
Jefferson State Community College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Birmingham, AL, Jefferson State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $15,083. Jefferson State Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,719 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Jefferson State Community College report
Sinclair Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years out. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Cuny New York City College Of Technology ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,332 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,282. Cuny New York City College Of Technology Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,900 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,365 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Bridgevalley Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in South Charleston, WV, Bridgevalley Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,428. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $11,958. Bridgevalley Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bridgevalley Community And Technical College
St Philips College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Philips College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,412 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. Graduates carry a median of $15,653 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,224. That is a strong return on a $15,653 median debt. Get the full St Philips College report
Suny College Of Technology At Delhi offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Delhi, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Delhi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,772, while out-of-state students pay about $12,762. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $20,303. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,629. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College Of Technology At Delhi has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Suny College Of Technology At Delhi
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Monroe Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rochester, NY, Monroe Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Students borrow a median of $12,921 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,174. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Monroe Community College report
Hudson Valley Community College placed #27 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,796, compared with $11,852 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,868 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,460. That is a strong return on a $12,868 median debt. See the full Hudson Valley Community College profile
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,892, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,721 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $50,445 ten years out. Set against $19,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Suny College Of Technology At Alfred report
Indian River State College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Indian River State College is a public school based in Fort Pierce, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,764 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $10,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,315. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Indian River State College
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $9,911, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Pellissippi State Community College placed #31 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,770. Graduates carry a median of $8,951 in student loans. Pellissippi State Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,440 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,951 median debt. See the full Pellissippi State Community College profile
Nashville State Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Nashville, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,714 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $16,745. Nashville State Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,519 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,745 median debt. Get the full Nashville State Community College report
Broward College
Broward College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Broward College
Keene State College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Read the full report on Keene State College
Northeast Mississippi Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Northeast Mississippi Community College
Honolulu Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. See the full Honolulu Community College profile
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Get the full Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute report
Roger Williams University placed #38 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. See the full Roger Williams University profile
Temple University placed #39 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Temple University
Tarleton State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Get the full Tarleton State University report
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Burlington County College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Burlington County College
Lane Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Lane Community College
North Hennepin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on North Hennepin Community College
Lee College
Lee College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read the full report on Lee College
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Raritan Valley Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Raritan Valley Community College
Hocking College
Hocking College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on Hocking College
Triton College
Triton College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Read more about Triton College
Grays Harbor College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Grays Harbor College report
Related Construction Engineering Technology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate 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
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 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).