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2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 605 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.
To help you make your decision, 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 Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Lee College, our #1 best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology school in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Lee College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. Get the full Lee College report
Baton Rouge Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,321. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $17,624. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Baton Rouge Community College report
You'll get strong value at Ridgewater College, which ranked #3 this year. Based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. Set against $15,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ridgewater College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Iowa Tech Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. Western Iowa Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,473 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Northeast Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Northeast Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Community College
Tyler Junior College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Tyler Junior College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Read more about Tyler Junior College
Southeast Community College Area ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,437 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Set against $16,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Waukesha County Technical College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Schriever, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $5,396. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Sowela Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $7,391. Median earnings reach $32,303 ten years out. Set against $7,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sowela Technical Community College report
Hennepin Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Madison Area Technical College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $16,812. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,054. Median earnings reach $49,393 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Alexandria Technical And Community College profile
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set 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 $11,500 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 $11,500 median debt. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,234 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,376. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,062. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Alpena Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,840, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,442 ten years after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alpena Community College report
Amarillo College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Amarillo College
South Louisiana Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $12,435 in student loans. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,435 median debt. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,176. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Spokane Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $16,486. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Spokane Community College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $13,319. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Anoka Technical College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,267 in tuition and fees. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,697. Anoka Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,746 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Anoka Technical College profile
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $13,669. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. Set against $13,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,997. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Dakota County Technical College placed #27 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Dakota County Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,474 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Dakota County Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,650. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $18,442. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public school based in Perkinston, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $10,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,017. Set against $10,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College profile
Valencia College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,413. Median earnings reach $40,594 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Valencia College profile
Portland Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $10,440. Graduates carry a median of $20,648 in student loans. 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
Olympic College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,472, while out-of-state students pay about $9,740. Olympic College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $11,497 in debt. Olympic College alumni report median earnings of $43,169 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,497 median debt. See the full Olympic College profile
Pearl River Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Poplarville, MS, Pearl River Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,700, with out-of-state students paying around $6,100. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $13,482. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,019. Set against $13,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Pearl River Community College profile
Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Bridgeport, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $15,856. Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,910 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,588 ten years after entry. Set against $13,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford
Macomb Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $8,296. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,596. Set against $8,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Macomb Community College report
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Community College
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orangeburg, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,354. Graduates carry a median of $18,583 in student loans. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,761 a decade after entry. Set against $18,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $11,411 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,137. Set against $11,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College report
Central Michigan University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $28,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $12,151 in student loans. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Owens Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Perrysburg, OH. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Owens Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $19,383 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,275. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Owens Community College
Del Mar College placed #42 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Del Mar College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Del Mar College profile
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,050. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,681 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Kirkwood Community College placed #44 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $15,779. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,016. Set against $15,779 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $16,411 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Greenville Technical College report
Houston Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Graduates carry a median of $12,040 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Houston Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,636, compared with $6,772 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $7,230. Florence Darlington Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,748 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Florence Darlington Technical College profile
Piedmont Technical College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Greenwood, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,775, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $17,652. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Piedmont Technical College report
Laredo Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $6,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Laredo Community College profile
Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Cuyahoga Community College District alumni report median earnings of $35,654 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 605 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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