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2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 605 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 arm you with the information you need, Trade College evaluated 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 Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Lee College to be the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology school in the United States. Located in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lee College report
Out of the 605 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ridgewater College landed the #2 spot. Ridgewater College is a public school based in Willmar, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Ridgewater College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,556 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. Get the full Ridgewater College report
A rank of #3 makes Tyler Junior College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Northeast Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Northeast Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Community College
Out of the 605 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #5 spot. Located in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
Southeast Community College Area ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $16,437. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
Waukesha County Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Schriever, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,219. Graduates carry a median of $5,396 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. Set against $5,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full L E Fletcher Technical Community College profile
Sowela Technical Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,305. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $7,391. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,303 ten years after entry. Set against $7,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sowela Technical Community College report
Madison Area Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $16,812. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Hennepin Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $20,250. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College placed #12 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Students borrow a median of $14,054 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Alexandria Technical And Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
South Louisiana Community College placed #14 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,435 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,432 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,435 median debt. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Amarillo College placed #16 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,720. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. That is a strong return on a $15,720 median debt. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Alpena Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,840, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Alpena Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,442 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alpena Community College report
San Jacinto Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Spokane Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,984. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt. Get the full Spokane Community College report
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $13,319 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Georgia Northwestern Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #22 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. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Graduates carry a median of $13,669 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Anoka Technical College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Anoka Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,697 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,746 ten years after entry. Set against $14,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Anoka Technical College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. 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
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southeast Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set 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. Median earnings reach $46,709 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Perkinston, MS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,017. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Pearl River Community College placed #28 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Poplarville, MS, Pearl River Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,700, while out-of-state students pay about $6,100. Pearl River Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,482 in debt. Pearl River Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,019 a decade after entry. Set against $13,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pearl River Community College
Macomb Community College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Macomb Community College is a public school based in Warren, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $8,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,296 median debt. More on Macomb Community College
Valencia College placed #30 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Valencia College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,413 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,594. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. More on Valencia College
Portland Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,648 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,592. That is a strong return on a $20,648 median debt. Get the full Portland Community College report
Houston Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Graduates carry a median of $12,040 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Set against $12,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Houston Community College
Owens Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Owens Community College is a public school based in Perrysburg, OH. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $19,383. 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
Ivy Tech Community College placed #34 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,151 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $12,151 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Greenville, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,495, while out-of-state students pay about $10,775. Greenville Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $16,411 in debt. Greenville Technical College alumni report median earnings of $39,473 a decade after entry. Set against $16,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Greenville Technical College profile
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $54,681 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Kirkwood Community College placed #37 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,779 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt. Get the full Kirkwood Community College report
Central Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,277. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Community College
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Orangeburg, SC, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,354. Students borrow a median of $18,583 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,761. That is a strong return on a $18,583 median debt. Read the full report on Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Piedmont Technical College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,775, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. Piedmont Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $17,652 in debt. Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,652 median debt. See the full Piedmont Technical College profile
Laredo Community College placed #41 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laredo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,748. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $6,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Laredo Community College
Lamar Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Lamar Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Beaumont, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. Students borrow a median of $14,278 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lamar Institute Of Technology
Eastern Florida State College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,791, while out-of-state students pay about $10,976. Graduates carry a median of $18,123 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Eastern Florida State College report
Southern Maine Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,661 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. Read more about Southern Maine Community College
Olympic College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,472 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,740 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,497. Olympic College alumni report median earnings of $43,169 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,497 median debt. Get the full Olympic College report
Iti Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Iti Technical College is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,711. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $20,283. Median earnings reach $68,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Get the full Iti Technical College report
Tarrant County College District landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Tarrant County College District Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,148 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Tarrant County College District
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ferris State University
San Juan College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Farmington, NM, San Juan College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,910, with out-of-state students paying around $5,393. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $16,150. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,513. That is a strong return on a $16,150 median debt. Read more about San Juan College
College Of Western Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,446, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. Students borrow a median of $14,770 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Get the full College Of Western Idaho report
Related Drafting Design Engineering Technology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
The ranking above is published 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 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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