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2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 605 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Lee College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lee College
You'll get strong value at Ridgewater College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Graduates carry a median of $15,556 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. See the full Ridgewater College profile
Northeast Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hennepin Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Hennepin Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Out of the 605 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Tyler Junior College landed the #5 spot. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $8,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $14,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Sowela Technical Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,305. Sowela Technical Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $7,391 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,303 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Sowela Technical Community College profile
Amarillo College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $15,720. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Amarillo College report
Anoka Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,267. Anoka Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,697 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $14,697 median debt. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
South Louisiana Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,210 in tuition and fees. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,435. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Portland Community College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Portland, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Portland Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,648 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Portland Community College profile
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $14,413 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,594. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. More on Valencia College
Olympic College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,472, while out-of-state students pay about $9,740. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $11,497. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,169. Set against $11,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Olympic College
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Orangeburg, SC, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,354. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $18,583. Median earnings reach $35,761 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,583 median debt. More on Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College placed #17 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,517 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,411. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,411 median debt. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Central Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $12,151 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Del Mar College placed #20 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,500, while out-of-state students pay about $6,050. Del Mar College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,656. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. Get the full Del Mar College report
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,779. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,016 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt. More on Kirkwood Community College
Owens Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,870, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Owens Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $19,383 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,275 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Owens Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,636, while out-of-state students pay about $6,772. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $7,230. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,748. That is a strong return on a $7,230 median debt. Read the full report on Florence Darlington Technical College
Stark State College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $17,349. Stark State College alumni report median earnings of $34,661 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. Read more about Stark State College
Greenville Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Greenville Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Laredo Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Laredo Community College is a public school based in Laredo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,748. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,934. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt. More on Laredo Community College
Eastern Florida State College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,791, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $18,123. 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
Houston Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,040. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Houston Community College report
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,250. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Pierpont Community And Technical College placed #30 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairmont, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,762, compared with $13,660 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,268 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pierpont Community And Technical College
Tarrant County College District came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,148. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tarrant County College District report
Front Range Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,910. That is a strong return on a $10,750 median debt. See the full Front Range Community College profile
Lewis And Clark Community College placed #33 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,340, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $9,602. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,724. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt. Read the full report on Lewis And Clark Community College
Midlands Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in West Columbia, SC, Midlands Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,700. Students borrow a median of $17,611 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $38,701 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Midlands Technical College
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Louisiana Delta Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,024 in debt. Louisiana Delta Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,438 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,024 median debt. See the full Louisiana Delta Community College profile
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Seminole State College Of Florida is a public school based in Sanford, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $18,419. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,419 median debt. Read more about Seminole State College Of Florida
Utah Valley University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,486 ten years out. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Utah Valley University
Northern Kentucky University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $25,572. Median earnings reach $50,220 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,572 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Kentucky University
Sinclair Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Sinclair Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,525 in debt. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Arkansas State University Beebe offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Beebe, AR, Arkansas State University Beebe is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,350 in student loans. Arkansas State University Beebe alumni report median earnings of $36,603 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,350 median debt. Get the full Arkansas State University Beebe report
James H Faulkner State Community College placed #42 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Bay Minette, AL, James H Faulkner State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $8,910 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,326. Median earnings reach $34,894 ten years out. Set against $14,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on James H Faulkner State Community College
Western Dakota Technical Institute placed #44 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Western Dakota Technical Institute Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,620 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,240 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Dakota Technical Institute report
Kent State University At Tuscarawas ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a public school based in New Philadelphia, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,211, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. Kent State University At Tuscarawas Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,569 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $23,569 median debt. See the full Kent State University At Tuscarawas profile
Vincennes University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vincennes, IN, Vincennes University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Graduates carry a median of $14,506 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,110 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Vincennes University profile
Bristol Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fall River, MA, Bristol Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,832, compared with $10,776 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $9,482. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,663 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bristol Community College profile
Indian River State College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,315. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. See the full Indian River State College profile
Wichita Area Technical College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,252. Wichita Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,679 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wichita Area Technical College
Chattanooga State Community College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chattanooga, TN, Chattanooga State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, compared with $17,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,079 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,598. Set against $12,079 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chattanooga State Community College
Cleveland State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Based in Cleveland, TN, Cleveland State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,762, with out-of-state students paying around $17,746. Graduates carry a median of $8,742 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,671 ten years after entry. Set against $8,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cleveland State Community College 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 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
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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