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2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Trade College reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Baton Rouge Community College, our #1 best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology school in the United States. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,321. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program 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
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,886. 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 the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
A rank of #3 makes Northeast Community College one of the best values 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. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Community College
You'll get strong value at Ridgewater College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,556. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
You'll get strong value at L E Fletcher Technical Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,219. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $5,396. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. Set against $5,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Sowela Technical Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Sowela Technical Community College is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,305 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $7,391 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,303 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,391 median debt. Read more about Sowela Technical Community College
San Jacinto Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $11,376 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on San Jacinto Community College
South Louisiana Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,435. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,435 median debt. See the full South Louisiana Community College profile
Spokane Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Spokane Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,486 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,984 ten years after entry. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Spokane Community College profile
Anoka Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Perkinston, MS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,625. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,017 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Central Community College placed #12 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. 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. More on Central Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. 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. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $11,500. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Ivy Tech Community College placed #14 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $12,151 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Hennepin Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. 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. Hennepin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,460 a decade after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Bridgeport, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,856. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $13,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,588. Set against $13,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford
Portland Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $20,648. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,648 median debt. See the full Portland Community College profile
College Of Western Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Nampa, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. College Of Western Idaho Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,770 in debt. See the full College Of Western Idaho profile
Laredo Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Laredo Community College profile
Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,636. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuyahoga Community College District profile
Kirkwood Community College placed #21 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,779 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kirkwood Community College report
Macomb Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Macomb Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $8,296 in debt. Macomb Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,596 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Macomb Community College
Olympic College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bremerton, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,472, with out-of-state students paying around $9,740. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,497. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,169 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Olympic College
Tarrant County College District offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,148. Median earnings reach $42,727 ten years out. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Tarrant County College District
Wichita Area Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. Wichita Area Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,252 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. That is a strong return on a $15,252 median debt. See the full Wichita Area Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Lorain County Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Lorain County Community College is a public school based in Elyria, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,265, compared with $8,860 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $17,611. Median earnings reach $38,837 ten years out. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lorain County Community College profile
Lewis And Clark Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Godfrey, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,340, while out-of-state students pay about $7,840. Lewis And Clark Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $9,602 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,724 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lewis And Clark Community College profile
Del Mar College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,656 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. More on Del Mar College
Austin Community College District came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Arkansas State University Beebe ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Beebe, AR, Arkansas State University Beebe is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,336, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $9,350. Median earnings reach $36,603 ten years out. Set against $9,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Arkansas State University Beebe
Tidewater Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,858, compared with $12,296 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,001. Tidewater Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. Set against $14,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tidewater Community College report
Louisiana Delta Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Louisiana Delta Community College is a public school based in Monroe, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,159. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Louisiana Delta Community College profile
Lake Land College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Lake Land College is a public school based in Mattoon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Graduates carry a median of $7,769 in student loans. Lake Land College alumni report median earnings of $38,877 a decade after entry. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Land College
Des Moines Area Community College placed #35 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,984. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. Set against $12,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Des Moines Area Community College
Vincennes University placed #36 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vincennes, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,506. Vincennes University alumni report median earnings of $41,110 a decade after entry. Set against $14,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Vincennes University
Sinclair Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Hudson Valley Community College placed #38 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,796, compared with $11,852 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,868 in student loans. Hudson Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,460 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,868 median debt. More on Hudson Valley Community College
Suny College Of Technology At Delhi landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Delhi, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Delhi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,772, while out-of-state students pay about $12,762. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $20,303. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,629. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Suny College Of Technology At Delhi report
Monroe Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rochester, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,006 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,174. That is a strong return on a $12,921 median debt. More on Monroe Community College
Idaho State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pocatello, ID, Idaho State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,610, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,640 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,608. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Read more about Idaho State University
Northeast State Community College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Northeast State Community College is a public school based in Blountville, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,782 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,766. Students borrow a median of $6,404 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Northeast State Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,553 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,404 median debt. Get the full Northeast State Community College report
Central New Mexico Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Nashville State Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Nashville State Community College is a public school based in Nashville, TN. Students from in state pay about $4,730 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,714. Nashville State Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $16,745 in debt. Nashville State Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,519 a decade after entry. Set against $16,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Nashville State Community College profile
Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private for-profit school is set in San Juan, PR. Students from in state pay about $9,051 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $26,733 ten years out. Read the full report on Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia
Aims Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full Aims Community College profile
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Coastal Pines Technical College placed #47 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. More on Coastal Pines Technical College
Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art placed #48 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art
Kaskaskia College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. More on Kaskaskia College
Pulaski Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Pulaski Technical 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 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
This list is compiled 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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