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2026 Best Value Quality Control Technology Schools

2026 Best Value Quality Control Technology Schools

Looking for the best-value Quality Control Technology programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 169 institutions 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 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 Quality Control Technology Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

#1

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

Columbia Southern University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Quality Control Technology programs schools in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Students borrow a median of $20,517 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $20,517 median debt. Read more about Columbia Southern University

You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area

#3

Lee College

Baytown, TX

Lee College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Quality Control Technology ranking in the United States. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Lee College Quality Control 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. More on Lee College

Fox Valley Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Quality Control Technology ranking in the United States. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Quality Control 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. More on Fox Valley Technical College

#5

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, MN

A rank of #5 makes Hennepin Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. Hennepin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,460 a decade after entry. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hennepin Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Waukesha County Technical College Quality Control Technology students take on a median of $16,595 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report

Anoka Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,267 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,408 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College

Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $14,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile

#9

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE

Central Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $10,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Community College profile

San Jacinto Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $11,376. 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. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Quality Control 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, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,553 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Quality Control Technology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#13

San Juan College

Farmington, NM

San Juan College placed #13 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Farmington, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,910, compared with $5,393 for out-of-state students. San Juan College Quality Control Technology students take on a median of $16,150 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,513 ten years after entry. Set against $16,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on San Juan College

#13

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University placed #13 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $27,004. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University

#15

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Quality Control Technology schools. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Ivy Tech Community College Quality Control Technology students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile

#16

Del Mar College

Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Quality Control Technology schools. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Students borrow a median of $5,920 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,656. That is a strong return on a $5,920 median debt. More on Del Mar College

#17

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University placed #17 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $22,750. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile

Los Angeles Trade Technical College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Los Angeles Trade Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,233 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Los Angeles Trade Technical College

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $24,384. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#20

Stark State College

North Canton, OH

Stark State College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Stark State College is a public school based in North Canton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,661 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Stark State College profile

#21

Waldorf College

Forest City, IA

Waldorf College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Quality Control Technology schools. Based in Forest City, IA, Waldorf College is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,978. Graduates carry a median of $23,973 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,165. That is a strong return on a $23,973 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Waldorf College report

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,097 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,787 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide profile

Lamar Institute Of Technology placed #23 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. 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. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $14,278. Median earnings reach $38,991 ten years out. Set against $14,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lamar Institute Of Technology

Macomb Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $9,862. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Macomb Community College profile

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $26,288 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Quality Control Technology Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

#26

Murray State University

Murray, KY

Murray State University placed #26 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. Based in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Murray State University profile

#27

University Of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri placed #27 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. Set in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Missouri has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on University Of Central Missouri

Eastern Kentucky University placed #28 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Graduates carry a median of $34,786 in student loans. Eastern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $45,795 a decade after entry. Set against $34,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report

#29

Kilgore College

Kilgore, TX

Kilgore College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,160, while out-of-state students pay about $5,256. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $16,734. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,975 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kilgore College report

#30

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

Central Washington University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Graduates carry a median of $25,833 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,580 ten years out. Set against $25,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Central Washington University report

Southeastern Oklahoma State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Durant, OK, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Graduates carry a median of $23,779 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,079 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,779 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Tarrant County College District landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $15,148. Tarrant County College District alumni report median earnings of $42,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tarrant County College District profile

University Of Alaska Anchorage placed #32 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Anchorage, AK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,738, while out-of-state students pay about $21,322. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $21,787. University Of Alaska Anchorage alumni report median earnings of $51,871 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,787 median debt. Read more about University Of Alaska Anchorage

Lorain County Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Elyria, OH, Lorain County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,265, compared with $8,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,611 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lorain County Community College

#35

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Quality Control Technology schools. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $25,582. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report

Grand Valley State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Grand Valley State University Quality Control Technology students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $25,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,246. That is a strong return on a $25,375 median debt. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile

#38

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State University placed #38 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. Jacksonville State University is a public school based in Jacksonville, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,894, while out-of-state students pay about $23,334. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,235 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. Jacksonville State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Jacksonville State University profile

#39

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University placed #39 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $22,669. Pittsburg State University alumni report median earnings of $50,579 a decade after entry. Set against $22,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pittsburg State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University

#40

Marshall University

Huntington, WV

Marshall University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Huntington, WV, Marshall University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $26,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marshall University profile

Tri County Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pendleton, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,448, while out-of-state students pay about $12,007. Graduates carry a median of $15,787 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,101. Set against $15,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Tri County Technical College

Northeastern State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Graduates carry a median of $21,189 in student loans. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. Set against $21,189 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on Northeastern State University

Spartan College Of Aeronautics And Technology ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Quality Control Technology schools. Set in Tulsa, OK, Spartan College Of Aeronautics And Technology is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,940. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $15,916. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,944 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Spartan College Of Aeronautics And Technology report

Sinclair Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Sinclair Community College

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Typical Quality Control Technology student debt is $24,119. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,872 ten years after entry. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

California State University Dominguez Hills landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Dominguez Hills is a public school based in Carson, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,162. Set against $15,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Dominguez Hills

University Of Houston Downtown placed #47 among the best-value Quality Control Technology schools in the United States. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $7,582, compared with $17,434 for out-of-state students. The median Quality Control Technology program debt is $37,784. University Of Houston Downtown alumni report median earnings of $53,551 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,784 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Houston Downtown

#48

Keene State College

Keene, NH

Keene State College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Keene, NH, Keene State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,784, while out-of-state students pay about $26,840. Keene State College Quality Control Technology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Keene State College alumni report median earnings of $54,368 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Keene State College

#49

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV

Fairmont State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairmont, WV, Fairmont State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,708, while out-of-state students pay about $18,924. Graduates carry a median of $26,307 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,857. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Fairmont State University report

Texas State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Quality Control Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,916. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Texas State Technical College

Best Value Quality Control Technology Schools by Degree Level

See the best values at each degree level:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled 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 169 ranked schools only.

References

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