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2026 Best Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Technologies associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1569 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 help you make your decision, Trade College analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Engineering Technologies school in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $15,937 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,937 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at Northwest Louisiana Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Minden, LA, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,109. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $32,503 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northwest Louisiana Technical College
A rank of #3 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Students borrow a median of $20,517 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. Set against $20,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Sowela Technical Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,305. Sowela Technical Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $7,850 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,303 ten years out. Set against $7,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sowela Technical Community College
You'll get strong value at Baton Rouge Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Baton Rouge Community College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,321. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $16,000. Median earnings reach $34,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Baton Rouge Community College
Panola College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,072. Read the full report on Panola College
Southeast Community College Area placed #7 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $13,335 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $13,335 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
Lee College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $10,941. 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
Bellingham Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,431 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,809 for out-of-state students. Bellingham Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,748 a decade after entry. More on Bellingham Technical College
Bismarck State College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,485 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Bismarck State College alumni report median earnings of $54,277 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,485 median debt. Get the full Bismarck State College report
Tyler Junior College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $14,869 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. More on Tyler Junior College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public school based in Schriever, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $5,396. 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
Ridgewater College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. Graduates carry a median of $17,196 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,196 median debt. See the full Ridgewater College profile
Northeast Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Community College
Alpena Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,840, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,442. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. More on Alpena Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Western Iowa Tech Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $11,886 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Alexandria Technical And Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Alexandria Technical And Community College
Victoria College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,976, compared with $5,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $10,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,382 ten years after entry. Set against $10,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Victoria College
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $13,850 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $13,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Lake Area Technical Institute placed #20 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Watertown, SD. Students from in state pay about $6,718 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $13,103. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Area Technical Institute
South Louisiana Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,432. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Louisiana Community College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,112 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,112 median debt. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Amarillo College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Amarillo College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $15,599 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Amarillo College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $14,476. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on San Jacinto Community College
Anoka Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $16,187. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,746 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,187 median debt. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Students borrow a median of $13,949 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. That is a strong return on a $13,949 median debt. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
Hennepin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $18,038 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Set against $18,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
South Central College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. South Central College is a public school based in North Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,146 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $8,546. Median earnings reach $45,068 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,546 median debt. Read the full report on South Central College
Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $14,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross placed #30 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $11,000. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Technical College La Cross
Grantham University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Grantham University is a public school based in LIttle Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,462 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $63,496 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,462 median debt. See the full Grantham University profile
Madison Area Technical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $16,812 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Indian Hills Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Indian Hills Community College is a public school based in Ottumwa, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $10,669 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,507 ten years out. Set against $10,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Spokane Community College placed #34 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,984 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt. Read more about Spokane Community College
Pearl River Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Poplarville, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,700, with out-of-state students paying around $6,100. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $10,885. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,019 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,885 median debt. See the full Pearl River Community College profile
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,517, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $12,924 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,137. Set against $12,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Angola, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,176. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $57,165 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,188 to complete their Engineering Technologies 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. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
North Dakota State College Of Science came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,974, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $16,268. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on North Dakota State College Of Science
Southeast Technical Institute placed #42 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $18,442 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Mitchell Technical Institute came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,524. Mitchell Technical Institute Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $13,067 in debt. Mitchell Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $50,743 a decade after entry. Set against $13,067 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mitchell Technical Institute report
Antelope Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Lancaster, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,124, compared with $9,548 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $10,280. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,526. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Antelope Valley College profile
Dakota County Technical College placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,474. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Navarro College placed #46 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Corsicana, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,008, with out-of-state students paying around $6,578. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $13,781. Navarro College alumni report median earnings of $38,716 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,781 median debt. More on Navarro College
Piedmont Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,775 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,768. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Piedmont Technical College
Kirkwood Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $15,983. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
Florence Darlington Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Florence Darlington Technical College is a public school based in Florence, SC. Students from in state pay about $4,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,772 for out-of-state students. Florence Darlington Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $7,230 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,748. Set against $7,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Florence Darlington Technical College
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,009 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,473. Set against $12,009 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Greenville Technical College report
Related Engineering Technologies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 1569 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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