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2026 Best Value Engineering Technologies Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Technologies certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1569 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated 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 Engineering Technologies Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Northwest Louisiana Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Engineering Technologies certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in Minden, LA, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,109. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,503. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Panola College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Technologies ranking in the United States. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Median earnings reach $36,072 ten years out. See the full Panola College profile
You'll get strong value at Sowela Technical Community College, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,305. Graduates carry a median of $7,850 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. Set against $7,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sowela Technical Community College report
Out of the 1569 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia Southern University landed the #4 spot. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $20,517. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $20,517 median debt. Read more about Columbia Southern University
Lee College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Engineering Technologies ranking in the United States. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lee College
Bellingham Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,431 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. Bellingham Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,748 a decade after entry. More on Bellingham Technical College
Bismarck State College placed #7 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bismarck, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, with out-of-state students paying around $7,331. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $12,485. 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. Read more about Bismarck State College
Northeast Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $11,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Ridgewater College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ridgewater College profile
L E Fletcher Technical Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public school based in Schriever, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,219. Graduates carry a median of $5,396 in student loans. L E Fletcher Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Read more about L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Victoria College placed #12 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,976 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,328 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $10,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,382 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Victoria College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $8,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Tyler Junior College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Engineering Technologies 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. More on Tyler Junior College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,750 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Hennepin Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. Hennepin Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $18,038 in debt. 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 more about Hennepin Technical College
Amarillo College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,599 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,302 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,599 median debt. See the full Amarillo College profile
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $12,112. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. 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. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Piedmont Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Greenwood, SC. Students from in state pay about $4,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,768. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Piedmont Technical College
Anoka Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Anoka Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $16,187 in debt. 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
South Louisiana Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $13,850. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
San Jacinto Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,476 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Set against $14,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
South Central College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $8,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,068. That is a strong return on a $8,546 median debt. More on South Central College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Danville Community College placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Danville, VA, Danville Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,992, while out-of-state students pay about $11,430. Danville Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $7,999 in debt. Median earnings reach $31,664 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,999 median debt. More on Danville Community College
Portland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Portland, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $17,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. Read the full report on Portland Community College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $14,188 in debt. 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. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Olympic College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,472 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,740 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,875 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Olympic College alumni report median earnings of $43,169 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,875 median debt. Get the full Olympic College report
Antelope Valley College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Lancaster, CA, Antelope Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,124, with out-of-state students paying around $9,548. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $10,280. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,526. That is a strong return on a $10,280 median debt. Read more about Antelope Valley College
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. Graduates carry a median of $10,734 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,594. Set against $10,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Valencia College
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Typical Engineering Technologies student 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
Spartanburg Community College placed #33 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Spartanburg, SC, Spartanburg Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,071, while out-of-state students pay about $10,135. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $9,250. Median earnings reach $37,097 ten years out. Set against $9,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spartanburg Community College
California Institute Of Arts And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in National City, CA, California Institute Of Arts And Technology is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,270. Graduates carry a median of $21,696 in student loans. More on California Institute Of Arts And Technology
Ivy Tech Community College placed #35 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $11,462. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $11,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Pierpont Community And Technical College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fairmont, WV, Pierpont Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,762, with out-of-state students paying around $13,660. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $16,268. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,132. Set against $16,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Pierpont Community And Technical College report
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public school based in Orangeburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $5,210, compared with $8,354 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $18,583. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,761. That is a strong return on a $18,583 median debt. Read the full report on Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. 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, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $12,924. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,137 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,924 median debt. Read the full report on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Del Mar College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Del Mar College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $5,920 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,656 ten years out. Set against $5,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,495, while out-of-state students pay about $10,775. Graduates carry a median of $12,009 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Greenville Technical College profile
Kirkwood Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,983 in student loans. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,983 median debt. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Lone Star College System landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Laredo Community College placed #43 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laredo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,934 ten years out. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Laredo Community College profile
Tidewater Community College placed #44 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,020. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,349. Set against $13,020 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tidewater Community College report
Owens Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,275. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Owens Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,636, while out-of-state students pay about $6,772. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $7,230. Median earnings reach $32,748 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Florence Darlington Technical College report
John C Calhoun State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. John C Calhoun State Community College is a public school based in Tanner, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,120, compared with $8,990 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,192. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full John C Calhoun State Community College profile
Cuyahoga Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $14,636. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. Read more about Cuyahoga Community College District
Lorain County Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Elyria, OH, Lorain County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. Graduates carry a median of $17,611 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,837. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lorain County Community College
Stark State College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in North Canton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $11,765. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,765 median debt. Read the full report on Stark State College
Related Engineering Technologies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s 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
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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