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2026 Best Value Engineering Technologies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Technologies undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1569 schools 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 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Northwest Louisiana Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Engineering Technologies undergraduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public school based in Minden, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,109. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,503 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Northwest Louisiana Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Sowela Technical Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,305. Graduates carry a median of $7,850 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,303 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,850 median debt. Read the full report on Sowela Technical Community College
A rank of #3 makes Baton Rouge Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,321. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. 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
Lee College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering Technologies ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $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. 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. More on Lee College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at L E Fletcher Technical Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Read the full report on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Tyler Junior College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Northeast Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Graduates carry a median of $11,937 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Amarillo College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Amarillo College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $15,599 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,599 median debt. Read more about Amarillo College
Bismarck State College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,247, while out-of-state students pay about $7,331. The median Engineering Technologies program 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
San Jacinto Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,476 in student loans. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,476 median debt. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Hennepin Technical College placed #12 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools 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. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $18,038. 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. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Ridgewater College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Graduates carry a median of $17,196 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Set against $17,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ridgewater College report
South Louisiana Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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 offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,850. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Set against $13,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Anoka Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Anoka Technical College profile
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Students borrow a median of $12,924 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $40,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,924 median debt. More on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #18 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,949. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Spokane Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $16,486. Median earnings reach $41,984 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt. More on Spokane Community College
Kirkwood Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Graduates carry a median of $15,983 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,016 ten years after entry. Set against $15,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College placed #22 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rome, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College report
Danville Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Danville, VA, Danville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,664. Set against $7,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Danville Community College
Nunez Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chalmette, LA, Nunez Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,255. Graduates carry a median of $17,800 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,343. Set against $17,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Nunez Community College
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $11,462 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Valencia College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $10,734 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,594 ten years out. Set against $10,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Valencia College profile
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $13,474. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. Set against $13,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Dakota County Technical College report
Olympic College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. 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. Olympic College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $6,875 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,169 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,875 median debt. Read the full report on Olympic College
Cuyahoga Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,654 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. Read the full report on Cuyahoga Community College District
Central Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $10,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. More on Central Community College
Navarro College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Corsicana, TX, Navarro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,008, while out-of-state students pay about $6,578. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $13,781. Median earnings reach $38,716 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Navarro College
Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bridgeport, CT, Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,856. Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $13,910 in debt. Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford alumni report median earnings of $41,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford report
Antelope Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Lancaster, CA, Antelope Valley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,124, compared with $9,548 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,280 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,526. Set against $10,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Antelope Valley College report
Portland Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $10,440. Graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Portland Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,592 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Portland Community College
San Juan College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Farmington, NM, San Juan College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,910, while out-of-state students pay about $5,393. San Juan College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $16,150 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,150 median debt. Read the full report on San Juan College
Macomb Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Macomb Community College is a public school based in Warren, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $8,296 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Macomb Community College
Owens Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,275 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Owens Community College profile
Greenville Technical College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,009 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. Set against $12,009 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Greenville Technical College
Mitchell Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,524. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,067. Mitchell Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $50,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,067 median debt. Get the full Mitchell Technical Institute report
Indian Hills Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Indian Hills Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $10,669 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,507 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,669 median debt. Get the full Indian Hills Community College report
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College placed #40 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public school based in Perkinston, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $11,393 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,017 ten years out. Set against $11,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College profile
North Dakota State College Of Science offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. North Dakota State College Of Science is a public school based in Wahpeton, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $5,974, with out-of-state students paying around $6,973. North Dakota State College Of Science Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $16,268 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,513. Set against $16,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Dakota State College Of Science profile
Louisiana Delta Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,159. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $14,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $14,024 median debt. Read the full report on Louisiana Delta Community College
College Of Western Idaho came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Nampa, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Get the full College Of Western Idaho report
Laredo Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $6,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,934. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt. See the full Laredo Community College profile
Iti Technical College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Iti Technical College is a private for-profit school based in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,711. Students borrow a median of $17,433 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $68,342 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Iti Technical College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Los Angeles Trade Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $14,833 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $54,681 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Stark State College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,790 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Stark State College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $11,765 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Stark State College
Eastern Florida State College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Melbourne, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,791, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $18,123. Eastern Florida State College alumni report median earnings of $37,195 a decade after entry. Set against $18,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Eastern Florida State College
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 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
The ranking above is published by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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