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2026 Best Value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance Associate's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance Associate’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 372 schools 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.

So you can compare your options, 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 Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

For return on investment, no school beat Georgia Northwestern Technical College this year in the United States. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $8,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College

A rank of #2 makes Itawamba Community College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Graduates carry a median of $10,942 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,912. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. Get the full Itawamba Community College report

Out of the 372 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Dakota County Technical College landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. 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

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Technical College La Cross earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $9,166. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,166 median debt. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile

Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #5 on this year's best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Metropolitan Community College Area Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $12,799 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile

Chippewa Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile

#7

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE

Central Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Community College report

Western Wyoming Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Rock Springs, WY, Western Wyoming Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,530 for out-of-state students. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $12,628. Median earnings reach $40,939 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Wyoming Community College

#9

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND

Bismarck State College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,331. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $13,340. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,277. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt. See the full Bismarck State College profile

Wichita Area Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wichita Area Technical College profile

Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Set in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $14,348 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,306 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar

Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $17,619. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College

#13

Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, WI

Lakeshore Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Lakeshore Technical College is a public school based in Cleveland, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $11,582. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,113. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lakeshore Technical College profile

Oconee Fall Line Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Located in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,380, while out-of-state students pay about $5,948. Oconee Fall Line Technical College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $12,718 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,899 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oconee Fall Line Technical College

East Mississippi Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scooba, MS, East Mississippi Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. East Mississippi Community College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $9,422 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,772. That is a strong return on a $9,422 median debt. See the full East Mississippi Community College profile

Albany Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,364, while out-of-state students pay about $5,932. Albany Technical College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $16,321 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,541. Set against $16,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Albany Technical College report

#17

Aiken Technical College

Graniteville, SC

Aiken Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Graniteville, SC, Aiken Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,174, while out-of-state students pay about $7,924. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $17,884. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,225. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Aiken Technical College

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $10,864. Median earnings reach $30,864 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

#19

North Georgia Technical College

Clarkesville, GA

North Georgia Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,330 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $12,279. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,932 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. Get the full North Georgia Technical College report

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Based in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $11,693. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,693 median debt. See the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins profile

Florence Darlington Technical College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,772 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,230 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Florence Darlington Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,748 a decade after entry. Set against $7,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Florence Darlington Technical College

#23

Columbus Technical College

Columbus, GA

Columbus Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Columbus Technical College is a public school based in Columbus, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,052 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,262. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $15,845. Median earnings reach $34,238 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,845 median debt. More on Columbus Technical College

Elizabethtown Community And Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. Set in Elizabethtown, KY, Elizabethtown Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $9,900 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,143 ten years out. Set against $9,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Elizabethtown Community And Technical College

#25

Texarkana College

Texarkana, TX

Texarkana College placed #25 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. Texarkana College is a public school based in Texarkana, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,476, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $11,686. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,647 ten years after entry. Set against $11,686 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Texarkana College profile

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

College Of Western Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,786 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho

Bluegrass Community And Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,808, while out-of-state students pay about $6,512. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $9,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,343. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bluegrass Community And Technical College profile

Northeast Mississippi Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Booneville, MS. Students from in state pay about $4,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,750 for out-of-state students. Northeast Mississippi Community College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $12,566 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,081 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,566 median debt. Read more about Northeast Mississippi Community College

Atlanta Technical College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $17,655. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Atlanta Technical College

Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Set in Okmulgee, OK, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,774, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,667 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee profile

#32

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, TX

Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Tyler Junior College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. More on Tyler Junior College

Augusta Technical College placed #33 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $11,400. Augusta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,523 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Augusta Technical College report

Eastern Maine Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Bangor, ME, Eastern Maine Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Students borrow a median of $17,741 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,704. That is a strong return on a $17,741 median debt. Read the full report on Eastern Maine Community College

#35

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, IL

Southwestern Illinois College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $10,388. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. Set against $10,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile

Northeast Alabama Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Rainsville, AL, Northeast Alabama Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, compared with $8,910 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,459 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,913. Set against $7,459 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeast Alabama Community College profile

#37

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA

Marshalltown Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Located in Marshalltown, IA, Marshalltown Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $11,577. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,010. Set against $11,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Marshalltown Community College

New Mexico State University Carlsbad placed #38 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. Graduates carry a median of $10,284 in student loans. More on New Mexico State University Carlsbad

Ozarks Technical Community College placed #39 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. Based in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, while out-of-state students pay about $7,040. Students borrow a median of $15,866 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,455. That is a strong return on a $15,866 median debt. Read the full report on Ozarks Technical Community College

#40

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $18,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Ferris State University

Indian Hills Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Set in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,390 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Median earnings reach $40,507 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Indian Hills Community College

#42

Somerset Community College

Somerset, KY

Somerset Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Somerset, KY, Somerset Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $13,722 in student loans. Somerset Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,787 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Somerset Community College

#43

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, MO

Ranken Technical College placed #43 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $18,008 in tuition and fees. Ranken Technical College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $13,050 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,955. That is a strong return on a $13,050 median debt. More on Ranken Technical College

Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Based in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022. Students borrow a median of $17,029 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,570 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College

#45

York Technical College

Rock Hill, SC

York Technical College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rock Hill, SC, York Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,036, compared with $13,340 for out-of-state students. York Technical College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $11,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,257. Set against $11,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on York Technical College

#46

Portland Community College

Portland, OR

Portland Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Set in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Portland Community College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $20,648 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,592. That is a strong return on a $20,648 median debt. More on Portland Community College

Miat College Of Technology came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Canton, MI, Miat College Of Technology is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,165. The median Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program debt is $14,593. Miat College Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $62,575 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Miat College Of Technology

Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools. Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $8,637 to complete their Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,242 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,637 median debt. Read more about Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College

Linn Benton Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Albany, OR, Linn Benton Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,317, while out-of-state students pay about $16,736. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $17,959. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,363 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Linn Benton Community College

North Iowa Area Community College placed #50 among the best-value Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance schools in the United States. North Iowa Area Community College is a public school based in Mason City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,653, compared with $9,551 for out-of-state students. Typical Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance student debt is $12,043. Median earnings reach $43,462 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,043 median debt. See the full North Iowa Area Community College profile

Elgin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Elgin, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,252, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Elgin Community College Heavy Industrial Equipment Maintenance students take on a median of $7,727 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,516. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt. Read the full report on Elgin Community College

Compare value rankings at other degree levels:

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 372 ranked schools only.

References

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