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2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools
Looking for the best-value Precision Metal Working programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1018 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 reviewed 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 Precision Metal Working Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Coastal Pines Technical College to be the best-value Precision Metal Working school in the United States. This public school is set in Waycross, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,812 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Coastal Pines Technical College report
Southeast Community College Area came in at #2 on this year's best-value Precision Metal Working ranking in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $11,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Set against $11,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Louisiana Technical Community College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,098, compared with $4,363 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $8,625. Central Louisiana Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,625 median debt. See the full Central Louisiana Technical Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at St Cloud Technical And Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
A rank of #5 makes Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $9,928 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $9,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Northcentral Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Graduates carry a median of $5,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. Set against $5,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,236. Alexandria Technical And Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,393 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $8,109 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Anoka Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Graduates carry a median of $8,692 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,746 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,692 median debt. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Wharton County Junior College placed #10 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. Wharton County Junior College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $10,916 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,960 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wharton County Junior College profile
Northeast Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Hennepin Technical College placed #12 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $9,329 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
Ridgewater College placed #13 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Set against $9,750 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. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,210 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $6,125 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,125 median debt. More on South Louisiana Community College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rice Lake, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,926, compared with $7,169 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Central Lakes College Brainerd ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public school based in Brainerd, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,249 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,162 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Lakes College Brainerd
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $7,664. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Dakota County Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Dakota County Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
South Central College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,146. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $3,666. South Central College alumni report median earnings of $45,068 a decade after entry. Set against $3,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Central College
Northwest Louisiana Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Minden, LA, Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,109. Northwest Louisiana Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $9,927 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,503. Set against $9,927 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Hill College placed #23 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hillsboro, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,862. Graduates carry a median of $12,302 in student loans. Hill College alumni report median earnings of $39,572 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hill College
Madison Area Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. More on Madison Area Technical College
Amarillo College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $15,720. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Central Community College placed #27 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Community College
Waukesha County Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Waukesha County Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
West Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $8,492. Georgia Northwestern Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,759 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
North Dakota State College Of Science offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,974 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,973. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $11,246. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,513. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt. Read the full report on North Dakota State College Of Science
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $5,479 in student loans. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar alumni report median earnings of $41,306 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Hawkeye Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Waterloo, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Hawkeye Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $7,874 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,849 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,874 median debt. More on Hawkeye Community College
Gateway Technical College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,700. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $9,700 median debt. More on Gateway Technical College
South Plains College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. South Plains College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $13,788 in debt. South Plains College alumni report median earnings of $41,276 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Plains College report
Lakeshore Technical College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cleveland, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,582. Median earnings reach $47,113 ten years out. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lakeshore Technical College profile
Lone Star College System came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $4,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $4,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Bellingham Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,431, compared with $5,809 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,748. Get the full Bellingham Technical College report
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lancaster, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
North Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Clarkesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $12,279. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,932 ten years after entry. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $18,048. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Coffeyville Community College placed #44 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Coffeyville, KS, Coffeyville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,600, compared with $4,680 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,838 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,246. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coffeyville Community College
San Jacinto Community College placed #45 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 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 $11,376 median debt. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,432. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $12,500. Median earnings reach $43,613 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Read more about Minnesota State College Southeast Technical
Southeast Technical Institute landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $18,442. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. Read more about Southeast Technical Institute
Delta College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Delta College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $14,075 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,781. That is a strong return on a $14,075 median debt. More on Delta College
Southern Crescent Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Graduates carry a median of $17,619 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,104 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $6,599. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,599 median debt. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Augusta Technical College placed #51 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Augusta Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. 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. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working 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 1018 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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