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2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Precision Metal Working associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1018 institutions 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 build 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Southeast Community College Area to be the best-value Precision Metal Working school in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $11,650 median debt. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hennepin Technical College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $9,329 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Out of the 1018 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Anoka Technical College landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Graduates carry a median of $8,692 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
Northcentral Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Precision Metal Working ranking in the United States. Based 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. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. That is a strong return on a $5,250 median debt. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
A rank of #5 makes St Cloud Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Amarillo College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $15,720. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Amarillo College
South Central College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Read more about South Central College
Ridgewater College placed #8 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $9,750. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ridgewater College
North Dakota State College Of Science offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Wahpeton, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,974, with out-of-state students paying around $6,973. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,246. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,513. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt. See the full North Dakota State College Of Science profile
Central Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Central Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Bellingham Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,431, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,748. Read more about Bellingham Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College placed #12 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Hawkeye Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Waterloo, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $7,874. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,849 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hawkeye Community College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $6,599 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,599 median debt. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Fox Valley Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $7,664 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $7,664 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public school based in Lancaster, PA. Students from in state pay about $9,050 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Hill College placed #17 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Hillsboro, TX, Hill College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,862. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $12,302. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,572. That is a strong return on a $12,302 median debt. More on Hill College
Lake Area Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,718. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,001. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lake Area Technical Institute report
Lake Superior College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Lake Superior College is a public school based in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,785. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $13,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $13,350 median debt. More on Lake Superior College
Central Lakes College Brainerd came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,249. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Central Lakes College Brainerd alumni report median earnings of $42,162 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Central Lakes College Brainerd profile
Moraine Park Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Moraine Park Technical College
South Plains College placed #22 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. South Plains College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $13,788 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt. See the full South Plains College profile
San Jacinto Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Delta College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,880. Delta College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $14,075 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,781 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,075 median debt. Read the full report on Delta College
Coffeyville Community College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Coffeyville Community College is a public school based in Coffeyville, KS. Students from in state pay about $3,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,680. Graduates carry a median of $12,838 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,246. Set against $12,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Coffeyville Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lone Star College System ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $4,562 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $4,562 median debt. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Southwestern Illinois College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, compared with $6,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
Minneapolis Community And Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Students borrow a median of $24,036 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Minneapolis Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,086 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,036 median debt. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Austin Community College District placed #29 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $14,970. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. Set against $14,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Austin Community College District
Indian Hills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $15,390 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,507 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,390 median debt. Read the full report on Indian Hills Community College
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Itawamba Community College
Spokane Community College placed #32 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Spokane Community College
Del Mar College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,500, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $7,476. Median earnings reach $38,656 ten years out. Set against $7,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Linn State Technical College placed #34 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Linn, MO, Linn State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,160, while out-of-state students pay about $14,610. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $11,474. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,901 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,474 median debt. Read the full report on Linn State Technical College
Clover Park Technical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lakewood, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Students borrow a median of $15,154 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,787 ten years after entry. Set against $15,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Clover Park Technical College report
Holmes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Goodman, MS, Holmes Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,710, while out-of-state students pay about $6,610. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $13,191. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Holmes Community College profile
Lower Columbia College placed #37 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Longview, WA, Lower Columbia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,626, compared with $6,003 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,340 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,691 ten years after entry. Set against $14,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lower Columbia College
North Idaho College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. North Idaho College is a public school based in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Students from in state pay about $3,396 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,736. Graduates carry a median of $14,688 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,081. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full North Idaho College report
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $13,500. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
New Mexico State University Carlsbad ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Based in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, while out-of-state students pay about $4,008. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $10,284 in debt. Get the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad report
Piedmont Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Greenwood, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,775, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $11,625. Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,625 median debt. Get the full Piedmont Technical College report
Wichita Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,237. Graduates carry a median of $5,564 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wichita Area Technical College report
Iowa Central Community College placed #43 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fort Dodge, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,496, with out-of-state students paying around $7,788. Students borrow a median of $16,135 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $42,046 ten years out. Set against $16,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Iowa Central Community College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $10,864 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Skagit Valley College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Vernon, WA, Skagit Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,400, compared with $7,410 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $14,056. Skagit Valley College alumni report median earnings of $43,505 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Skagit Valley College
Central Maine Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Central Maine Community College is a public school based in Auburn, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,140, while out-of-state students pay about $7,020. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $14,700. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,448. That is a strong return on a $14,700 median debt. Read the full report on Central Maine Community College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $12,281 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,796. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Jones County Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Ellisville, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,700, while out-of-state students pay about $5,700. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,559. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Jones County Junior College profile
Related Precision Metal Working Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Undergraduate Certificate 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
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 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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