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2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Precision Metal Working certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1018 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Trade College evaluated 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Coastal Pines Technical College, our #1 best-value Precision Metal Working school in the United States. Coastal Pines Technical College is a public school based in Waycross, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,812 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College
You'll get strong value at Central Louisiana Technical Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $8,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Out of the 1018 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northcentral Technical College landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Students borrow a median of $5,250 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Northcentral Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,925 a decade after entry. Set against $5,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
Anoka Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Precision Metal Working ranking in the United States. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,267. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $8,692. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $8,692 median debt. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
You'll get strong value at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Rice Lake, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,406. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $8,109 in debt. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,109 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Hennepin Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,329. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,329 median debt. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $7,664 in student loans. 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. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Hill College placed #9 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Hillsboro, TX, Hill College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Get the full Hill College report
Northwest Louisiana Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minden, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,109. Graduates carry a median of $9,927 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,503 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Louisiana Technical College profile
South Central College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Graduates carry a median of $3,666 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,068 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $3,666 median debt. Read more about South Central College
Central Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Central Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Community College
West Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $8,000. 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. See the full West Georgia Technical College profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $8,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
South Louisiana Community College placed #15 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,210 in tuition and fees. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $6,125. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on South Louisiana Community College
Amarillo College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Students borrow a median of $15,720 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Amarillo College report
Northeast Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Northeast Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Community College
Gateway Technical College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, 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. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Hawkeye Community College placed #19 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Waterloo, IA, Hawkeye Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $7,874. Median earnings reach $42,849 ten years out. Set against $7,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hawkeye Community College
Lone Star College System landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $4,562. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lone Star College System
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. More on Waukesha County Technical College
South Plains College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $13,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Plains College
Ridgewater College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. 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
Moraine Park Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Moraine Park Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $7,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Moraine Park Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Based in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,582. Lakeshore Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,113 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,582 median debt. Read more about Lakeshore Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
North Georgia Technical College placed #25 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. The median Precision Metal Working 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. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Gwinnett Technical College placed #27 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Students borrow a median of $18,048 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Graduates carry a median of $9,928 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,399 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Madison Area Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile
Southern Crescent Technical College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,516 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $17,619. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Crescent Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,864 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College report
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. 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. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Read more about Augusta Technical College
Southwestern Illinois College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Southwestern Illinois College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,884 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
Ivy Tech Community College placed #35 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,599 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. Set against $6,599 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Southeast Technical Institute placed #36 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. Get the full Southeast Technical Institute report
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Minnesota State College Southeast Technical is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Minnesota State College Southeast Technical alumni report median earnings of $43,613 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Minnesota State College Southeast Technical profile
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $4,750. Mid State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $42,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $11,376. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Blackhawk Technical College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $13,715. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,715 median debt. More on Blackhawk Technical College
Savannah Technical College placed #41 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $12,843. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. Get the full Savannah Technical College report
Bellingham Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Bellingham Technical College is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,431, compared with $5,809 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out. Read more about Bellingham Technical College
Piedmont Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,775, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Piedmont Technical College profile
Laredo Community College placed #44 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Laredo Community College is a public school based in Laredo, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,748. Laredo Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $6,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Laredo Community College report
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College placed #45 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,500. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Nicolet Area Technical College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Rhinelander, WI, Nicolet Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,793, compared with $7,066 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,643 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Nicolet Area Technical College
Delta College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, compared with $7,880 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,075 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,781. Set against $14,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Delta College profile
Wichita Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,564. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. Set against $5,564 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wichita Area Technical College
Washburn Institute Of Technology ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Topeka, KS, Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,880. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $6,642. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,774. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washburn Institute Of Technology profile
Northshore Technical Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Based in Lacombe, LA, Northshore Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,299. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $29,734 ten years out. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northshore Technical Community College
Related Precision Metal Working Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools (All Levels)
- 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. Schools are scored on 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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