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2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Precision Metal Working undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1018 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Trade College 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Central Louisiana Technical Community College to be the best-value Precision Metal Working school in the United States. This public school is set in Alexandria, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,098, while out-of-state students pay about $4,363. Graduates carry a median of $8,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,558. Set against $8,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
A rank of #2 makes St Cloud Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
You'll get strong value at Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $9,928 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
A rank of #4 makes Alexandria Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
You'll get strong value at Coastal Pines Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Coastal Pines Technical College is a public school based in Waycross, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,812. Coastal Pines Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Coastal Pines Technical College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $8,109 in debt. A decade after starting, 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
Northcentral Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Set against $5,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northcentral Technical College
South Louisiana Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Set in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $6,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. Set against $6,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Louisiana Community College
Northeast Community College placed #9 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Northeast Community College profile
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,192, while out-of-state students pay about $5,904. Students borrow a median of $10,916 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. That is a strong return on a $10,916 median debt. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
Southeast Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $11,650. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,650 median debt. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
Ridgewater College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Ridgewater College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $9,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ridgewater College
Anoka Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Anoka Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $8,692 in debt. Anoka Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,746 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Anoka Technical College report
Hennepin Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $9,329. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Set against $9,329 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Central Lakes College Brainerd offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,249. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Central Lakes College Brainerd alumni report median earnings of $42,162 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Lakes College Brainerd report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,904 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
Dakota County Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Dakota County Technical College report
South Central College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. More on South Central College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Rice Lake, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,406. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. 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. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Waukesha County Technical College placed #23 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. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,500. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Northwest Louisiana Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Minden, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,109. Students borrow a median of $9,927 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Northwest Louisiana Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,503 a decade after entry. Set against $9,927 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northwest Louisiana Technical College profile
Amarillo College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,720 median debt. More on Amarillo College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Hawkeye Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $7,874 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Hawkeye Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,849 a decade after entry. Set against $7,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hawkeye Community College profile
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,306 ten years after entry. Set against $5,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Lakeshore Technical College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Based in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,582 in student loans. 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. More on Lakeshore Technical College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #29 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 average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,376 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $7,664. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Gateway Technical College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Graduates carry a median of $9,700 in student loans. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $9,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Gateway Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $8,492. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
North Georgia Technical College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. North Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Clarkesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $12,279. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Coffeyville Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Coffeyville Community College is a public school based in Coffeyville, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Coffeyville Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,246 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Coffeyville Community College
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,432 in tuition and fees. Minnesota State College Southeast Technical Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $12,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,613 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Read the full report on Minnesota State College Southeast Technical
Gwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Gwinnett Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $18,048 in debt. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
North Dakota State College Of Science came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. North Dakota State College Of Science is a public school based in Wahpeton, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,974, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State College Of Science Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,246 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,513. Set against $11,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Dakota State College Of Science profile
Delta College placed #39 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,880 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,075 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,781 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delta College
Southeast Technical Institute placed #40 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $18,442 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. Set against $18,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Lone Star College System came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $4,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lone Star College System
Moraine Park Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
Bellingham Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Bellingham Technical College is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,431, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out. Read more about Bellingham Technical College
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Northshore Technical Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Northshore Technical Community College is a public school based in Lacombe, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,299. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Northshore Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,734 a decade after entry. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northshore Technical Community College
Hill College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hillsboro, TX, Hill College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,862. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $12,302. 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. More on Hill College
Lake Superior College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Lake Superior College is a public school based in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,785. Graduates carry a median of $13,350 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lake Superior College
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 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. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $4,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mid State Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $6,599. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Blackhawk Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Blackhawk Technical College is a public school based in Janesville, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, with out-of-state students paying around $6,803. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $13,715. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Blackhawk Technical College
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,400. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
Related Precision Metal Working Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Precision Metal Working 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. 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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