2026 Best Value Trade Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Idaho

Rexburg, ID

Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Trade school in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile

#2

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

Columbia Southern University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in the United States. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $25,447. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Read more about Columbia Southern University

#3

Coahoma Community College

Clarksdale, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Coahoma Community College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Clarksdale, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,490. The median Trade program debt is $11,745. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. Set against $11,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College

#4

Clovis Community College

Clovis, NM

Out of the 1440 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Clovis Community College landed the #4 spot. Located in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,592, with out-of-state students paying around $3,344. Graduates carry a median of $11,082 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,082 median debt. Read the full report on Clovis Community College

#5

Panola College

Carthage, TX

Panola College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in the United States. Located in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. More on Panola College

#6

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE

Southeast Community College Area came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. The median Trade program debt is $14,935. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area

#7

Seattle Community College North Campus

Seattle, WA

Seattle Community College North Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College North Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Typical Trade student debt is $16,643. Seattle Community College North Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,728 a decade after entry. Set against $16,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Seattle Community College North Campus

#8

Lee College

Baytown, TX

Lee College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $10,941. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,178. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. See the full Lee College profile

#9

Highland Community College Highland

Highland, KS

Highland Community College Highland landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Highland, KS, Highland Community College Highland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,495. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,291. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Highland Community College Highland profile

#10

Seattle Community College Central Campus

Seattle, WA

Seattle Community College Central Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Graduates carry a median of $14,699 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. Set against $14,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Seattle Community College Central Campus profile

#11

Cloud County Community College

Concordia, KS

Cloud County Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Cloud County Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,839 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,883 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cloud County Community College profile

#12

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN

North Hennepin Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. Typical Trade student debt is $21,241. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Read more about North Hennepin Community College

#13

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, KS

Hutchinson Community College placed #13 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,770. Hutchinson Community College Trade students take on a median of $18,148 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hutchinson Community College

#14

Coastal Pines Technical College

Waycross, GA

Coastal Pines Technical College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Waycross, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $5,836. Graduates carry a median of $5,812 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,214 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coastal Pines Technical College

#15

Neosho County Community College

Chanute, KS

Neosho County Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chanute, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,704. Neosho County Community College Trade students take on a median of $13,209 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,966 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Neosho County Community College

#16

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $6,750. Graduates carry a median of $23,820 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Set against $23,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex

#17

Camden County College

Blackwood, NJ

Camden County College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $12,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Set against $12,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Camden County College

#18

Central Arizona College

Coolidge, AZ

Central Arizona College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Central Arizona College is a public school based in Coolidge, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,635 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,635 median debt. See the full Central Arizona College profile

#19

Rochester Community And Technical College

Rochester, MN

Rochester Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,389. The median Trade program debt is $20,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Rochester Community And Technical College

#20

Arkansas State University Newport

Newport, AR

Arkansas State University Newport ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Newport, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Students borrow a median of $10,925 to complete their Trade program here. Arkansas State University Newport alumni report median earnings of $41,524 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport

#21

Alvin Community College

Alvin, TX

Alvin Community College placed #21 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,600 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,762. That is a strong return on a $8,600 median debt. More on Alvin Community College

#22

Galveston College

Galveston, TX

Galveston College placed #22 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Galveston College is a public school based in Galveston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,726 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,176. Graduates carry a median of $15,183 in student loans. Galveston College alumni report median earnings of $37,233 a decade after entry. Set against $15,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Galveston College

#23

Bismarck State College

Bismarck, ND

Bismarck State College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $13,340. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,277. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bismarck State College report

#24

South Louisiana Community College

Lafayette, LA

South Louisiana Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,435 in debt. 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. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report

#25

Highlands College Of Montana Tech

Butte, MT

Highlands College Of Montana Tech ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Butte, MT, Highlands College Of Montana Tech is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,127, while out-of-state students pay about $10,948. Students borrow a median of $2,750 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,329 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $2,750 median debt. Get the full Highlands College Of Montana Tech report

#26

El Centro College

Dallas, TX

El Centro College placed #26 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Trade program debt is $14,557. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on El Centro College

#27

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, WI

Northcentral Technical College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Trade students take on a median of $11,709 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,925 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile

#28

Northwest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR

Northwest Arkansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Typical Trade student debt is $12,479. Northwest Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,505 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Arkansas Community College profile

#29

Alexandria Technical And Community College

Alexandria, MN

Alexandria Technical And Community College placed #29 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,236. The median Trade program debt is $14,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College

#30

Centralia College

Centralia, WA

Centralia College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. Median earnings reach $43,140 ten years out. More on Centralia College

#31

Bossier Parish Community College

Bossier City, LA

Bossier Parish Community College placed #31 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Located in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,268. Bossier Parish Community College Trade students take on a median of $20,593 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,502 ten years after entry. Set against $20,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bossier Parish Community College report

#32

L E Fletcher Technical Community College

Schriever, LA

L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,219. Typical Trade student debt is $5,396. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Read the full report on L E Fletcher Technical Community College

#33

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, WI

Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $16,812. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report

#34

Victoria College

Victoria, TX

Victoria College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. Typical Trade student debt is $10,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Victoria College

#35

Garden City Community College

Garden City, KS

Garden City Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Garden City, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,690, compared with $4,320 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $11,084. Garden City Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,704 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,084 median debt. Read the full report on Garden City Community College

#36

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, KS

Johnson County Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Graduates carry a median of $13,532 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Johnson County Community College report

#37

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE

Central Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Typical Trade student debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Community College report

#38

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University placed #38 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. See the full Western Governors University profile

#39

University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton

Morrilton, AR

University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public school based in Morrilton, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. Graduates carry a median of $13,758 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,924 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,758 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton

#40

College Of The Mainland

Texas City, TX

College Of The Mainland ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt. Read more about College Of The Mainland

#41

Metropolitan Community College Area

Omaha, NE

Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Metropolitan Community College Area Trade students take on a median of $12,799 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area

#42

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rome, GA

Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Rome, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Graduates carry a median of $8,492 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Northwestern Technical College

#43

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, NE

Northeast Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Trade program debt is $11,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Community College

#44

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA

Western Iowa Tech Community College placed #44 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Iowa Tech Community College report

#45

Highline Community College

Des Moines, WA

Highline Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Highline Community College is a public school based in Des Moines, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Graduates carry a median of $8,958 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,869. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. More on Highline Community College

#46

Hill College

Hillsboro, TX

Hill College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Hillsboro, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,862. Typical Trade student debt is $12,302. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hill College

#47

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, WI

Moraine Park Technical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Students borrow a median of $11,471 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,371. That is a strong return on a $11,471 median debt. More on Moraine Park Technical College

#48

Anoka Technical College

Anoka, MN

Anoka Technical College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,267 in tuition and fees. Anoka Technical College Trade students take on a median of $18,408 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $18,408 median debt. More on Anoka Technical College

#49

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, WI

Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley 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. The median Trade program debt is $14,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile

#49

Central Lakes College Brainerd

Brainerd, MN

Central Lakes College Brainerd placed #49 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Located in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,249 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $14,479. 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