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2026 Best Value Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Trade bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College analyzed 862 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Trade school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 862 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia Southern University landed the #2 spot. Based 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. Typical Trade student debt is $25,447. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Read more about Columbia Southern University
Out of the 862 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. The median Trade program debt is $14,699. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt. Read more about Seattle Community College Central Campus
Aspen University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,870. Graduates carry a median of $36,946 in student loans. See the full Aspen University profile
Out of the 862 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Grantham University landed the #5 spot. Based in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,520. Typical Trade student debt is $30,600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. Set against $30,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Grantham University report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $6,750. Students borrow a median of $23,820 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,820 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex admits about 100% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Students borrow a median of $14,155 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Galveston College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Galveston, TX, Galveston College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,726, compared with $6,176 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,183 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,233 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,183 median debt. Get the full Galveston College report
Bellingham Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Based in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,431, with out-of-state students paying around $5,809. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out. Get the full Bellingham Technical College report
Western Governors University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. 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. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #11 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Trade program here. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
United States University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in San Diego, CA, United States University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,108. The median Trade program debt is $32,641. Median earnings reach $80,980 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full United States University profile
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. Graduates carry a median of $24,787 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,165. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read more about Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Spokane Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Typical Trade student debt is $16,486. Spokane Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,984 a decade after entry. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spokane Community College
Colorado State University Global Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000. Colorado State University Global Campus Trade students take on a median of $31,361 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,361 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
Highline Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,772, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $8,958. Median earnings reach $47,869 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Highline Community College report
Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bellevue University
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Bemidji State University Trade students take on a median of $25,819 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $5,517 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Typical Trade student debt is $17,730. Median earnings reach $40,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,730 median debt. See the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College profile
Tyler Junior College placed #20 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $14,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Trade program debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Ottawa University Online landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Overland Park, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,296. Ottawa University Online Trade students take on a median of $30,758 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. That is a strong return on a $30,758 median debt. More on Ottawa University Online
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,277 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Set against $19,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Midland College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Midland, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,180, while out-of-state students pay about $6,180. Graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,958 ten years after entry. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Midland College profile
Yakima Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Yakima Valley Community College is a public school based in Yakima, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,312 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,873 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $14,649. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,499 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Yakima Valley Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Dakota State University placed #26 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Dakota State University is a public school based in Madison, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Dakota State University Trade students take on a median of $28,724 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,970. That is a strong return on a $28,724 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Dakota State University
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology placed #27 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Kirkland, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Typical Trade student debt is $19,695. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,669. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt. See the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology profile
Foothill College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Foothill College is a public school based in Los Altos Hills, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,565, compared with $12,590 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,595 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,072 ten years after entry. Set against $11,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Foothill College report
Ottawa University Milwaukee landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Ottawa University Milwaukee is a private not-for-profit school based in Brookfield, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,296. The median Trade program debt is $31,484. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ottawa University Milwaukee
Granite State College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Graduates carry a median of $27,522 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Granite State College
Wayne State College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Typical Trade student debt is $22,974. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. Get the full Wayne State College report
Wilmington University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile
Columbia Basin College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Pasco, WA, Columbia Basin College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,555, with out-of-state students paying around $8,668. Typical Trade student debt is $17,170. Columbia Basin College alumni report median earnings of $46,680 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Columbia Basin College
Metropolitan State University placed #34 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Typical Trade student debt is $30,822. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $30,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Metropolitan State University
Ottawa University Kansas City ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. That is a strong return on a $30,758 median debt. See the full Ottawa University Kansas City profile
Western Carolina University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,174 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,640. Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program Trade students take on a median of $41,254 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,204. Set against $41,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Warner Pacific College Adult Degree Program
Ottawa University Phoenix placed #38 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. See the full Ottawa University Phoenix profile
American Public University System ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. American Public University System Trade students take on a median of $23,438 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
Northwestern Michigan College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Traverse City, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,860, while out-of-state students pay about $13,476. The median Trade program debt is $17,694. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,167 ten years after entry. Set against $17,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwestern Michigan College report
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,323 to complete their Trade program here. University Of Phoenix Arizona alumni report median earnings of $37,752 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Charter Oak State College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New Britain, CT. Students from in state pay about $8,506 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $23,584. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,209. Set against $23,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Charter Oak State College
Thomas Edison State College placed #43 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. This public school is set in Trenton, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,838, with out-of-state students paying around $8,856. Graduates carry a median of $16,149 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,331 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,149 median debt. Read more about Thomas Edison State College
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. More on Minot State University
Bellevue College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bellevue, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,436 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Bellevue College Trade students take on a median of $18,839 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue College profile
University Of Minnesota Crookston placed #46 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Located in Crookston, MN, University Of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,288 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $26,661. Median earnings reach $58,056 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,661 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Crookston
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Okmulgee, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $5,774, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $13,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,634. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee
Valencia College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. The median Trade program debt is $14,413. Median earnings reach $40,594 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. More on Valencia College
Midwestern State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $26,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
South Texas College placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Set in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,920, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. South Texas College Trade students take on a median of $6,868 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,788 ten years after entry. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on South Texas College
Related Trade Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Trade Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Trade Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 862 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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