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Best Value Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

2023 Best Value Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

70 Schools Ranked
$13,544 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,612 Avg Student Debt*

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Best Value Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 70 schools in the Southwest Region to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best value experiences for trade school students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Trade Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southwest Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Aspen University

Phoenix, Arizona
1,636 Total Awards
$6,500 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Aspen University to be the best value school for trade school students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Southwest Region . Aspen University is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 1,636 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Aspen University are $6,500 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $17,431 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Aspen University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Aspen University did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list.

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#2

Galveston College

Galveston, Texas
7 Total Awards
$5,726 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Galveston College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Galveston, Texas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 7 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Galveston College are $5,726 a year.

Online courses are available at Galveston College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Galveston College Report

#3

Tyler Junior College

Tyler, Texas
45 Total Awards
$4,440 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Tyler Junior College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Tyler, Texas, and it awarded 45 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Tyler Junior College are $4,440 a year.

Tyler Junior College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Tyler Junior College Report

729 Total Awards
$8,718 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. Portales, New Mexico is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 729 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at ENMU - Main Campus are $8,718 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,582 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at ENMU - Main Campus. In fact, around 78% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, ENMU - Main Campus also did well on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read full report on Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus

#5

Midland College

Midland, Texas
24 Total Awards
$5,880 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Midland College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value trade school schools in the Southwest Region . Midland College is a medium-sized public school located in Midland, Texas that handed out 24 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Midland College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,880 in tuition and fees each year.

Midland College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#6

Ottawa University - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
146 Total Awards
$13,341 Average Tuition & Fees

Ottawa University - Phoenix came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This very small private not-for-profit school is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and it awarded 146 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Ottawa University - Phoenix undergraduate students pay an average of $13,341 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,495 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Ottawa University - Phoenix, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Ottawa University - Phoenix also made our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list, coming in at #1.

Read More…

11,763 Total Awards
$9,552 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Phoenix - Arizona landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. UOPX - Arizona is a large private for-profit school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 11,763 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UOPX - Arizona are $9,552 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $37,858 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UOPX - Arizona. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

UOPX - Arizona excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list.

Read full report on University of Phoenix - Arizona

115 Total Awards
$11,384 Average Tuition & Fees

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Okmulgee, Oklahoma is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 115 students in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at OSU Institute of Technology are $11,384 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,537 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at OSU Institute of Technology. In 2020-2021 about 84% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, OSU Institute of Technology also did well on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read More…

#9

MSU Texas

Wichita Falls, Texas
1,172 Total Awards
$11,726 Average Tuition & Fees

MSU Texas landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. MSU Texas is located in Wichita Falls, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,172 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

MSU Texas undergraduate students pay an average of $11,726 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $24,237 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

MSU Texas does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, MSU Texas also did well on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read full report on MSU Texas

#10

South Texas College

McAllen, Texas
464 Total Awards
$7,500 Average Tuition & Fees

South Texas College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. McAllen, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 464 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at South Texas College are $7,500 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at South Texas College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 58% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full South Texas College Report

#11

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona
8,187 Total Awards
$13,358 Average Tuition & Fees

Arizona State University - Skysong ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. ASU - Skysong is a public institution located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8,187 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at ASU - Skysong are $13,358 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,916 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Since ASU - Skysong is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, ASU - Skysong also is in the top 15% of our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region ranking.

Read More…

#12

West Texas A&M University

Canyon, Texas
1,653 Total Awards
$10,996 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,923 Avg Student Debt

West Texas A&M University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #12 on the list. West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, Texas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,653 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at West Texas A&M University are $10,996 per year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $19,923 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that West Texas A&M University does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on West Texas A&M University

#13

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona
14,092 Total Awards
$17,205 Average Tuition & Fees

Grand Canyon University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This large private for-profit school is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and it awarded 14,092 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Grand Canyon University are $17,205 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,469 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Grand Canyon University. In 2020-2021 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Grand Canyon University excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in the Southwest Region list.

Read More…

#13

DeVry University - Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona
34 Total Awards
$15,032 Average Tuition & Fees

DeVry University - Arizona came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the very small private for-profit school awarded 34 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

DeVry University - Arizona undergraduate students pay an average of $15,032 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $40,829 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at DeVry University - Arizona. In 2020-2021 about 99% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#15

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, New Mexico
266 Total Awards
$14,287 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,017 Avg Student Debt

Western New Mexico University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #15 on the list. This small public school is located in Silver City, New Mexico, and it awarded 266 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Western New Mexico University are $14,287 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $24,017 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Western New Mexico University does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

581 Total Awards
$15,930 Average Tuition & Fees

Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Durant, Oklahoma, and it awarded 581 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Southeastern Oklahoma State University are $15,930 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $17,734 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 82% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Southeastern Oklahoma State University

#17

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Weatherford, Oklahoma
856 Total Awards
$15,240 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,180 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This small public school is located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and it awarded 856 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

SWOSU undergraduate students pay an average of $15,240 in tuition and fees each year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $20,180 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that SWOSU does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 71% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Southwestern Oklahoma State University Report

#18

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, New Mexico
409 Total Awards
$11,988 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,788 Avg Student Debt

New Mexico Highlands University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. Las Vegas, New Mexico is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 409 students in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at New Mexico Highlands University are $11,988 per year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,788 in student loans.

Online courses are available at New Mexico Highlands University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 89% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on New Mexico Highlands University

#19

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas
2,652 Total Awards
$17,640 Average Tuition & Fees

Tarleton State University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Stephenville, Texas, and it awarded 2,652 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Tarleton are $17,640 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,718 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Tarleton, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 78% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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3,280 Total Awards
$17,266 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,383 Avg Student Debt

University of Houston - Downtown came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region ranking. UH Downtown is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,280 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

UH Downtown undergraduate students pay an average of $17,266 in tuition and fees each year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,383 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UH Downtown does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Houston - Downtown Report

#21

Texas Woman's University

Denton, Texas
2,197 Total Awards
$18,103 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,937 Avg Student Debt

Texas Woman’s University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. TWU is located in Denton, Texas and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,197 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at TWU are $18,103 a year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,937 in loans while pursuing their degree.

TWU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

6,056 Total Awards
$21,481 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Texas at San Antonio did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #22 on the list. This large public school is located in San Antonio, Texas, and it awarded 6,056 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UTSA are $21,481 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,755 in loans while pursuing their degree.

UTSA does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 90% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#23

Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas
1,183 Total Awards
$17,978 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,655 Avg Student Debt

Angelo State University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southwest Region list. This fairly large public school is located in San Angelo, Texas, and it awarded 1,183 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Angelo State are $17,978 per year. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,655 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Angelo State. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 42% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Angelo State University Report

#24

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona
5,990 Total Awards
$18,531 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,045 Avg Student Debt

Northern Arizona University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, the large public school awarded 5,990 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at NAU are $18,531 a year. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,045 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at NAU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#25

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas
4,237 Total Awards
$18,752 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,586 Avg Student Debt

Sam Houston State University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Huntsville, Texas, the large public school awarded 4,237 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at SHSU are $18,752 a year. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from this school accumulate an average of $22,586 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

SHSU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 65% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Sam Houston State University

View Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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