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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in California
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in California? We have ranked 668 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College evaluated 94 schools to produce 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 Degree Schools in California
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is West Hills College Lemoore, our #1 best-value Trade school in California. West Hills College Lemoore is a public school based in Lemoore, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,384, while out-of-state students pay about $10,954. West Hills College Lemoore Trade students take on a median of $9,687 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,292 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,687 median debt. Read more about West Hills College Lemoore
You'll get strong value at Merced College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,200, while out-of-state students pay about $8,520. Typical Trade student debt is $9,024. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,815 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Merced College
Out of the 94 schools in California in this year's value ranking, Santa Barbara City College landed the #3 spot. Santa Barbara City College is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,240, while out-of-state students pay about $10,432. Santa Barbara City College Trade students take on a median of $21,090 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,647. That is a strong return on a $21,090 median debt. Read the full report on Santa Barbara City College
Foothill College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in California. Foothill College is a public school based in Los Altos Hills, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,590. Typical Trade student debt is $11,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,072 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Foothill College
You'll get strong value at Cuesta College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,350, while out-of-state students pay about $11,010. Graduates carry a median of $18,958 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuesta College
Canada College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Canada College is a public school based in Redwood City, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Canada College Trade students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Canada College alumni report median earnings of $50,087 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Canada College
Napa Valley College landed the #7 spot for value in California this year. Set in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, compared with $11,908 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $49,517 ten years out. More on Napa Valley College
Mt San Antonio College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Mt San Antonio College is a public school based in Walnut, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Mt San Antonio College Trade students take on a median of $9,384 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,283 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,384 median debt. Read the full report on Mt San Antonio College
Crafton Hills College landed the #9 spot for value in California this year. Located in Yucaipa, CA, Crafton Hills College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,188, while out-of-state students pay about $14,556. Typical Trade student debt is $23,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,553 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. See the full Crafton Hills College profile
Butte College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Oroville, CA, Butte College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,356, while out-of-state students pay about $9,276. Butte College Trade students take on a median of $13,302 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,810 ten years after entry. Set against $13,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Butte College
Gavilan College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gilroy, CA, Gavilan College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,508, while out-of-state students pay about $12,249. Graduates carry a median of $5,939 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,169 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,939 median debt. Read more about Gavilan College
Santa Rosa Junior College placed #12 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Set in Santa Rosa, CA, Santa Rosa Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,318, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Santa Rosa Junior College Trade students take on a median of $14,692 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,224 ten years out. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Santa Rosa Junior College profile
Cabrillo College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,270, compared with $9,862 for out-of-state students. Cabrillo College Trade students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,114 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cabrillo College
Los Angeles City College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Los Angeles City College is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. The median Trade program debt is $10,763. Los Angeles City College alumni report median earnings of $36,190 a decade after entry. Set against $10,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Los Angeles City College
San Bernardino Valley College placed #15 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Set in San Bernardino, CA, San Bernardino Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,196, with out-of-state students paying around $4,528. The median Trade program debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,676. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about San Bernardino Valley College
San Joaquin Delta College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. San Joaquin Delta College Trade students take on a median of $6,382 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,212. That is a strong return on a $6,382 median debt. Read the full report on San Joaquin Delta College
West Hills College Coalinga placed #17 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Located in Coalinga, CA, West Hills College Coalinga is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,384, compared with $10,954 for out-of-state students. West Hills College Coalinga Trade students take on a median of $9,920 in debt. West Hills College Coalinga alumni report median earnings of $37,633 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,920 median debt. Read more about West Hills College Coalinga
Saddleback College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Mission Viejo, CA, Saddleback College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,432, with out-of-state students paying around $14,812. The median Trade program debt is $5,707. Median earnings reach $50,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,707 median debt. See the full Saddleback College profile
Yuba College placed #19 among the best-value Trade schools in California. This public school is set in Marysville, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,128, with out-of-state students paying around $8,208. Typical Trade student debt is $8,729. Yuba College alumni report median earnings of $39,552 a decade after entry. Set against $8,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Yuba College profile
College Of The Sequoias offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Visalia, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,394, while out-of-state students pay about $9,038. The median Trade program debt is $10,288. College Of The Sequoias alumni report median earnings of $39,092 a decade after entry. Set against $10,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Sequoias
Victor Valley College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Victorville, CA, Victor Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,425, while out-of-state students pay about $10,125. Victor Valley College Trade students take on a median of $7,995 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,119 ten years after entry. Set against $7,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Victor Valley College profile
College Of The Canyons ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. College Of The Canyons is a public school based in Santa Clarita, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,166, compared with $10,958 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Canyons report
Sacramento City College placed #23 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Set in Sacramento, CA, Sacramento City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Sacramento City College Trade students take on a median of $13,180 in debt. Sacramento City College alumni report median earnings of $42,214 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,180 median debt. Get the full Sacramento City College report
Palomar College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in San Marcos, CA, Palomar College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,354 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,650. Palomar College alumni report median earnings of $42,300 a decade after entry. Read more about Palomar College
College Of The Desert ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Palm Desert, CA, College Of The Desert is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,326, with out-of-state students paying around $10,174. Typical Trade student debt is $7,826. College Of The Desert alumni report median earnings of $39,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Desert report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in California
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Cerritos College placed #26 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Set in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Cerritos College Trade students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cerritos College
Ventura College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Ventura College is a public school based in Ventura, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,430 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Get the full Ventura College report
Moorpark College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Moorpark, CA, Moorpark College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Graduates carry a median of $17,075 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,044. That is a strong return on a $17,075 median debt. Read more about Moorpark College
Modesto Junior College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Modesto, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,282, while out-of-state students pay about $9,264. The median Trade program debt is $8,575. Modesto Junior College alumni report median earnings of $42,368 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,575 median debt. Get the full Modesto Junior College report
Fresno City College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,378, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. Typical Trade student debt is $7,234. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,361 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fresno City College
American River College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. American River College Trade students take on a median of $14,105 in debt. American River College alumni report median earnings of $40,162 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,105 median debt. Get the full American River College report
Cypress College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cypress, CA, Cypress College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,150, while out-of-state students pay about $12,379. Median earnings reach $43,533 ten years out. Read the full report on Cypress College
College Of The Siskiyous came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Weed, CA, College Of The Siskiyous is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,444, while out-of-state students pay about $9,394. The median Trade program debt is $15,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,098 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. See the full College Of The Siskiyous profile
Glendale Community College Glendale Ca came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Glendale, CA, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,191, compared with $10,935 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $19,800. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,540 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
Reedley College placed #35 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Located in Reedley, CA, Reedley College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, with out-of-state students paying around $8,638. Graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Reedley College alumni report median earnings of $38,493 a decade after entry. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Reedley College
Los Angeles Valley College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Valley Glen, CA, Los Angeles Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $10,254. Median earnings reach $42,678 ten years out. Set against $10,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Los Angeles Valley College
Chabot College landed the #37 spot for value in California this year. Located in Hayward, CA, Chabot College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,150 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,686. Graduates carry a median of $14,122 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,143. That is a strong return on a $14,122 median debt. See the full Chabot College profile
College Of Marin placed #38 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Based in Kentfield, CA, College Of Marin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,558, compared with $9,334 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,654. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of Marin
College Of The Redwoods offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. College Of The Redwoods is a public school based in Eureka, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,196 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,852. The median Trade program debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,243. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full College Of The Redwoods report
Grossmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in El Cajon, CA, Grossmont College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $10,628. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,309 ten years after entry. More on Grossmont College
Riverside City College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Riverside, CA, Riverside City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. Riverside City College Trade students take on a median of $8,767 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,091. Set against $8,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Riverside City College profile
Bakersfield College placed #42 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Based in Bakersfield, CA, Bakersfield College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,430, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Graduates carry a median of $9,419 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,291. That is a strong return on a $9,419 median debt. Get the full Bakersfield College report
Pasadena City College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Pasadena, CA, Pasadena City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Pasadena City College Trade students take on a median of $9,191 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,937 ten years after entry. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Pasadena City College
Orange Coast College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Orange Coast College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,392, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Orange Coast College Trade students take on a median of $8,978 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,348. Set against $8,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Orange Coast College report
Golden West College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Golden West College is a public school based in Huntington Beach, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,380, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Golden West College report
Antelope Valley College placed #45 among the best-value Trade schools in California. Set in Lancaster, CA, Antelope Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,124, with out-of-state students paying around $9,548. Antelope Valley College Trade students take on a median of $10,729 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,526. Set against $10,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Antelope Valley College
Moreno Valley College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. Typical Trade student debt is $12,643. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,133. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Moreno Valley College profile
Santa Monica College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Santa Monica, CA, Santa Monica College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $10,708. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193. Read more about Santa Monica College
Rio Hondo College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Whittier, CA, Rio Hondo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,388, while out-of-state students pay about $9,884. Rio Hondo College Trade students take on a median of $15,510 in debt. Rio Hondo College alumni report median earnings of $44,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,510 median debt. Read the full report on Rio Hondo College
Imperial Valley College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Imperial, CA, Imperial Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,126, with out-of-state students paying around $8,830. Graduates carry a median of $6,176 in student loans. Imperial Valley College alumni report median earnings of $34,487 a decade after entry. Set against $6,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Imperial Valley College
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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: State · 94 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 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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