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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Georgia
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Georgia? We have ranked 141 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, Trade College reviewed 52 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 Degree Schools in Georgia
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Coastal Pines Technical College this year in Georgia. This public school is set in Waycross, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $5,836. The median Trade program debt is $5,812. Median earnings reach $30,214 ten years out. Set against $5,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Coastal Pines Technical College
You'll get strong value at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. The median Trade program debt is $8,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,759. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Chattahoochee Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Georgia. This public school is set in Marietta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,616 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,138. Set against $9,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chattahoochee Technical College
Athens Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Georgia. Athens Technical College is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. The median Trade program debt is $9,500. Athens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. See the full Athens Technical College profile
You'll get strong value at Oconee Fall Line Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Graduates carry a median of $12,718 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,899. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
Southern Regional Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Thomasville, GA, Southern Regional Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,007, with out-of-state students paying around $5,575. Southern Regional Technical College Trade students take on a median of $9,086 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,293. Set against $9,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southern Regional Technical College report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #7 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public school based in Warner Robins, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins Trade students take on a median of $11,693 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins profile
West Georgia Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. West Georgia Technical College Trade students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. West Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full West Georgia Technical College profile
Gwinnett Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $18,048. Median earnings reach $45,025 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Trade students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Georgia Perimeter College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Perimeter College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,064. Typical Trade student debt is $20,617. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. Set against $20,617 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Perimeter College has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Georgia Perimeter College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. The median Trade program debt is $10,864. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Southeastern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Vidalia, GA, Southeastern Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,400, with out-of-state students paying around $5,968. Graduates carry a median of $10,290 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,329. That is a strong return on a $10,290 median debt. Read more about Southeastern Technical College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,330 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Savannah Technical College Trade students take on a median of $12,843 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. Read more about Savannah Technical College
Georgia Highlands College landed the #15 spot for value in Georgia this year. This public school is set in Rome, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $10,080. Graduates carry a median of $15,134 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,184 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,134 median debt. See the full Georgia Highlands College profile
North Georgia Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,932. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Lanier Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. Lanier Technical College is a public school based in Gainesville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,980 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,278 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,623. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt. More on Lanier Technical College
Columbus Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in Georgia this year. Columbus Technical College is a public school based in Columbus, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,052, while out-of-state students pay about $7,262. Typical Trade student debt is $15,845. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,238. That is a strong return on a $15,845 median debt. See the full Columbus Technical College profile
Augusta Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. The median Trade program debt is $11,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Augusta Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Typical Trade student debt is $15,716. Georgia Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,619 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Read more about Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Atlanta Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, while out-of-state students pay about $5,950. Typical Trade student debt is $17,655. Median earnings reach $30,350 ten years out. Set against $17,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Ogeechee Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in Georgia this year. Set in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Trade program here. Ogeechee Technical College alumni report median earnings of $31,248 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ogeechee Technical College
Middle Georgia State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Macon, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,390. Middle Georgia State University Trade students take on a median of $26,976 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,863. Set against $26,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Middle Georgia State University profile
Dalton State College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dalton, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, compared with $10,656 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,955 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,251 ten years after entry. Set against $14,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Dalton State College
Kennesaw State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. The median Trade program debt is $27,004. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Georgia
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Gordon State College landed the #26 spot for value in Georgia this year. Gordon State College is a public school based in Barnesville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,628 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,948. The median Trade program debt is $21,545. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,871. That is a strong return on a $21,545 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gordon State College profile
South Georgia Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in Georgia this year. Based in Americus, GA, South Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,992, compared with $7,202 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $10,423. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,364. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt. Get the full South Georgia Technical College report
Albany Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,364, while out-of-state students pay about $5,932. Typical Trade student debt is $16,321. Median earnings reach $30,541 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,321 median debt. See the full Albany Technical College profile
Georgia Southwestern State University placed #29 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. Georgia Southwestern State University is a public school based in Americus, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,220, compared with $16,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $28,245. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,757. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Southwestern State University
Albany State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Albany State University is a public school based in Albany, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,656 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,008. Students borrow a median of $28,158 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $40,674 ten years out. Set against $28,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Albany State University profile
College Of Coastal Georgia came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brunswick, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,616, with out-of-state students paying around $10,936. The median Trade program debt is $19,240. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,318 ten years after entry. Set against $19,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Coastal Georgia has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full College Of Coastal Georgia report
Georgia Southern University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Georgia Southern University Trade students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Georgia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $53,236 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
Clayton State University placed #33 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. Based in Morrow, GA, Clayton State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,180, with out-of-state students paying around $16,532. Typical Trade student debt is $35,088. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clayton State University has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Clayton State University profile
Augusta University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Augusta University is a public school based in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Students borrow a median of $25,745 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,472. Set against $25,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Augusta University report
Columbus State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $28,493. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Columbus State University
University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. University Of West Georgia Trade students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,587 ten years after entry. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of West Georgia admits about 52% of applicants. More on University Of West Georgia
Valdosta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Valdosta State University
Georgia State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Georgia State University Trade students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. Set against $26,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Georgia State University report
Herzing University Atlanta placed #39 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. Set in Atlanta, GA, Herzing University Atlanta is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Students borrow a median of $34,030 to complete their Trade program here. Herzing University Atlanta alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,030 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Herzing University Atlanta
University Of Georgia ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Trade program debt is $21,792. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
Thomas University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Thomasville, GA, Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,640. Typical Trade student debt is $28,454. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,716. That is a strong return on a $28,454 median debt. Thomas University admits about 38% of applicants. More on Thomas University
Interactive College Of Technology Morrow landed the #42 spot for value in Georgia this year. Located in Morrow, GA, Interactive College Of Technology Morrow is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,210. Students borrow a median of $11,252 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $27,065. That is a strong return on a $11,252 median debt. See the full Interactive College Of Technology Morrow profile
Georgia Military College Milledgeville offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Milledgeville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,605. Students borrow a median of $13,587 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $39,257 ten years out. Set against $13,587 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Gwinnett College Lilburn landed the #44 spot for value in Georgia this year. Located in Lilburn, GA, Gwinnett College Lilburn is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,300. Graduates carry a median of $24,868 in student loans. Gwinnett College Lilburn alumni report median earnings of $31,422 a decade after entry. Set against $24,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gwinnett College Lilburn
Devry University Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Decatur, GA, Devry University Georgia is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,008. Graduates carry a median of $46,807 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,987. That is a strong return on a $46,807 median debt. Devry University Georgia has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full Devry University Georgia report
Mercer University placed #46 among the best-value Trade schools in Georgia. Based in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,565. Graduates carry a median of $32,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. See the full Mercer University profile
American Intercontinental University Atlanta offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Atlanta, GA, American Intercontinental University Atlanta is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,527. Students borrow a median of $39,107 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,144 ten years after entry. Set against $39,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on American Intercontinental University Atlanta
Reinhardt University landed the #48 spot for value in Georgia this year. Set in Waleska, GA, Reinhardt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,074. Graduates carry a median of $27,860 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,541. Set against $27,860 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Reinhardt University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full Reinhardt University profile
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Piedmont College Trade students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Piedmont College
Emory University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. The median Trade program debt is $19,431. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,137 ten years after entry. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on Emory University
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 52 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 141 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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