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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in New York
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in New York? This list ranks 408 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 evaluated 101 schools to build 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 New York
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Cuny Graduate School And University Center to be the best-value Trade school in New York. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Trade students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
A rank of #2 makes Cuny Hostos Community College one of the best values in New York. Based in Bronx, NY, Cuny Hostos Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,254, with out-of-state students paying around $8,134. Graduates carry a median of $9,007 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,485. Set against $9,007 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cuny Hostos Community College
You'll get strong value at Cuny Kingsborough Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,858 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,621. Set against $7,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuny Kingsborough Community College
Dutchess Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in New York. Dutchess Community College is a public school based in Poughkeepsie, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,670, while out-of-state students pay about $10,670. Students borrow a median of $11,836 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $43,929 ten years out. Set against $11,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Dutchess Community College report
You'll get strong value at Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Graduates carry a median of $8,794 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,306 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College profile
Cuny Bronx Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in New York. Located in Bronx, NY, Cuny Bronx Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,206, compared with $8,086 for out-of-state students. Cuny Bronx Community College Trade students take on a median of $8,224 in debt. Cuny Bronx Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,307 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuny Bronx Community College profile
Nassau Community College landed the #7 spot for value in New York this year. This public school is set in Garden City, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,330, with out-of-state students paying around $12,130. Nassau Community College Trade students take on a median of $11,850 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,248. Set against $11,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Nassau Community College report
Cuny Laguardia Community College placed #8 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Based in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Cuny Laguardia Community College Trade students take on a median of $8,858 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,653. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt. Read the full report on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Broome Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Binghamton, NY, Broome Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $16,830. Median earnings reach $39,710 ten years out. Set against $16,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Broome Community College profile
Jefferson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Watertown, NY, Jefferson Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,264, with out-of-state students paying around $11,700. Students borrow a median of $14,804 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,991. That is a strong return on a $14,804 median debt. Read more about Jefferson Community College
Orange County Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Orange County Community College is a public school based in Middletown, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,526 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,334. The median Trade program debt is $14,152. Median earnings reach $44,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,152 median debt. More on Orange County Community College
Suffolk County Community College landed the #12 spot for value in New York this year. This public school is set in Selden, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Suffolk County Community College Trade students take on a median of $11,246 in debt. Suffolk County Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,907 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Suffolk County Community College
Cuny College Of Staten Island landed the #13 spot for value in New York this year. Cuny College Of Staten Island is a public school based in Staten Island, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,490, compared with $15,440 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,688 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,501 ten years out. Set against $14,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny College Of Staten Island has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Cuny College Of Staten Island
Cuny Queensborough Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Bayside, NY, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,210, with out-of-state students paying around $8,090. Graduates carry a median of $10,052 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Queensborough Community College
Hudson Valley Community College placed #15 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Hudson Valley Community College is a public school based in Troy, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Students borrow a median of $12,868 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,460 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,868 median debt. Read more about Hudson Valley Community College
Cuny Hunter College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Cuny Hunter College alumni report median earnings of $63,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Hunter College
Schenectady County Community College landed the #17 spot for value in New York this year. Schenectady County Community College is a public school based in Schenectady, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,190, with out-of-state students paying around $8,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,902. Get the full Schenectady County Community College report
North Country Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saranac Lake, NY, North Country Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,370. Graduates carry a median of $18,716 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full North Country Community College profile
Suny Empire State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Graduates carry a median of $23,693 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,080 ten years after entry. Set against $23,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Suny Empire State College report
Genesee Community College placed #20 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Genesee Community College is a public school based in Batavia, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,900, compared with $6,500 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $15,991. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,674. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Genesee Community College
Niagara County Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Niagara County Community College is a public school based in Sanborn, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,894, compared with $12,030 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,970 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,285 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,970 median debt. Read more about Niagara County Community College
Mohawk Valley Community College landed the #22 spot for value in New York this year. This public school is set in Utica, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,851. Typical Trade student debt is $11,900. Median earnings reach $39,850 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,900 median debt. More on Mohawk Valley Community College
Onondaga Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Syracuse, NY, Onondaga Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,102, compared with $11,392 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $12,623. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,190 ten years after entry. Set against $12,623 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Onondaga Community College profile
Finger Lakes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Canandaigua, NY, Finger Lakes Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. The median Trade program debt is $16,736. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,054. That is a strong return on a $16,736 median debt. More on Finger Lakes Community College
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Utica, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,625, compared with $21,215 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $21,056. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,355. Set against $21,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in New York
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Cuny Lehman College placed #26 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Set in Bronx, NY, Cuny Lehman College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Graduates carry a median of $13,213 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,013. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Cuny Lehman College profile
Jamestown Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Jamestown, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,840 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,800 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,242. Set against $12,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Jamestown Community College
Monroe Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Typical Trade student debt is $12,921. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,174. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Monroe Community College
Adirondack Community College placed #29 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Adirondack Community College is a public school based in Queensbury, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,844, with out-of-state students paying around $9,616. The median Trade program debt is $12,358. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,267 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,358 median debt. Get the full Adirondack Community College report
Herkimer County Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Herkimer, NY, Herkimer County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,776. The median Trade program debt is $16,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,199. Set against $16,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Herkimer County Community College
Suny College At Brockport came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Suny College At Brockport is a public school based in Brockport, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. The median Trade program debt is $24,757. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Suny College At Brockport profile
University At Buffalo placed #32 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. University At Buffalo Trade students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
Erie Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Erie Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,580 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,228 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,580 median debt. Read more about Erie Community College
Tompkins Cortland Community College placed #34 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. This public school is set in Dryden, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,970, while out-of-state students pay about $12,855. The median Trade program debt is $20,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,707 ten years after entry. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Tompkins Cortland Community College
Cuny York College landed the #35 spot for value in New York this year. Based in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Cuny York College Trade students take on a median of $12,573 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,573 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. More on Cuny York College
Excelsior College placed #35 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Located in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $19,311 in student loans. Excelsior College alumni report median earnings of $78,493 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,311 median debt. Get the full Excelsior College report
Farmingdale State College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,536. Students borrow a median of $19,528 to complete their Trade program here. Farmingdale State College alumni report median earnings of $69,781 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. More on Farmingdale State College
Suny College At Plattsburgh landed the #38 spot for value in New York this year. Suny College At Plattsburgh is a public school based in Plattsburgh, NY. Students from in state pay about $9,035 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,945 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $24,217. Suny College At Plattsburgh alumni report median earnings of $56,403 a decade after entry. Set against $24,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Plattsburgh has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Suny College At Plattsburgh profile
Suny College At Buffalo landed the #39 spot for value in New York this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,533, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,334 ten years after entry. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College At Buffalo profile
Stony Brook University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Stony Brook University Trade students take on a median of $20,537 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. More on Stony Brook University
Columbia Greene Community College placed #41 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Columbia Greene Community College is a public school based in Hudson, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,048, compared with $11,448 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $19,168. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,441. That is a strong return on a $19,168 median debt. See the full Columbia Greene Community College profile
Cuny Medgar Evers College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Cuny Medgar Evers College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,352, with out-of-state students paying around $15,302. The median Trade program debt is $12,531. Median earnings reach $46,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Medgar Evers College has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Cuny Medgar Evers College report
Fulton Montgomery Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Johnstown, NY, Fulton Montgomery Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,198 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,798. Students borrow a median of $16,142 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,535 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Fulton Montgomery Community College report
Cuny New York City College Of Technology came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,332, compared with $15,282 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,492 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,365. That is a strong return on a $11,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Clinton Community College landed the #45 spot for value in New York this year. Based in Plattsburgh, NY, Clinton Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,831 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,424 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,246. Set against $17,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Clinton Community College profile
Suny College At Cortland ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,874, compared with $18,784 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,369 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,236. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Cortland admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny College At Cortland
Sullivan County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Sullivan County Community College is a public school based in Loch Sheldrake, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,468, with out-of-state students paying around $12,132. Graduates carry a median of $15,950 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,354 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Sullivan County Community College profile
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred placed #48 among the best-value Trade schools in New York. Set in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,892, with out-of-state students paying around $16,837. Typical Trade student debt is $19,721. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,445. Set against $19,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny College Of Technology At Alfred
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Cobleskill, NY, Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,768, while out-of-state students pay about $18,678. Graduates carry a median of $23,490 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,030 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill report
Suny College Of Technology At Canton ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Canton, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Canton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,742, with out-of-state students paying around $15,769. Students borrow a median of $23,640 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,860. That is a strong return on a $23,640 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Suny College Of Technology At Canton report
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · 101 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 408 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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