Find Trade Colleges
2026 Best Value Trade Schools in North Carolina
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in North Carolina? Our ranking highlights 163 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College analyzed 63 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 North Carolina
Explore the best-value schools below:
Mcdowell Technical Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in North Carolina. This public school is set in Marion, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,032, with out-of-state students paying around $6,640. Median earnings reach $33,035 ten years out. See the full Mcdowell Technical Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Craven Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Craven Community College is a public school based in New Bern, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $8,924. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,924 median debt. Get the full Craven Community College report
A rank of #3 makes Pitt Community College one of the best values in North Carolina. Set in Winterville, NC, Pitt Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,871 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,087. Pitt Community College Trade students take on a median of $19,741 in debt. Pitt Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,259 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,741 median debt. More on Pitt Community College
South Piedmont Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in North Carolina. Based in Polkton, NC, South Piedmont Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,022, while out-of-state students pay about $6,630. Typical Trade student debt is $10,098. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,308. That is a strong return on a $10,098 median debt. See the full South Piedmont Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Forsyth Technical Community College earned it the #5 place in North Carolina. Forsyth Technical Community College is a public school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,276 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,884. Students borrow a median of $16,374 to complete their Trade program here. Forsyth Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,139 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,374 median debt. Read the full report on Forsyth Technical Community College
Vance Granville Community College landed the #6 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Henderson, NC. Students from in state pay about $1,944 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,552. Graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,304 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Vance Granville Community College
Alamance Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Graham, NC, Alamance Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,592, compared with $8,736 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $6,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,241. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt. Get the full Alamance Community College report
Montgomery Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Troy, NC, Montgomery Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,538 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,682. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,742 ten years after entry. Get the full Montgomery Community College report
Durham Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Durham, NC, Durham Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,240, while out-of-state students pay about $7,531. Students borrow a median of $20,408 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,142. That is a strong return on a $20,408 median debt. Read more about Durham Technical Community College
Brunswick Community College placed #10 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Based in Bolivia, NC, Brunswick Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,553, with out-of-state students paying around $8,697. Brunswick Community College Trade students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,668 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brunswick Community College report
College Of The Albemarle ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Elizabeth City, NC, College Of The Albemarle is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,242, while out-of-state students pay about $7,652. Graduates carry a median of $10,240 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,234. Set against $10,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of The Albemarle profile
Guilford Technical Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,320, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,501 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Guilford Technical Community College
Richmond Community College landed the #13 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,956, compared with $6,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,407 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,951 ten years after entry. Set against $8,407 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Richmond Community College
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $11,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,865 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. Get the full Central Piedmont Community College report
Rowan Cabarrus Community College placed #15 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Set in Salisbury, NC, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,064, compared with $6,672 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,867 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,936 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,867 median debt. Read the full report on Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Wayne Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Goldsboro, NC, Wayne Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,566 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,710. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,148. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wayne Community College
Davidson County Community College landed the #17 spot for value in North Carolina this year. This public school is set in Thomasville, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $1,980, with out-of-state students paying around $6,588. Typical Trade student debt is $16,693. Davidson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,693 median debt. Read more about Davidson County Community College
Lenoir Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kinston, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,578, compared with $8,822 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,984 to complete their Trade program here. Lenoir Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,866 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lenoir Community College
Surry Community College landed the #19 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Dobson, NC, Surry Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,668 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,812. Typical Trade student debt is $9,537. Surry Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,012 a decade after entry. Set against $9,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Surry Community College
Central Carolina Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,711 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,855. Graduates carry a median of $10,266 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,525. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Carolina Community College report
Beaufort County Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Beaufort County Community College is a public school based in Washington, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,540, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $7,947. Beaufort County Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,519 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Beaufort County Community College
Catawba Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Hickory, NC, Catawba Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,427, with out-of-state students paying around $7,803. The median Trade program debt is $9,842. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,977. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Catawba Valley Community College profile
Southwestern Community College Sylva offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Sylva, NC, Southwestern Community College Sylva is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,112, while out-of-state students pay about $13,184. Typical Trade student debt is $13,708. Southwestern Community College Sylva alumni report median earnings of $34,145 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwestern Community College Sylva
Johnston Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Johnston Community College is a public school based in Smithfield, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,756 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Graduates carry a median of $9,490 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,310. Set against $9,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Johnston Community College
Isothermal Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Spindale, NC, Isothermal Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,030, with out-of-state students paying around $6,638. Isothermal Community College Trade students take on a median of $6,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,325. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Isothermal Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in North Carolina
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Wake Technical Community College landed the #26 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Wake Technical Community College is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Typical Trade student debt is $17,900. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute placed #27 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Based in Hudson, NC, Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,528, while out-of-state students pay about $6,528. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute profile
Gaston College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dallas, NC, Gaston College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,186, with out-of-state students paying around $9,330. Graduates carry a median of $10,915 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,386 ten years after entry. Set against $10,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gaston College
Bladen Community College landed the #29 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Bladen Community College is a public school based in Dublin, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,314, while out-of-state students pay about $7,690. Bladen Community College Trade students take on a median of $9,905 in debt. Median earnings reach $30,591 ten years out. Set against $9,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bladen Community College profile
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Asheville, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,882 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,026. Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College Trade students take on a median of $18,883 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,048. That is a strong return on a $18,883 median debt. Get the full Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College report
Nash Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Rocky Mount, NC, Nash Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,866 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,969 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $34,912 ten years out. Set against $16,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Nash Community College report
Cleveland Community College placed #32 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Located in Shelby, NC, Cleveland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,602 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,746. Students borrow a median of $7,131 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cleveland Community College
Cape Fear Community College placed #33 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Located in Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,748 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,892 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,388 in student loans. Cape Fear Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,654 a decade after entry. Set against $12,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cape Fear Community College profile
Wilkes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Wilkesboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,572, with out-of-state students paying around $8,716. The median Trade program debt is $9,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,728. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wilkes Community College
Mitchell Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Statesville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,651, compared with $8,795 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,313 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,298 ten years after entry. Set against $6,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mitchell Community College profile
Southeastern Community College Whiteville came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Whiteville, NC, Southeastern Community College Whiteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,600, with out-of-state students paying around $8,744. Students borrow a median of $10,188 to complete their Trade program here. Southeastern Community College Whiteville alumni report median earnings of $30,284 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,188 median debt. See the full Southeastern Community College Whiteville profile
Robeson Community College landed the #37 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Lumberton, NC, Robeson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,604, while out-of-state students pay about $8,748. Students borrow a median of $9,949 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,036. That is a strong return on a $9,949 median debt. Read more about Robeson Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College landed the #38 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,628, while out-of-state students pay about $8,772. Graduates carry a median of $16,909 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,861 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fayetteville Technical Community College
Sampson Community College placed #39 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Sampson Community College is a public school based in Clinton, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,877, while out-of-state students pay about $9,789. The median Trade program debt is $12,596. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Sampson Community College profile
Edgecombe Community College placed #40 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Set in Tarboro, NC, Edgecombe Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,640, while out-of-state students pay about $8,784. Typical Trade student debt is $22,153. Edgecombe Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,267 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Edgecombe Community College
Coastal Carolina Community College landed the #41 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Jacksonville, NC, Coastal Carolina Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,512, while out-of-state students pay about $8,656. Typical Trade student debt is $7,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,444. That is a strong return on a $7,125 median debt. See the full Coastal Carolina Community College profile
Wilson Community College placed #42 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Set in Wilson, NC, Wilson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,572, compared with $8,716 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,846 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,973. Set against $15,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilson Community College profile
Sandhills Community College landed the #43 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Set in Pinehurst, NC, Sandhills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,040, compared with $6,648 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $9,238. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Sandhills Community College
Piedmont Community College landed the #44 spot for value in North Carolina this year. Based in Roxboro, NC, Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,556, with out-of-state students paying around $8,700. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,274 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Piedmont Community College
Western Piedmont Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Western Piedmont Community College is a public school based in Morganton, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,650, compared with $8,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,999 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $34,195 ten years out. Set against $11,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Piedmont Community College
Western Carolina University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Trade students take on a median of $24,174 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Carolina University
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Flat Rock, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,804. Typical Trade student debt is $16,252. Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock alumni report median earnings of $36,324 a decade after entry. Set against $16,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock
Carteret Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Morehead City, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $8,222. Carteret Community College Trade students take on a median of $5,566 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Carteret Community College
Haywood Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,580, while out-of-state students pay about $8,724. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,770. Read more about Haywood Community College
Mayland Community College placed #49 among the best-value Trade schools in North Carolina. Mayland Community College is a public school based in Spruce Pine, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,626, with out-of-state students paying around $8,770. Mayland Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,663 a decade after entry. See the full Mayland Community College profile
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 · 63 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 163 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).
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.