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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Ohio
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Ohio? We have ranked 273 schools 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 reviewed 78 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 Ohio
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Miami University Hamilton tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Trade degree schools in Ohio. Based in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,012, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Graduates carry a median of $23,763 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
James A Rhodes State College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Ohio. This public school is set in Lima, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $9,120. Typical Trade student debt is $17,070. Median earnings reach $41,855 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,070 median debt. More on James A Rhodes State College
You'll get strong value at Cincinnati State Technical And Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. The median Trade program debt is $17,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. Set against $17,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Miami University Middletown earned it the #4 place in Ohio. Set in Middletown, OH, Miami University Middletown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. Miami University Middletown Trade students take on a median of $23,575 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Miami University Middletown
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lakeland Community College earned it the #5 place in Ohio. Set in Kirtland, OH, Lakeland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,872, compared with $9,235 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,857 in student loans. Lakeland Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,612 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lakeland Community College
Sinclair Community College placed #6 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Washington State Community College landed the #7 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. The median Trade program debt is $16,291. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,988 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt. Read the full report on Washington State Community College
University Of Cincinnati Clermont College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a public school based in Batavia, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,639, with out-of-state students paying around $13,871. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College Trade students take on a median of $19,525 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Clermont College
Clark State Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Springfield, OH, Clark State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,393, while out-of-state students pay about $8,049. Graduates carry a median of $20,740 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,584 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,740 median debt. Read the full report on Clark State Community College
Stark State College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Typical Trade student debt is $17,349. Stark State College alumni report median earnings of $34,661 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. Get the full Stark State College report
Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #11 spot for value in Ohio this year. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. More on Cuyahoga Community College District
Owens Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete their Trade program here. Owens Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,275 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt. Get the full Owens Community College report
Central Ohio Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Newark, OH, Central Ohio Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,256, compared with $8,016 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $16,779. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,168. Set against $16,779 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central Ohio Technical College
Lorain County Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Lorain County Community College is a public school based in Elyria, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,265, with out-of-state students paying around $8,860. Graduates carry a median of $17,611 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,837. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lorain County Community College profile
Northwest State Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Archbold, OH, Northwest State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,698, while out-of-state students pay about $9,170. Typical Trade student debt is $11,565. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,004. Set against $11,565 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest State Community College
Bowling Green State University Firelands landed the #16 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Huron, OH, Bowling Green State University Firelands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,131, compared with $14,119 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $19,340. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Firelands
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blue Ash, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,904. Students borrow a median of $19,408 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Edison State Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Edison State Community College is a public school based in Piqua, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,499, with out-of-state students paying around $8,346. Graduates carry a median of $15,406 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,360 ten years out. Set against $15,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Edison State Community College report
Zane State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Zanesville, OH, Zane State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,766. Zane State College Trade students take on a median of $9,405 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,006. Set against $9,405 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Zane State College profile
Belmont College placed #20 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. Set in St Clairsville, OH, Belmont College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,698 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,200 for out-of-state students. Belmont College Trade students take on a median of $20,524 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,329 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Belmont College
Eastern Gateway Community College placed #21 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. Located in Steubenville, OH, Eastern Gateway Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,225, compared with $6,071 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,642 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Eastern Gateway Community College profile
North Central State College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Mansfield, OH, North Central State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,786, with out-of-state students paying around $11,374. Graduates carry a median of $12,236 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,158 ten years out. Set against $12,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on North Central State College
Kent State University At Ashtabula ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Kent State University At Ashtabula is a public school based in Ashtabula, OH. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Students borrow a median of $24,562 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. Read more about Kent State University At Ashtabula
Kent State University At Salem came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salem, OH, Kent State University At Salem is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,211, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Students borrow a median of $24,573 to complete their Trade program here. Kent State University At Salem alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $24,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kent State University At Salem
Wright State University Lake Campus landed the #25 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Celina, OH, Wright State University Lake Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,372, compared with $17,072 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,522 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $27,522 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wright State University Lake Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Ohio
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Marion Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Marion, OH, Marion Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,595, compared with $11,225 for out-of-state students. Marion Technical College Trade students take on a median of $11,828 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,495 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Marion Technical College
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Chillicothe, OH, Ohio University Chillicothe Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,542 in student loans. Ohio University Chillicothe Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ohio University Chillicothe Campus
Hocking College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nelsonville, OH, Hocking College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $10,290. The median Trade program debt is $16,535. Median earnings reach $37,791 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,535 median debt. More on Hocking College
Southern State Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Southern State Community College is a public school based in Hillsboro, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,912, while out-of-state students pay about $10,818. Graduates carry a median of $15,282 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,463 ten years after entry. Set against $15,282 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southern State Community College report
Kent State University At Tuscarawas came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Philadelphia, OH, Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,211, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Kent State University At Tuscarawas Trade students take on a median of $23,569 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,569 median debt. Read the full report on Kent State University At Tuscarawas
University Of Akron Wayne College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Orrville, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,723, compared with $15,403 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,669 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $21,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Wayne College admits about 90% of applicants. More on University Of Akron Wayne College
Terra State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Fremont, OH, Terra State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,748, while out-of-state students pay about $8,544. Graduates carry a median of $24,070 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,612. That is a strong return on a $24,070 median debt. See the full Terra State Community College profile
University Of Northwestern Ohio landed the #33 spot for value in Ohio this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lima, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,366. Students borrow a median of $23,805 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $50,968 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Northwestern Ohio
Akron Institute Of Herzing University placed #34 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. Akron Institute Of Herzing University is a private not-for-profit school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $32,277 in student loans. Akron Institute Of Herzing University alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,277 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Akron Institute Of Herzing University report
Youngstown State University landed the #35 spot for value in Ohio this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Youngstown State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Shawnee State University landed the #37 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Portsmouth, OH, Shawnee State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,448, compared with $16,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,233 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $39,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Shawnee State University
University Of Toledo offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. University Of Toledo Trade students take on a median of $24,923 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,632 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Toledo report
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in Ohio this year. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical Trade student debt is $25,836. Wright State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Trade program debt is $22,053. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Devry University Ohio came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,008. The median Trade program debt is $43,860. Devry University Ohio alumni report median earnings of $45,987 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $43,860 median debt. Devry University Ohio has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on Devry University Ohio
Beckfield College Tri County ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This private for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,250. The median Trade program debt is $25,244. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,577 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,244 median debt. More on Beckfield College Tri County
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #44 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $25,449. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Trade students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Ohio Business College Sandusky came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Ohio Business College Sandusky is a private for-profit school based in Sandusky, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,695 in tuition and fees. Ohio Business College Sandusky Trade students take on a median of $22,512 in debt. Median earnings reach $30,389 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ohio Business College Sandusky report
Miami University Oxford offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. That is a strong return on a $24,177 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Miami University Oxford
Fortis College Centerville landed the #48 spot for value in Ohio this year. This private for-profit school is set in Centerville, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,440. Graduates carry a median of $24,327 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,726. Set against $24,327 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fortis College Centerville
Cleveland State University placed #49 among the best-value Trade schools in Ohio. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Cleveland State University Trade students take on a median of $26,336 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,131. That is a strong return on a $26,336 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Cleveland State University
Ohio Business College Sheffield ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Sheffield Village, OH, Ohio Business College Sheffield is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,534 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,070 to complete their Trade program here. Ohio Business College Sheffield alumni report median earnings of $30,389 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ohio Business College Sheffield
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 · 78 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 273 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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