Find Trade Colleges
2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Pennsylvania? This list ranks 315 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Trade College reviewed 72 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 Pennsylvania
Explore the best-value schools below:
Out of the 72 schools in Pennsylvania in this year's value ranking, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology landed the #2 spot. Set in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Typical Trade student debt is $9,915. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,681 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,915 median debt. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
You'll get strong value at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3 this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
A rank of #4 makes West Chester University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values in Pennsylvania. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lehigh Carbon Community College earned it the #5 place in Pennsylvania. Set in Schnecksville, PA, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,280, with out-of-state students paying around $13,270. Lehigh Carbon Community College Trade students take on a median of $14,450 in debt. Lehigh Carbon Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,436 a decade after entry. Set against $14,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lehigh Carbon Community College profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $20,867. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg report
Butler County Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Butler, PA, Butler County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,910, compared with $12,000 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,891. That is a strong return on a $10,836 median debt. More on Butler County Community College
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Indiana, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Typical Trade student debt is $26,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Community College Of Allegheny County came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Community College Of Allegheny County is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,583 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $15,263. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,449. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Community College Of Allegheny County profile
Montgomery County Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blue Bell, PA, Montgomery County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,690, while out-of-state students pay about $17,250. Montgomery County Community College Trade students take on a median of $15,219 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,108. Set against $15,219 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Montgomery County Community College profile
Bucks County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Newtown, PA, Bucks County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,646 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,926. Students borrow a median of $13,068 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,324. Set against $13,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bucks County Community College
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Trade students take on a median of $26,486 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
Laurel Business Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Uniontown, PA, Laurel Business Institute is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,713. Students borrow a median of $13,918 to complete their Trade program here. Laurel Business Institute alumni report median earnings of $30,819 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Laurel Business Institute admits about 77% of applicants. More on Laurel Business Institute
Luzerne County Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Nanticoke, PA, Luzerne County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,600 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,260. Students borrow a median of $14,614 to complete their Trade program here. Luzerne County Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,437 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Luzerne County Community College
Community College Of Philadelphia ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Community College Of Philadelphia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,632 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,744 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,059 in student loans. Community College Of Philadelphia alumni report median earnings of $40,852 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,059 median debt. See the full Community College Of Philadelphia profile
Reading Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Reading, PA, Reading Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,480, compared with $12,510 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $13,979. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,082. That is a strong return on a $13,979 median debt. See the full Reading Area Community College profile
Penn Commercial Business Technical School came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Washington, PA, Penn Commercial Business Technical School is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,654 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $12,067. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,736. That is a strong return on a $12,067 median debt. Penn Commercial Business Technical School has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Penn Commercial Business Technical School
Northampton County Area Community College placed #21 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Northampton County Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Graduates carry a median of $18,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,566. That is a strong return on a $18,900 median debt. More on Northampton County Area Community College
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,527 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,148 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Johnstown, PA, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,110, compared with $13,350 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $11,732. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pennsylvania Highlands Community College report
Temple University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University Trade students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown landed the #26 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Johnstown, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,906, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete their Trade program here. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,993 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown report
Pennsylvania College Of Technology came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Williamsport, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $17,940, compared with $25,680 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,371 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,567. That is a strong return on a $24,371 median debt. See the full Pennsylvania College Of Technology profile
Delaware County Community College landed the #28 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Delaware County Community College is a public school based in Media, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $15,540. Graduates carry a median of $14,866 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,391 ten years after entry. Set against $14,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delaware County Community College report
Central Pennsylvania College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Summerdale, PA, Central Pennsylvania College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,854. The median Trade program debt is $40,957. Central Pennsylvania College alumni report median earnings of $45,370 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $40,957 median debt. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Pennsylvania College
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #30 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Pennsylvania
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Peirce College placed #31 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,060. Typical Trade student debt is $44,247. Peirce College alumni report median earnings of $50,660 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Peirce College report
Laurel Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Hermitage, PA, Laurel Technical Institute is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,431. Typical Trade student debt is $14,143. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $28,311. Set against $14,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Laurel Technical Institute has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Laurel Technical Institute
Pittsburgh Technical Institute came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oakdale, PA. Students borrow a median of $19,310 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,770. That is a strong return on a $19,310 median debt. See the full Pittsburgh Technical Institute profile
Lackawanna College placed #35 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Located in Scranton, PA, Lackawanna College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,400. The median Trade program debt is $21,168. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,000 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,168 median debt. Read more about Lackawanna College
Triangle Tech Inc Dubois placed #36 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Set in Falls Creek, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Dubois is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,462. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Triangle Tech Inc Dubois report
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. York College Pennsylvania Trade students take on a median of $26,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on York College Pennsylvania
Elizabethtown College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,950. Elizabethtown College Trade students take on a median of $26,599 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,399. Set against $26,599 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Elizabethtown College
Community College Of Beaver County landed the #39 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Community College Of Beaver County is a public school based in Monaca, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500, compared with $20,700 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,802 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,090 ten years after entry. Set against $16,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Community College Of Beaver County
South Hills School Of Business And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This private for-profit school is set in State College, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,905. The median Trade program debt is $18,459. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,539. That is a strong return on a $18,459 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about South Hills School Of Business And Technology
Johnson College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, Johnson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,225. Graduates carry a median of $16,083 in student loans. Johnson College alumni report median earnings of $55,194 a decade after entry. Set against $16,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Johnson College
Harcum College landed the #42 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Bryn Mawr, PA, Harcum College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,000. Typical Trade student debt is $26,756. Median earnings reach $46,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,756 median debt. More on Harcum College
Immaculata University landed the #43 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Immaculata, PA, Immaculata University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,980. The median Trade program debt is $27,738. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,701 ten years after entry. Set against $27,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Immaculata University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Immaculata University profile
Mount Aloysius College placed #44 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Set in Cresson, PA, Mount Aloysius College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,545. Typical Trade student debt is $25,416. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,416 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount Aloysius College report
Waynesburg University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Waynesburg, PA, Waynesburg University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,480. The median Trade program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,537. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Waynesburg University report
Holy Family University placed #46 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,562 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Holy Family University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Holy Family University profile
Duquesne University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $26,297. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Duquesne University profile
Thomas Jefferson University placed #48 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,355. Typical Trade student debt is $32,256. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,449. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Thomas Jefferson University
Gannon University placed #48 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. Gannon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Erie, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,656. Gannon University Trade students take on a median of $26,934 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,845 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gannon University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Gannon University
Manor College placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in Pennsylvania. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jenkintown, PA. Students from in state pay about $21,780 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $24,083. Median earnings reach $46,825 ten years out. Set against $24,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about Manor College
Carlow University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Carlow University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $35,874. Graduates carry a median of $30,222 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,051. That is a strong return on a $30,222 median debt. Carlow University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Carlow University
Kings College landed the #52 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Kings College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,100 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,980 to complete their Trade program here. Kings College alumni report median earnings of $59,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kings College report
Triangle Tech Inc Pittsburgh came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Pittsburgh is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,463. Graduates carry a median of $17,713 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,953. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Triangle Tech Inc Pittsburgh report
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Marywood University Trade students take on a median of $27,744 in debt. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. Set against $27,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Marywood University
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #55 spot for value in Pennsylvania this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Trade student debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Gwynedd Mercy College ranked #56 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,838. Graduates carry a median of $29,764 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,145. Set against $29,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Gwynedd Mercy College report
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 · 72 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 315 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.