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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Texas
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Texas? Our ranking highlights 403 colleges 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 analyzed 78 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 Texas
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Lamar State College Port Arthur, our #1 best-value Trade school in Texas. This public school is set in Port Arthur, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,770, while out-of-state students pay about $8,070. Typical Trade student debt is $33,385. Median earnings reach $37,120 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lamar State College Port Arthur report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Galveston College earned it the #2 place in Texas. Based in Galveston, TX, Galveston College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,726, while out-of-state students pay about $6,176. Students borrow a median of $15,183 to complete their Trade program here. Galveston College alumni report median earnings of $37,233 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,183 median debt. More on Galveston College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lamar Institute Of Technology earned it the #3 place in Texas. Lamar Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,844, while out-of-state students pay about $12,924. Lamar Institute Of Technology Trade students take on a median of $14,278 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,991 ten years out. Set against $14,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lamar Institute Of Technology report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Panola College earned it the #4 place in Texas. Located in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,352, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,072. Read more about Panola College
You'll get strong value at Alvin Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,906, while out-of-state students pay about $4,402. Alvin Community College Trade students take on a median of $8,600 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,762 ten years out. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alvin Community College
El Centro College landed the #6 spot for value in Texas this year. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. Get the full El Centro College report
Collin County Community College District came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Collin County Community College District Trade students take on a median of $9,716 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Read more about Collin County Community College District
Lee College placed #8 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. Located in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $10,941. Median earnings reach $42,178 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lee College
Amarillo College landed the #9 spot for value in Texas this year. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Amarillo College profile
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Trade program debt is $11,376. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. More on San Jacinto Community College
College Of The Mainland came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. The median Trade program debt is $10,928. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Tarrant County College District ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,148 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,727 ten years after entry. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tarrant County College District
Victoria College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. Victoria College Trade students take on a median of $10,910 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,382. Set against $10,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Victoria College profile
Wharton County Junior College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,916 in student loans. Wharton County Junior College alumni report median earnings of $44,960 a decade after entry. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wharton County Junior College
Mclennan Community College landed the #15 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Typical Trade student debt is $11,598. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,598 median debt. Read the full report on Mclennan Community College
The University Of Texas At Brownsville placed #16 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. Based in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, compared with $4,948 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,058 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,900. That is a strong return on a $10,058 median debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
Lamar State College Orange came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orange, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,832, while out-of-state students pay about $13,824. Students borrow a median of $18,506 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $36,587 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,506 median debt. Read more about Lamar State College Orange
Hill College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Hillsboro, TX, Hill College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,862 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,302 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $39,572 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hill College report
Clarendon College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Clarendon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,720, compared with $5,400 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $14,789. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,696 ten years after entry. Set against $14,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Clarendon College
El Paso Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,274 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. The median Trade program debt is $8,542. Median earnings reach $35,212 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. More on El Paso Community College
Northeast Texas Community College placed #21 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. Set in Mount Pleasant, TX, Northeast Texas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,980, while out-of-state students pay about $5,620. Typical Trade student debt is $15,089. Northeast Texas Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,870 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,089 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Texas Community College
Central Texas College landed the #22 spot for value in Texas this year. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,750, while out-of-state students pay about $7,500. Central Texas College Trade students take on a median of $11,290 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,995 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Texas College
Tyler Junior College placed #23 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. The median Trade program debt is $14,869. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
North Central Texas College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, TX, North Central Texas College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,600 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,739 for out-of-state students. North Central Texas College Trade students take on a median of $15,965 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,809 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,965 median debt. Read the full report on North Central Texas College
Temple College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Temple, TX, Temple College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $7,524. The median Trade program debt is $16,617. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,678 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,617 median debt. See the full Temple College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Texas
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Odessa College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,688, with out-of-state students paying around $4,926. Typical Trade student debt is $9,087. Median earnings reach $42,026 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Odessa College
Angelina College landed the #27 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Lufkin, TX, Angelina College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,430, with out-of-state students paying around $6,490. Students borrow a median of $7,828 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,301. That is a strong return on a $7,828 median debt. Get the full Angelina College report
South Texas College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Students borrow a median of $6,868 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $36,788 ten years out. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full South Texas College report
South Plains College placed #29 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Students borrow a median of $13,788 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt. Read the full report on South Plains College
Howard College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Howard College is a public school based in Big Spring, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,766, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. The median Trade program debt is $14,242. Howard College alumni report median earnings of $38,382 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Howard College
Navarro College placed #31 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. This public school is set in Corsicana, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,008, with out-of-state students paying around $6,578. Typical Trade student debt is $13,781. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,716. Set against $13,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Navarro College
Midland College landed the #32 spot for value in Texas this year. Midland College is a public school based in Midland, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,180, compared with $6,180 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $9,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,958. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. Read more about Midland College
Lone Star College System placed #33 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lone Star College System
Houston Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. Students borrow a median of $19,223 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. That is a strong return on a $19,223 median debt. Read the full report on Houston Community College
Grayson College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denison, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. The median Trade program debt is $11,627. Grayson College alumni report median earnings of $40,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,627 median debt. Read the full report on Grayson College
Texarkana College placed #36 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. Set in Texarkana, TX, Texarkana College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,476 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,686 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,647. That is a strong return on a $11,686 median debt. See the full Texarkana College profile
Del Mar College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. The median Trade program debt is $7,476. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Weatherford College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, compared with $10,860 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $14,099. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,397 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,099 median debt. Read the full report on Weatherford College
Southwest Texas Junior College placed #39 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. This public school is set in Uvalde, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,646, while out-of-state students pay about $6,294. Graduates carry a median of $7,157 in student loans. Southwest Texas Junior College alumni report median earnings of $35,563 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwest Texas Junior College report
Texas State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, compared with $11,812 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $12,953. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Texas State Technical College
Kilgore College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,160, with out-of-state students paying around $5,256. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,975 ten years out. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kilgore College report
Vernon College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Vernon College is a public school based in Vernon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $12,513 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,464 ten years out. Set against $12,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Vernon College
Laredo Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $6,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,934. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt. See the full Laredo Community College profile
University Of Houston Downtown offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Students borrow a median of $23,925 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $53,551 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston Downtown
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. The median Trade program debt is $26,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Tarleton State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. The median Trade program debt is $23,222. Tarleton State University alumni report median earnings of $53,040 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Blinn College placed #47 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. This public school is set in Brenham, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,890, compared with $11,370 for out-of-state students. Blinn College Trade students take on a median of $16,465 in debt. Blinn College alumni report median earnings of $46,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Blinn College profile
Frank Phillips College landed the #48 spot for value in Texas this year. Located in Borger, TX, Frank Phillips College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,712, compared with $4,882 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,179. More on Frank Phillips College
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #49 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Trade program debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #50 among the best-value Trade schools in Texas. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. The median Trade program debt is $23,312. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
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 · 78 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 403 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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