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2026 Best Value Trade Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Trade undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 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.
To help you make your decision, Trade College reviewed 910 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Coahoma Community College to be the best-value Trade school in the United States. This public school is set in Clarksdale, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,490. Coahoma Community College Trade students take on a median of $11,745 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,745 median debt. More on Coahoma Community College
A rank of #2 makes Clovis Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,592, compared with $3,344 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $11,082. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clovis Community College
Southeast Community College Area came in at #2 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Trade students take on a median of $14,935 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #4 makes New Mexico Junior College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Hobbs, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,440, with out-of-state students paying around $2,280. The median Trade program debt is $9,986. New Mexico Junior College alumni report median earnings of $34,233 a decade after entry. Set against $9,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about New Mexico Junior College
You'll get strong value at Lee College, which ranked #5 this year. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Typical Trade student debt is $10,941. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,178 ten years after entry. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lee College
Highland Community College Highland landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Highland, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,495. Highland Community College Highland Trade students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,291 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Highland Community College Highland profile
Seattle Community College North Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Seattle Community College North Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Seattle Community College North Campus Trade students take on a median of $16,643 in debt. Seattle Community College North Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,728 a decade after entry. Set against $16,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Seattle Community College North Campus
Cloud County Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Cloud County Community College is a public school based in Concordia, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. The median Trade program debt is $12,839. Median earnings reach $39,883 ten years out. Set against $12,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cloud County Community College report
South Louisiana Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,435 in debt. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on South Louisiana Community College
Panola College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Carthage, TX, Panola College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,352, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,072 ten years after entry. More on Panola College
Arkansas State University Newport ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,925 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,925 median debt. See the full Arkansas State University Newport profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $14,557 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full El Centro College report
Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. The median Trade program debt is $14,699. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Seattle Community College Central Campus report
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bentonville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,342, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. Students borrow a median of $12,479 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,505. That is a strong return on a $12,479 median debt. See the full Northwest Arkansas Community College profile
Highlands College Of Montana Tech offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Butte, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $4,127, with out-of-state students paying around $10,948. The median Trade program debt is $2,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,329. That is a strong return on a $2,750 median debt. More on Highlands College Of Montana Tech
Alexandria Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,236. Alexandria Technical And Community College Trade students take on a median of $14,054 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. Set against $14,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Alexandria Technical And Community College profile
Camden County College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. More on Camden County College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Schriever, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,219. Typical Trade student debt is $5,396. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full L E Fletcher Technical Community College profile
Galveston College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Galveston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,726, with out-of-state students paying around $6,176. Typical Trade student debt is $15,183. Galveston College alumni report median earnings of $37,233 a decade after entry. Set against $15,183 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Galveston College report
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $20,291. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Based in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,904 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. Typical Trade student debt is $12,112. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Neosho County Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,704. Typical Trade student debt is $13,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,966. Set against $13,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Neosho County Community College
Central Arizona College placed #23 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Central Arizona College is a public school based in Coolidge, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Central Arizona College Trade students take on a median of $11,635 in debt. Central Arizona College alumni report median earnings of $40,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Arizona College
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #24 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Typical Trade student debt is $14,234. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Central Lakes College Brainerd offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public school based in Brainerd, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,249 in tuition and fees. Central Lakes College Brainerd Trade students take on a median of $14,479 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,162. That is a strong return on a $14,479 median debt. Read more about Central Lakes College Brainerd
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Hutchinson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,148 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hutchinson Community College
Washtenaw Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,736 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. The median Trade program debt is $17,616. Washtenaw Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,449 a decade after entry. Set against $17,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Washtenaw Community College report
Northcentral Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Typical Trade student debt is $11,709. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northcentral Technical College
Northeast Community College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. The median Trade program debt is $11,937. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. Get the full Northeast Community College report
Wayne County Community College District ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Graduates carry a median of $20,820 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wayne County Community College District
Hennepin Technical College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. Students borrow a median of $17,887 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Victoria College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Victoria, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. Students borrow a median of $10,910 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $42,382 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,910 median debt. Get the full Victoria College report
Madison Area Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Typical Trade student debt is $16,812. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Washington State Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,128, with out-of-state students paying around $4,152. Students borrow a median of $16,291 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $37,988 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washington State Community College profile
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Northwest Iowa Community College is a public school based in Sheldon, IA. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $12,271 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,776 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,271 median debt. Read more about Northwest Iowa Community College
Wenatchee Valley College placed #36 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,552, while out-of-state students pay about $5,054. Graduates carry a median of $11,462 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,127 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. Read the full report on Wenatchee Valley College
Tyler Junior College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Tyler Junior College Trade students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. The median Trade program debt is $11,886. Western Iowa Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,473 a decade after entry. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
North Hennepin Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. Typical Trade student debt is $21,241. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
Central Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Trade program here. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Community College profile
Alvin Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,906, with out-of-state students paying around $4,402. The median Trade program debt is $8,600. 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
Coastal Pines Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waycross, GA, Coastal Pines Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,812 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Coastal Pines Technical College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College placed #43 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Typical Trade student debt is $17,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,399 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #44 among the best-value Trade schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $16,734. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $12,799. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. The median Trade program debt is $21,332. Century College alumni report median earnings of $46,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. See the full Century College profile
Highline Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,772, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Highline Community College Trade students take on a median of $8,958 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,869. Set against $8,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Highline Community College profile
Amarillo College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Students borrow a median of $15,720 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. That is a strong return on a $15,720 median debt. See the full Amarillo College profile
South Arkansas Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. South Arkansas Community College is a public school based in El Dorado, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,324, with out-of-state students paying around $5,532. The median Trade program debt is $15,386. South Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,521 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Arkansas Community College report
Moraine Park Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Typical Trade student debt is $11,471. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,471 median debt. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Related Trade Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Trade Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Trade Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Trade Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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: Nation · 910 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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