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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Wisconsin
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Wisconsin? This list ranks 87 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Trade College reviewed 31 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 Wisconsin
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Northcentral Technical College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Wisconsin. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Typical Trade student debt is $11,709. Median earnings reach $44,925 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
You'll get strong value at Madison Area Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Trade students take on a median of $16,812 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
A rank of #3 makes Moraine Park Technical College one of the best values in Wisconsin. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Graduates carry a median of $11,471 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chippewa Valley Technical College earned it the #4 place in Wisconsin. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
You'll get strong value at Fox Valley Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Fox Valley Technical College Trade students take on a median of $13,319 in debt. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Blackhawk Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Set in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,747, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. The median Trade program debt is $13,715. Blackhawk Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Blackhawk Technical College report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #7 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Based in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $12,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Western Technical College La Cross ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Trade students take on a median of $13,669 in debt. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. Set against $13,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Technical College La Cross
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #9 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Located in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Students borrow a median of $16,595 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $16,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Gateway Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Trade schools in Wisconsin. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. The median Trade program debt is $14,829. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $14,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gateway Technical College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. The median Trade program debt is $11,384. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Set against $11,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex landed the #13 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $6,750 in tuition and fees. The median Trade program debt is $23,820. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $23,820 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Lakeshore Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Trade schools in Wisconsin. Set in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Trade program debt is $11,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,113. That is a strong return on a $11,582 median debt. See the full Lakeshore Technical College profile
Mid State Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Mid State Technical College is a public school based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Mid State Technical College Trade students take on a median of $11,626 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. Set against $11,626 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #17 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Typical Trade student debt is $22,574. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #18 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Typical Trade student debt is $25,821. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry. Set against $25,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Nicolet Area Technical College placed #20 among the best-value Trade schools in Wisconsin. Located in Rhinelander, WI, Nicolet Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,793 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,066. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,643. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Read the full report on Nicolet Area Technical College
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $24,477. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $24,161 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Trade students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Rasmussen College Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Green Bay, WI, Rasmussen College Wisconsin is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,345. Typical Trade student debt is $28,798. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rasmussen College Wisconsin report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Wisconsin
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Herzing University Madison placed #26 among the best-value Trade schools in Wisconsin. Set in Madison, WI, Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Typical Trade student debt is $30,328. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Herzing University Madison profile
Viterbo University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $29,107. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Viterbo University
Marian University Wisconsin landed the #28 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fond Du Lac, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. The median Trade program debt is $27,242. Median earnings reach $53,501 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Marian University Wisconsin
Carroll University landed the #29 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $26,904. Carroll University alumni report median earnings of $58,009 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carroll University has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Carroll University report
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #30 among the best-value Trade schools in Wisconsin. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Trade students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Marquette University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #32 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Janesville landed the #33 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Read the full report on Tricoci University Of Beauty Culture Janesville
Bellin College
Bellin College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. More on Bellin College
Ripon College
Ripon College placed #35 among the best-value Trade schools in Wisconsin. See the full Ripon College profile
Nashotah House
Nashotah House landed the #36 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Read more about Nashotah House
University Of Wisconsin Superior offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Superior
The Professional Hair Design Academy came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read more about The Professional Hair Design Academy
Alverno College
Alverno College landed the #39 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Read more about Alverno College
Advanced College Of Cosmetology landed the #40 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. More on Advanced College Of Cosmetology
Saint Norbert College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full Saint Norbert College report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #42 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
The Salon Professional Academy Kenosha offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on The Salon Professional Academy Kenosha
Lawrence University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Lawrence University
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. See the full Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College profile
Midwest College Of Oriental Medicine Racine ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. See the full Midwest College Of Oriental Medicine Racine profile
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #47 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. See the full Wisconsin Lutheran College profile
Northland College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about Northland College
Maranatha Baptist Bible College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Maranatha Baptist Bible College
Lakeland College
Lakeland College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Lakeland College report
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · 31 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 87 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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