2026 Best Value Carpenters Schools
Looking for the best-value Carpenters programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 271 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, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Carpenters Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Western Technical College La Cross to be the best-value Carpenters school in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Typical Carpenters student debt is $13,669. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. Set against $13,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Technical College La Cross
Out of the 271 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #2 spot. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete their Carpenters program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
A rank of #3 makes Rochester Community And Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Rochester Community And Technical College is a public school based in Rochester, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. The median Carpenters program debt is $20,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Carpenters ranking in the United States. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. Graduates carry a median of $12,112 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Out of the 271 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ivy Tech Community College landed the #5 spot. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete their Carpenters program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,125 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Bismarck State College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Bismarck State College is a public school based in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, with out-of-state students paying around $7,331. Graduates carry a median of $13,340 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,277 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt. More on Bismarck State College
St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $16,734 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Ridgewater College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Willmar, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Graduates carry a median of $15,556 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. Read more about Ridgewater College
Des Moines Area Community College placed #9 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Carpenters student debt is $14,956. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,289. The median Carpenters program debt is $18,550. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,425 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Augusta Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,523 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. More on Augusta Technical College
Washburn Institute Of Technology came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,880. Typical Carpenters student debt is $11,362. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,774 ten years after entry. Set against $11,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Washburn Institute Of Technology report
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #14 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete their Carpenters program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
Ogeechee Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, with out-of-state students paying around $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Carpenters program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. Set against $11,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. The median Carpenters program debt is $17,650. Median earnings reach $38,399 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology placed #17 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lancaster, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,050. Typical Carpenters student debt is $7,266. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,681 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Lake Superior College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785. Students borrow a median of $17,156 to complete their Carpenters program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,449 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Superior College
Atlanta Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Atlanta Technical College is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Typical Carpenters student debt is $10,646. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,350. That is a strong return on a $10,646 median debt. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
Honolulu Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Set in Honolulu, HI, Honolulu Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,174, with out-of-state students paying around $8,310. The median Carpenters program debt is $10,868. Median earnings reach $45,105 ten years out. Set against $10,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Honolulu Community College report
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Based in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $14,348 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Hinds Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Hinds Community College is a public school based in Raymond, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Students borrow a median of $16,385 to complete their Carpenters program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,774. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hinds Community College
Hillsborough Community College placed #23 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,491, compared with $9,088 for out-of-state students. Typical Carpenters student debt is $16,142. Median earnings reach $40,782 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. Read more about Hillsborough Community College
Manhattan Area Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Manhattan Area Technical College is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,844. Graduates carry a median of $15,499 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,864 ten years after entry. Set against $15,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Manhattan Area Technical College
Minnesota West Community And Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,491. Graduates carry a median of $13,946 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,285. Set against $13,946 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Delgado Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,279. Graduates carry a median of $25,283 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,305. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Delgado Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Carpenters Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Based in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. The median Carpenters program debt is $13,175. Median earnings reach $28,467 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,175 median debt. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Typical Carpenters student debt is $14,833. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,233 ten years after entry. Set against $14,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Pima Community College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Pima Community College Carpenters students take on a median of $10,655 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,810. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt. Read more about Pima Community College
Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem placed #30 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem is a private for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $18,513. Students borrow a median of $12,610 to complete their Carpenters program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,788. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem
Triangle Tech Inc Sunbury ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Set in Sunbury, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Sunbury is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,628. Typical Carpenters student debt is $12,000. 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. Read more about Triangle Tech Inc Sunbury
Ranken Technical College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $18,008 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Carpenters program here. Ranken Technical College alumni report median earnings of $55,955 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Ranken Technical College
Delaware County Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Delaware County Community College is a public school based in Media, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $15,540. Students borrow a median of $14,866 to complete their Carpenters program here. Median earnings reach $45,391 ten years out. Set against $14,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delaware County Community College report
Triangle Tech Inc Pittsburgh placed #34 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Pittsburgh is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,463 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,953. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Triangle Tech Inc Pittsburgh
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. The median Carpenters program debt is $10,112. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Big Sandy Community And Technical College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Prestonsburg, KY, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,588 to complete their Carpenters program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,954. That is a strong return on a $11,588 median debt. Read the full report on Big Sandy Community And Technical College
Tulsa Technology Center landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Technology Center is a public institution. Typical Carpenters student debt is $11,384. Tulsa Technology Center alumni report median earnings of $41,793 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,384 median debt. Get the full Tulsa Technology Center report
Orleans Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Graduates carry a median of $7,521 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Orleans Technical Institute
Atlantic Technical College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Set in Coconut Creek, FL, Atlantic Technical College is a public institution. Graduates carry a median of $9,222 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,560 ten years after entry. Set against $9,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Atlantic Technical College
Albany Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Albany Technical College
Vance Granville Community College placed #40 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. Get the full Vance Granville Community College report
College Of Micronesia Fsm offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. See the full College Of Micronesia Fsm profile
Cowley County Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Cowley County Community College report
Gateway Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Somerset Community College placed #44 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. See the full Somerset Community College profile
Barton County Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Barton County Community College profile
Baton Rouge Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Baton Rouge Community College report
Delta Montrose Technical College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Delta Montrose Technical College
Pamlico Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Pamlico Community College report
Sinte Gleska University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Carpenters schools. Read the full report on Sinte Gleska University
Meridian Technology Center placed #50 among the best-value Carpenters schools in the United States. See the full Meridian Technology Center profile
Best Value Carpenters Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Carpenters Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Carpenters Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Carpenters Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Carpenters Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Carpenters Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Carpenters Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Carpenters Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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 Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 271 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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