2026 Best Value Construction Trades Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 893 colleges 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, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Construction Trades Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Hennepin Community College to be the best-value Construction Trades school in the United States. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. Typical Construction Trades 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #2 place in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Technical College La Cross earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Western Technical College La Cross Construction Trades students take on a median of $13,669 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Construction Trades ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Sheldon, IA. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Northwest Iowa Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,776 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Iowa Community College
You'll get strong value at Western Iowa Tech Community College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,473. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Rochester Community And Technical College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,291 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Rochester Community And Technical College report
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,225 in debt. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,225 median debt. More on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,000. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Northeast Community College report
Raritan Valley Community College placed #10 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Branchburg, NJ, Raritan Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,584. Students borrow a median of $9,668 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,145. Set against $9,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Raritan Valley Community College
Trinidad State Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,608, while out-of-state students pay about $7,318. Students borrow a median of $3,588 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $36,475 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $3,588 median debt. See the full Trinidad State Junior College profile
Bismarck State College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Bismarck State College Construction Trades students take on a median of $6,666 in debt. Bismarck State College alumni report median earnings of $54,277 a decade after entry. Set against $6,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bismarck State College
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,819 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read the full report on Moraine Park Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $7,308. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $7,308 median debt. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
North Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,279. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Georgia Technical College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a public school based in Fergus Falls, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,908. Graduates carry a median of $8,939 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,591 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #17 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Area Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,350 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $12,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
Augusta Technical College placed #18 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Students borrow a median of $11,875 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,875 median debt. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. The median Construction Trades program debt is $8,250. 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
Ridgewater College placed #20 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Ridgewater College Construction Trades students take on a median of $15,556 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
Mitchell Technical Institute came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mitchell, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,524. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,683. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,743. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. More on Mitchell Technical Institute
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,974. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Dakota County Technical College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,399 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Students borrow a median of $12,850 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Anoka Technical College
South Louisiana Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Students borrow a median of $7,409 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. Set against $7,409 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Central Louisiana Technical Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,098, compared with $4,363 for out-of-state students. Central Louisiana Technical Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $8,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,718. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Area Technical Institute
Brookdale Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,651. Brookdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Brookdale Community College
Northland Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Northland Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,425 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northland Community And Technical College
Des Moines Area Community College placed #30 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $14,956 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Lansing Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Lansing Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $16,700 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,206 ten years after entry. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lansing Community College profile
East Mississippi Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scooba, MS, East Mississippi Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,095, compared with $7,445 for out-of-state students. East Mississippi Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,772. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on East Mississippi Community College
Texas State Technical College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Waco, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, with out-of-state students paying around $11,812. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $9,923. Texas State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,916 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Texas State Technical College report
Washburn Institute Of Technology came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Topeka, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,880 in tuition and fees. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,774 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Washburn Institute Of Technology
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Ogeechee Technical College is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,388 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,894. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. Set against $11,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Honolulu Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Honolulu, HI, Honolulu Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,174, with out-of-state students paying around $8,310. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,105. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Get the full Honolulu Community College report
Itawamba Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Itawamba Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,912. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Itawamba Community College
Richmond Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,956, while out-of-state students pay about $6,564. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,951. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. More on Richmond Community College
Reading Area Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Reading Area Community College is a public school based in Reading, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,480, while out-of-state students pay about $12,510. Typical Construction Trades student 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. More on Reading Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public school based in Calmar, IA. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $14,348 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,306 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. More on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Hillsborough Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tampa, FL, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,491 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,088. The median Construction Trades program debt is $16,142. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,782. Set against $16,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hillsborough Community College
Lake Superior College placed #42 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Lake Superior College is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,156 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,449. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Superior College
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $18,442. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,709. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Pierpont Community And Technical College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Fairmont, WV, Pierpont Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,660 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $16,268. Pierpont Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,132 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,268 median debt. See the full Pierpont Community And Technical College profile
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology placed #45 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology Construction Trades students take on a median of $8,380 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,681. That is a strong return on a $8,380 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology profile
Wake Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,784. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. Set against $11,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
Hinds Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Hinds Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $16,385 in debt. Median earnings reach $30,774 ten years out. Set against $16,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hinds Community College profile
Danville Community College placed #48 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Danville, VA, Danville Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,992, with out-of-state students paying around $11,430. The median Construction Trades program debt is $9,494. Danville Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,664 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,494 median debt. More on Danville Community College
Linn State Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Linn, MO, Linn State Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, with out-of-state students paying around $14,610. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,901. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read the full report on Linn State Technical College
Southwestern Illinois College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,884. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. Read more about Southwestern Illinois College
Best Value Construction Trades Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 893 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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