2026 Best Value Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Southeast Community College Area tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Construction Trades associate's degree schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
A rank of #2 makes North Hennepin Community College one of the best values in the United States. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
A rank of #3 makes Western Technical College La Cross one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. The median Construction Trades program debt is $13,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. Set against $13,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
A rank of #4 makes Rochester Community And Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $20,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
You'll get strong value at Northeast Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Northeast Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Raritan Valley Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Branchburg, NJ, Raritan Valley Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,584. Graduates carry a median of $9,668 in student loans. Raritan Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,145 a decade after entry. Set against $9,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Raritan Valley Community College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $7,308 to complete their Construction Trades program here. 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
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,350 to complete their Construction Trades program here. 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. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,776 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full Northwest Iowa Community College profile
Ridgewater College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Willmar, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Ridgewater College Construction Trades students take on a median of $15,556 in debt. 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
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. The median Construction Trades program debt is $8,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Brookdale Community College placed #13 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Brookdale Community College is a public school based in Lincroft, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Brookdale Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,379 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Bismarck State College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,666 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,277. That is a strong return on a $6,666 median debt. Read the full report on Bismarck State College
Mitchell Technical Institute ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,524. Students borrow a median of $10,683 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $50,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. Read the full report on Mitchell Technical Institute
Dakota County Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Dakota County Technical College is a public school based in Rosemount, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $11,974 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,974 median debt. Read more about Dakota County Technical College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fergus Falls, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,908 in tuition and fees. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $8,939. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,591. Set against $8,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Minnesota State Community And Technical College profile
Lansing Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,100, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. The median Construction Trades program debt is $16,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,206 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lansing Community College
East Mississippi Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scooba, MS, East Mississippi Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,095, with out-of-state students paying around $7,445. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,772. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full East Mississippi Community College report
Itawamba Community College placed #20 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Itawamba Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,912. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Ogeechee Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Ogeechee Technical College is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,894. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ogeechee Technical College report
Richmond Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,956, with out-of-state students paying around $6,564. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,951. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Richmond Community College report
Honolulu Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,174, compared with $8,310 for out-of-state students. Honolulu Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,105. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Honolulu Community College report
Reading Area Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Reading, PA, Reading Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,480, while out-of-state students pay about $12,510. The median Construction Trades program debt is $13,979. Median earnings reach $39,082 ten years out. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Reading Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar Construction Trades students take on a median of $14,348 in debt. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar alumni report median earnings of $41,306 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Texas State Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Graduates carry a median of $9,923 in student loans. Texas State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,916 a decade after entry. Set against $9,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Texas State Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $46,709 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Technical Institute
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,681. That is a strong return on a $8,380 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Pierpont Community And Technical College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Pierpont Community And Technical College is a public school based in Fairmont, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $5,762, with out-of-state students paying around $13,660. Graduates carry a median of $16,268 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on Pierpont Community And Technical College
Lake Superior College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785. Lake Superior College Construction Trades students take on a median of $17,156 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $17,156 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Superior College
Linn State Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Linn, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, compared with $14,610 for out-of-state students. Linn State Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Linn State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $55,901 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Linn State Technical College
Southwestern Illinois College placed #32 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,388. Southwestern Illinois College alumni report median earnings of $36,884 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. Read more about Southwestern Illinois College
Pima Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Pima Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $10,655 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,810 ten years after entry. Set against $10,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pima Community College
Manhattan Area Technical College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Manhattan Area Technical College is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,844. The median Construction Trades program debt is $15,499. Median earnings reach $51,864 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Manhattan Area Technical College profile
Wake Technical Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Wake Technical Community College is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Students borrow a median of $11,784 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. Set against $11,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wake Technical Community College
Alpena Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,840, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,442. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Alpena Community College
Minnesota West Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,491. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,089. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,285 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,089 median debt. Read the full report on Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Hinds Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $16,385. Median earnings reach $30,774 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Hinds Community College
Bellingham Technical College placed #40 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,431 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,809. Bellingham Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,748 a decade after entry. See the full Bellingham Technical College profile
Western Dakota Technical Institute landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rapid City, SD, Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,294. Western Dakota Technical Institute Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,548 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,240 ten years after entry. Set against $12,548 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Dakota Technical Institute report
Erie Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, Erie Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Graduates carry a median of $8,710 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,228 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Erie Community College
Utah Valley University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. The median Construction Trades program debt is $14,484. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,486. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Utah Valley University
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $6,974 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $28,467 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,974 median debt. Get the full City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College report
Northern Michigan University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Marquette, MI, Northern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $47,107 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Michigan University
Hudson Valley Community College placed #46 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,796, with out-of-state students paying around $11,852. Students borrow a median of $11,973 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hudson Valley Community College profile
Los Angeles Trade Technical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $14,833. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,233 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. Get the full Los Angeles Trade Technical College report
Triangle Tech Inc Greensburg offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private for-profit school is set in Greensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $18,413. The median Construction Trades program debt is $17,583. Triangle Tech Inc Greensburg alumni report median earnings of $53,788 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Triangle Tech Inc Greensburg
Triangle Tech Inc Dubois offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private for-profit school is set in Falls Creek, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $18,462. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $45,538 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Triangle Tech Inc Dubois
Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem placed #50 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,513. Graduates carry a median of $17,583 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,788 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,583 median debt. Read more about Triangle Tech Inc Bethlehem
Dunwoody College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,477. The median Construction Trades program debt is $18,423. Median earnings reach $61,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,423 median debt. Dunwoody College Of Technology admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Dunwoody College Of Technology
Related Construction Trades Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Trades Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate 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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