2026 Best Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 893 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Certificate Degree 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. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. The median Construction Trades program 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. More on North Hennepin Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Iowa Tech Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,886. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Chippewa Valley Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
You'll get strong value at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Fennimore, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,904 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $5,225. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Set against $5,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
You'll get strong value at Trinidad State Junior College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,318. The median Construction Trades program debt is $3,588. Trinidad State Junior College alumni report median earnings of $36,475 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $3,588 median debt. More on Trinidad State Junior College
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Fond du Lac, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Moraine Park Technical College
North Georgia Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. North Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Clarkesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,932. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Augusta Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,875. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
South Louisiana Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $7,409 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. That is a strong return on a $7,409 median debt. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Central Louisiana Technical Community College placed #10 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,363. Students borrow a median of $8,625 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Central Louisiana Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,625 median debt. Get the full Central Louisiana Technical Community College report
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program 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. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Mitchell Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Mitchell, SD, Mitchell Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,524. The median Construction Trades program debt is $10,683. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,743 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. See the full Mitchell Technical Institute profile
Washburn Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Topeka, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,880. The median Construction Trades program debt is $9,500. Washburn Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Washburn Institute Of Technology report
Lansing Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $16,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,206. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt. Read the full report on Lansing Community College
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #15 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,350 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,350 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
East Mississippi Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. East Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Scooba, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full East Mississippi Community College report
Anoka Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Anoka, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Students borrow a median of $12,850 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Anoka Technical College report
Lake Superior College placed #18 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Lake Superior College is a public school based in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,785. Students borrow a median of $17,156 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $17,156 median debt. More on Lake Superior College
Ogeechee Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,894. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Honolulu Community College placed #20 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Honolulu, HI, Honolulu Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,174, compared with $8,310 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,105 ten years after entry. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Honolulu Community College profile
Richmond Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,956, compared with $6,564 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $11,000. Richmond Community College alumni report median earnings of $29,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Richmond Community College profile
Wake Technical Community College placed #22 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $41,769 ten years out. Set against $11,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wake Technical Community College report
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. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $38,399 ten years out. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Manhattan Area Technical College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Manhattan Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,844. Graduates carry a median of $15,499 in student loans. Manhattan Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,864 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. Get the full Manhattan Area Technical College report
Atlanta Technical College placed #25 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Trades program debt is $10,646. Median earnings reach $30,350 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Atlanta Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Minnesota West Community And Technical College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,491. Minnesota West Community And Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,089 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,285 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Delgado Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Students borrow a median of $11,977 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Median earnings reach $33,305 ten years out. Set against $11,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Delgado Community College profile
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Belleville, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Students borrow a median of $10,388 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Southwestern Illinois College alumni report median earnings of $36,884 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southwestern Illinois College
Horry Georgetown Technical College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Conway, SC, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,518, with out-of-state students paying around $10,978. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,507. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Horry Georgetown Technical College profile
Texas State Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Texas State Technical College is a public school based in Waco, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Texas State Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $9,923 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,916. That is a strong return on a $9,923 median debt. Read more about Texas State Technical College
Tidewater Tech Trades placed #31 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Norfolk, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,337. The median Construction Trades program debt is $9,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,657. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tidewater Tech Trades
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. The median Construction Trades program debt is $6,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $28,467 ten years after entry. Set against $6,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College
Western Dakota Technical Institute placed #33 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Based in Rapid City, SD, Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,548 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,240. That is a strong return on a $12,548 median debt. Get the full Western Dakota Technical Institute report
Pima Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,442, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,655. Pima Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Pima Community College profile
Mesa State College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $45,823 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Mesa State College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Mesa State College
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Students borrow a median of $15,624 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Set against $15,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Alpena Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,442. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Alpena Community College
Virginia Western Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Virginia Western Community College is a public school based in Roanoke, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,400, with out-of-state students paying around $11,838. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $13,715. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,787 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,715 median debt. Read the full report on Virginia Western Community College
Ranken Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Ranken Technical College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,008. Ranken Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $6,712 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,955. Set against $6,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ranken Technical College report
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete their Construction Trades program here. 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. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Big Sandy Community And Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Prestonsburg, KY, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,954 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,625 median debt. Read the full report on Big Sandy Community And Technical College
Red Rocks Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Lakewood, CO. Students from in state pay about $4,859 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,459 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,288 ten years out. Set against $14,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Red Rocks Community College report
Delaware County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $15,540. The median Construction Trades program debt is $14,866. Delaware County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,391 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delaware County Community College
Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,906. Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology Construction Trades students take on a median of $8,663 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,556. Set against $8,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Benjamin Franklin Institute Of Technology
Institute For Business And Technology placed #45 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in San Jose, CA. Graduates carry a median of $8,867 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Institute For Business And Technology report
Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Chillicothe, OH, Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District is a public institution. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,485 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District
Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville 1750 Southside Blvd landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jacksonville, FL, Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville 1750 Southside Blvd is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $7,125 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville 1750 Southside Blvd alumni report median earnings of $41,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,125 median debt. More on Tulsa Welding School Jacksonville 1750 Southside Blvd
Summit College placed #45 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in San Bernardino, CA, Summit College is a private for-profit institution. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $7,600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,187. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Summit College
Mid Eastctc Adult Education landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Zanesville, OH, Mid Eastctc Adult Education is a public institution. Mid Eastctc Adult Education Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,416 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mid Eastctc Adult Education
Advanced Training Institute ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Advanced Training Institute is a private for-profit school based in Las Vegas, NV. Students borrow a median of $7,600 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Advanced Training Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,893 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Advanced Training Institute
Related Construction Trades Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Trades Schools (All Levels)
- 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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