2026 Best Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Trades undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 893 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Northwest Iowa Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,350, while out-of-state students pay about $7,650. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,776. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northwest Iowa Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Western Technical College La Cross, which ranked #2 this year. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $13,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. Read more about Western Technical College La Cross
You'll get strong value at Chippewa Valley Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Construction Trades program debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
You'll get strong value at North Hennepin Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. The median Construction Trades program debt is $21,241. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Fennimore, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,225 median debt. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Rochester Community And Technical College placed #7 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $20,291. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
Southeast Community College Area ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. The median Construction Trades program debt is $14,935. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Bismarck State College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,666 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,277 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,666 median debt. Read more about Bismarck State College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Fergus Falls, MN, Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,908. Students borrow a median of $8,939 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Minnesota State Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,591 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,939 median debt. Get the full Minnesota State Community And Technical College report
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $7,308. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $7,308 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Mitchell Technical Institute placed #12 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Mitchell Technical Institute is a public school based in Mitchell, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,524. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,683. Mitchell Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $50,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt. Read more about Mitchell Technical Institute
Moraine Park Technical College ranked #13 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 run about $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Moraine Park Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Moraine Park Technical College
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $11,974 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,974 median debt. See the full Dakota County Technical College profile
North Georgia Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. North Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Clarkesville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Students borrow a median of $12,279 to complete their Construction Trades program here. North Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,932 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Northeast Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Construction Trades program 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
Ridgewater College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Ridgewater College is a public school based in Willmar, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $15,556. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. Set against $15,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ridgewater College
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Anoka Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $12,850 median debt. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
South Louisiana Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. More on South Louisiana Community College
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Graduates carry a median of $11,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Set against $11,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Augusta Technical College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,098, with out-of-state students paying around $4,363. The median Construction Trades program debt is $8,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Northland Community And Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Based in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,289 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northland Community And Technical College
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $14,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. Read more about Des Moines Area Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Trades Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Texas State Technical College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. This public school is set in Waco, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,212, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $9,923. Median earnings reach $38,916 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,923 median debt. See the full Texas State Technical College profile
Lansing Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Lansing, MI, Lansing Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete their Construction Trades program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,206. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lansing Community College
East Mississippi Community College placed #28 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Scooba, MS, East Mississippi Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,095 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,445. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,772 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full East Mississippi Community College report
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set 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. The median Construction Trades program debt is $12,350. 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. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Ogeechee Technical College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Ogeechee Technical College alumni report median earnings of $31,248 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Washburn Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Washburn Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Topeka, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,880. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Washburn Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Washburn Institute Of Technology
Hillsborough Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Hillsborough Community College is a public school based in Tampa, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,491, while out-of-state students pay about $9,088. Graduates carry a median of $16,142 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,782. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. Read the full report on Hillsborough Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar placed #33 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Located in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar Construction Trades students take on a median of $14,348 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Itawamba Community College placed #34 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Itawamba Community College is a public school based in Fulton, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. 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. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. More on Itawamba Community College
Lake Superior College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Duluth, MN, Lake Superior College is a public institution. 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. Lake Superior College alumni report median earnings of $46,449 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,156 median debt. Read more about Lake Superior College
Hinds Community College placed #36 among the best-value Construction Trades schools in the United States. Set in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,300. Hinds Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $16,385 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,774. Set against $16,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hinds Community College profile
Southwestern Illinois College placed #37 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. Graduates carry a median of $10,388 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,388 median debt. More on Southwestern Illinois College
Richmond Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hamlet, NC, Richmond Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,956, compared with $6,564 for out-of-state students. Richmond Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,951. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Richmond Community College profile
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology Construction Trades students take on a median of $8,380 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,681 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,380 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Danville Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Danville Community College is a public school based in Danville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,992, compared with $11,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,494 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Danville Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,664 a decade after entry. Set against $9,494 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Danville Community College
Manhattan Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Manhattan, KS, Manhattan Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,844. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $15,499. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,864. Set against $15,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Manhattan Area Technical College profile
Minnesota West Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Granite Falls, MN, Minnesota West Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,491. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $11,089. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,285 ten years after entry. Set against $11,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Southeast Technical Institute is a public school based in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,650. The median Construction Trades program debt is $18,442. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southeast Technical Institute
Delgado Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Located in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,279 in tuition and fees. Delgado Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $11,977 in debt. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,977 median debt. Get the full Delgado Community College report
Alpena Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Alpena Community College is a public school based in Alpena, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $6,840, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Alpena Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. 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
Lamar Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,844, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $14,278. Lamar Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $38,991 a decade after entry. Set against $14,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lamar Institute Of Technology profile
Honolulu Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Trades schools. Honolulu Community College is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,174, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Honolulu Community College Construction Trades students take on a median of $12,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,105 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Honolulu Community College
Atlanta Technical College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Trades student debt is $10,646. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,350. Set against $10,646 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Penn Commercial Business Technical School landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, PA, Penn Commercial Business Technical School is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,654. Students borrow a median of $7,912 to complete their Construction Trades program here. Penn Commercial Business Technical School alumni report median earnings of $31,736 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,912 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Penn Commercial Business Technical School
Los Angeles Trade Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Los Angeles Trade Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,233 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Related Construction Trades Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Trades Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Construction Trades 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
These rankings are produced 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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