2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 605 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Lee College to be the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology school in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $10,941. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lee College
A rank of #2 makes Ridgewater College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. Graduates carry a median of $15,556 in student loans. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tyler Junior College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Students borrow a median of $14,869 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tyler Junior College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northeast Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. Read more about Northeast Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Iowa Tech Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $11,886. Western Iowa Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,473 a decade after entry. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Iowa Tech Community College
Southeast Community College Area landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $16,437 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $16,437 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
L E Fletcher Technical Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Schriever, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,219. Students borrow a median of $5,396 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. L E Fletcher Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Get the full L E Fletcher Technical Community College report
Sowela Technical Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,305 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $7,391 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,303. Set against $7,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sowela Technical Community College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $16,812. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Hennepin Technical College placed #11 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Hennepin Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hennepin Technical College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $14,054 in student loans. Alexandria Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,393 a decade after entry. Set against $14,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
South Louisiana Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. Students borrow a median of $12,435 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $31,432 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,435 median debt. More on South Louisiana Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Amarillo College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,720. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Amarillo College profile
Alpena Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based 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. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,442. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. See the full Alpena Community College profile
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,376. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Spokane Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $41,984 ten years out. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Spokane Community College
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Fox Valley Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,319 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $8,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,669 in student loans. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Anoka Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,267 in tuition and fees. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,697. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. That is a strong return on a $14,697 median debt. Read the full report on Anoka Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,553. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Dakota County Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,679. Students borrow a median of $13,474 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $51,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. Get the full Dakota County Technical College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set 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 Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public school based in Perkinston, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,017. That is a strong return on a $10,625 median debt. More on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Pearl River Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Poplarville, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,700, while out-of-state students pay about $6,100. Pearl River Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $13,482 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,482 median debt. More on Pearl River Community College
Macomb Community College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $8,296. Macomb Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,596 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,296 median debt. Get the full Macomb Community College report
Valencia College placed #30 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,413. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,594. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Valencia College
Portland Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,648 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. Set against $20,648 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Portland Community College
Houston Community College placed #32 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,040. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,254 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,040 median debt. Read more about Houston Community College
Owens Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Perrysburg, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,275. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Owens Community College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $12,151 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Greenville Technical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $16,411. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,473. That is a strong return on a $16,411 median debt. Get the full Greenville Technical College report
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,681 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $15,779. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. Set against $15,779 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kirkwood Community College report
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read the full report on Central Community College
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Orangeburg, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,210, with out-of-state students paying around $8,354. Graduates carry a median of $18,583 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,761. That is a strong return on a $18,583 median debt. More on Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Piedmont Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,775, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $17,652. Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,768 a decade after entry. Set against $17,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Piedmont Technical College report
Laredo Community College placed #41 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Laredo Community College is a public school based in Laredo, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Laredo Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $6,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Laredo Community College
Lamar Institute Of Technology placed #42 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,844, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,278. Median earnings reach $38,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lamar Institute Of Technology report
Eastern Florida State College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,791 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,976. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $18,123. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,195. Set against $18,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Eastern Florida State College report
Southern Maine Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Southern Maine Community College is a public school based in South Portland, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $13,000. Southern Maine Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,661 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. Get the full Southern Maine Community College report
Olympic College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,472, while out-of-state students pay about $9,740. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,497. Median earnings reach $43,169 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Olympic College
Iti Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Iti Technical College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,711. Iti Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,342 ten years out. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Iti Technical College
Tarrant County College District offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Tarrant County College District Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,148 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,727 ten years after entry. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tarrant County College District report
Ferris State University placed #48 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Ferris State University Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,562 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Ferris State University
San Juan College placed #49 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. San Juan College is a public school based in Farmington, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,393 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,150 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,513 ten years after entry. Set against $16,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Juan College
College Of Western Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. College Of Western Idaho is a public school based in Nampa, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $3,446, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,770. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho
Related Drafting Design Engineering Technology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 605 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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