2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 605 institutions 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Lee College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Lee College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lee College profile
Ridgewater College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,556 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
A rank of #3 makes Northeast Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Northeast Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northeast Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hennepin Technical College earned it the #4 place 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. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $20,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
You'll get strong value at Tyler Junior College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Tyler Junior College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,869 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,234. Median earnings reach $46,297 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Sowela Technical Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Sowela Technical Community College is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. Sowela Technical Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $7,391 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. That is a strong return on a $7,391 median debt. More on Sowela Technical Community College
Amarillo College placed #9 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Amarillo College
Anoka Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Anoka Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,697 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,746 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $13,319 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
South Louisiana Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,435. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,432 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Portland Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $10,440. Portland Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,648 in debt. 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. Get the full Portland Community College report
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Valencia College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,413 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,594 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. More on Valencia College
Olympic College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,472, while out-of-state students pay about $9,740. Graduates carry a median of $11,497 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,169 ten years after entry. Set against $11,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Olympic College
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Orangeburg, SC, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,210, with out-of-state students paying around $8,354. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $18,583 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,761 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Graduates carry a median of $11,411 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,137. Set against $11,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College profile
Central Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Community College profile
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,151. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,151 median debt. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Del Mar College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,500, compared with $6,050 for out-of-state students. Del Mar College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,656. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Kirkwood Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,779 in student loans. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Owens Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Owens Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $19,383 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,275. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt. More on Owens Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,772 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,230 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $32,748 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Florence Darlington Technical College profile
Stark State College placed #24 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $17,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,661. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. Get the full Stark State College report
Greenville Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,411 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,473 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,411 median debt. See the full Greenville Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Laredo Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, 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. Get the full Laredo Community College report
Eastern Florida State College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Eastern Florida State College is a public school based in Melbourne, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,791, while out-of-state students pay about $10,976. Graduates carry a median of $18,123 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,195. Set against $18,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Eastern Florida State College
Houston Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,040. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,254 ten years after entry. Set against $12,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Houston Community College report
Austin Community College District ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Pierpont Community And Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Fairmont, WV, Pierpont Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,762, while out-of-state students pay about $13,660. Graduates carry a median of $16,268 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,132. That is a strong return on a $16,268 median debt. Get the full Pierpont Community And Technical College report
Tarrant County College District ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,148. Tarrant County College District alumni report median earnings of $42,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Tarrant County College District
Front Range Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,663, with out-of-state students paying around $17,263. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $10,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Front Range Community College profile
Lewis And Clark Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $9,602. Lewis And Clark Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,724 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lewis And Clark Community College
Midlands Technical College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Columbia, SC, Midlands Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, compared with $14,700 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $17,611. Midlands Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,701 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt. Read more about Midlands Technical College
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Monroe, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $14,024. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $14,024 median debt. More on Louisiana Delta Community College
Seminole State College Of Florida came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Seminole State College Of Florida is a public school based in Sanford, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Students borrow a median of $18,419 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,733. Set against $18,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Seminole State College Of Florida profile
Utah Valley University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Utah Valley University is a public school based in Orem, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Utah Valley University Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $16,478 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,486. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Utah Valley University
Northern Kentucky University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Highland Heights, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $25,572. Northern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $50,220 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Northern Kentucky University profile
Sinclair Community College placed #41 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
James H Faulkner State Community College placed #42 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. James H Faulkner State Community College is a public school based in Bay Minette, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $8,910. Students borrow a median of $14,326 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,894. That is a strong return on a $14,326 median debt. More on James H Faulkner State Community College
Arkansas State University Beebe offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Beebe, AR, Arkansas State University Beebe is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Arkansas State University Beebe Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $9,350 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,603 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Arkansas State University Beebe profile
Western Dakota Technical Institute landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Dakota Technical Institute is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,620. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,240. Set against $15,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Dakota Technical Institute profile
Kent State University At Tuscarawas landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Philadelphia, OH, Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,969. Graduates carry a median of $23,569 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $23,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kent State University At Tuscarawas report
Vincennes University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Vincennes University is a public school based in Vincennes, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Students borrow a median of $14,506 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,110 ten years after entry. Set against $14,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Vincennes University
Bristol Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Bristol Community College is a public school based in Fall River, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Graduates carry a median of $9,482 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,663. That is a strong return on a $9,482 median debt. Get the full Bristol Community College report
Indian River State College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,764 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,315 ten years out. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Indian River State College report
Wichita Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Wichita Area Technical College is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $7,237. Wichita Area Technical College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $15,252 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. Set against $15,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wichita Area Technical College
Chattanooga State Community College ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Chattanooga, TN, Chattanooga State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $17,756. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,079. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,598 ten years after entry. Set against $12,079 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Chattanooga State Community College
Cleveland State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Based in Cleveland, TN, Cleveland State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,762, while out-of-state students pay about $17,746. Students borrow a median of $8,742 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,671. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cleveland State Community College
Related Drafting Design Engineering Technology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Associate’s 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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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