2026 Best Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology undergraduate 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Baton Rouge Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology undergraduate certificate degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,321. Graduates carry a median of $17,624 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,624 median debt. Read the full report on Baton Rouge Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Based 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. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $11,886. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Northeast Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Northeast Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
You'll get strong value at Ridgewater College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. Students borrow a median of $15,556 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
A rank of #5 makes L E Fletcher Technical Community College one of the best values in the United States. 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. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. More on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Sowela Technical Community College placed #6 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,305. Students borrow a median of $7,391 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. That is a strong return on a $7,391 median debt. Get the full Sowela Technical Community College report
San Jacinto Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. 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. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
South Louisiana Community College placed #8 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. See the full South Louisiana Community College profile
Spokane Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Spokane Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $16,486 in student loans. Spokane Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,984 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt. Read more about Spokane Community College
Anoka Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,267. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $14,697. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. Set against $14,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Anoka Technical College profile
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Perkinston, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $10,625. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,017 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,625 median debt. Read more about Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Central Community College placed #12 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Central Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,277 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $11,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $12,151. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Hennepin Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,940. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. 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
Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Located in Bridgeport, CT, Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,856. Graduates carry a median of $13,910 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,588 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Porter And Chester Institute Of Stratford
Portland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Portland, OR, Portland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Portland Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,648 in debt. Portland Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,648 median debt. More on Portland Community College
College Of Western Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,446 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. Students borrow a median of $14,770 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho
Laredo Community College placed #18 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, with out-of-state students paying around $5,748. Graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Laredo Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Cuyahoga Community College District alumni report median earnings of $35,654 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. Read more about Cuyahoga Community College District
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based 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. 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. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
Macomb Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $8,296 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. Set against $8,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Macomb Community College
Olympic College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,472, with out-of-state students paying around $9,740. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $11,497. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,169. That is a strong return on a $11,497 median debt. Read more about Olympic College
Tarrant County College District placed #24 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,863, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $15,148. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,727. That is a strong return on a $15,148 median debt. Read more about Tarrant County College District
Wichita Area Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Wichita Area Technical College is a public school based in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,252 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. That is a strong return on a $15,252 median debt. Get the full Wichita Area Technical College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Drafting Design Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lorain County Community College placed #26 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Elyria, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,265, compared with $8,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,611 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,837 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lorain County Community College
Lewis And Clark Community College placed #27 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Godfrey, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,340, with out-of-state students paying around $7,840. Students borrow a median of $9,602 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,724. That is a strong return on a $9,602 median debt. More on Lewis And Clark Community College
Del Mar College placed #28 among the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $7,476. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,656. Set against $7,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Del Mar College
Austin Community College District landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,250. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Arkansas State University Beebe came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Arkansas State University Beebe is a public school based in Beebe, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,336 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $9,350. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,603 ten years after entry. Set against $9,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Arkansas State University Beebe
Tidewater Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,858, compared with $12,296 for out-of-state students. Tidewater Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,001 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tidewater Community College
Louisiana Delta Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Monroe, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,159. Graduates carry a median of $14,024 in student loans. Louisiana Delta Community College alumni report median earnings of $30,438 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Louisiana Delta Community College report
Lake Land College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Mattoon, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $7,769. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,877. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lake Land College
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,984. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $12,984 median debt. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Vincennes University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vincennes, IN, Vincennes University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,126, compared with $16,858 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,506 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,110. Set against $14,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Vincennes University
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,525. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Hudson Valley Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Troy, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,796 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $12,868. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,460. That is a strong return on a $12,868 median debt. Get the full Hudson Valley Community College report
Suny College Of Technology At Delhi ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Based in Delhi, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Delhi is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,772 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,762 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,303 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,629. That is a strong return on a $20,303 median debt. Suny College Of Technology At Delhi admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Suny College Of Technology At Delhi
Monroe Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rochester, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,006 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,056 for out-of-state students. Monroe Community College Drafting Design Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,921 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,174 ten years out. Set against $12,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Monroe Community College report
Idaho State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Idaho State University is a public school based in Pocatello, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,610, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $24,640. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,608 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Read the full report on Idaho State University
Northeast State Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blountville, TN, Northeast State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,782, compared with $17,766 for out-of-state students. The median Drafting Design Engineering Technology program debt is $6,404. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,553. That is a strong return on a $6,404 median debt. Read more about Northeast State Community College
Central New Mexico Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Set in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete their Drafting Design Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Nashville State Community College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Nashville, TN, Nashville State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,730 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,714. Typical Drafting Design Engineering Technology student debt is $16,745. Median earnings reach $38,519 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,745 median debt. Get the full Nashville State Community College report
Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Juan, PR, Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,051. Median earnings reach $26,733 ten years out. Read more about Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia
Eastern Arizona College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. Read more about Eastern Arizona College
Fullerton College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Fullerton College
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Drafting Design Engineering Technology schools. More on Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave
John Tyler Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. See the full John Tyler Community College profile
Linn Benton Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Linn Benton Community College profile
Ecpi University
Ecpi University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Ecpi University report
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 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
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 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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