2026 Best Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Technologies associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1569 institutions 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 help you make your decision, 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 Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Engineering Technologies school in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $15,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $15,937 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1569 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwest Louisiana Technical College landed the #2 spot. Northwest Louisiana Technical College is a public school based in Minden, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,109. Northwest Louisiana Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Northwest Louisiana Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,503 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Columbia Southern University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Engineering Technologies ranking in the United States. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Columbia Southern University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $20,517 in debt. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. Set against $20,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia Southern University
You'll get strong value at Sowela Technical Community College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,305 in tuition and fees. Sowela Technical Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $7,850 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,303. Set against $7,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Sowela Technical Community College
You'll get strong value at Baton Rouge Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,321. Students borrow a median of $16,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,581. Set against $16,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Baton Rouge Community College report
Panola College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carthage, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,352, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,072. Get the full Panola College report
Southeast Community College Area landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Southeast Community College Area Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $13,335 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. Set against $13,335 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Lee College placed #8 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. 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. More on Lee College
Bellingham Technical College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,431, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out. Read more about Bellingham Technical College
Bismarck State College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Bismarck State College is a public school based in Bismarck, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,485 in student loans. Bismarck State College alumni report median earnings of $54,277 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,485 median debt. See the full Bismarck State College profile
Tyler Junior College placed #11 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $14,869. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
L E Fletcher Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public school based in Schriever, LA. Students from in state pay about $4,219 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $5,396. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Read more about L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Ridgewater College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Students borrow a median of $17,196 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. That is a strong return on a $17,196 median debt. See the full Ridgewater College profile
Northeast Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $11,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Alpena Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Alpena, MI, Alpena Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,840, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Alpena Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,442 ten years out. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Alpena Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College placed #16 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $11,886. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,473. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Iowa Tech Community College report
Alexandria Technical And Community College placed #17 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Alexandria Technical And Community College
Victoria College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Victoria College is a public school based in Victoria, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. Victoria College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $10,910 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,382 ten years out. Set against $10,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Victoria College
Waukesha County Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,850 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Lake Area Technical Institute placed #20 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,718. Students borrow a median of $13,103 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,103 median debt. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
South Louisiana Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. South Louisiana Community College is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Students borrow a median of $12,112 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,112 median debt. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Amarillo College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Students borrow a median of $15,599 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,599 median debt. Read more about Amarillo College
San Jacinto Community College placed #24 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $14,476 in student loans. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,267 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,187 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Anoka Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124. Graduates carry a median of $13,949 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,874. That is a strong return on a $13,949 median debt. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Hennepin Technical College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $18,038 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,038 median debt. Read the full report on Hennepin Technical College
South Central College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Graduates carry a median of $8,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,068 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,546 median debt. Read the full report on South Central College
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $14,750 in debt. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Grantham University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $27,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,496 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,462 median debt. See the full Grantham University profile
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Indian Hills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Students borrow a median of $10,669 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,507. That is a strong return on a $10,669 median debt. Read the full report on Indian Hills Community College
Pearl River Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Poplarville, MS, Pearl River Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,700 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,100. Pearl River Community College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $10,885 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pearl River Community College
Spokane Community College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Spokane Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $16,486. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spokane Community College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Graduates carry a median of $12,924 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. Set against $12,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Graduates carry a median of $8,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,176. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,165. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus admits about 40% of applicants. Read more about Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,188 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,188 median debt. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,319. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
North Dakota State College Of Science offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,974, while out-of-state students pay about $6,973. Graduates carry a median of $16,268 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,268 median debt. More on North Dakota State College Of Science
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. The median Engineering Technologies 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. Get the full Southeast Technical Institute report
Mitchell Technical Institute ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. This public school is set in Mitchell, SD. Students from in state pay about $7,524 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $13,067. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,743. Set against $13,067 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mitchell Technical Institute report
Antelope Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Lancaster, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,124, with out-of-state students paying around $9,548. Antelope Valley College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $10,280 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,526. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Antelope Valley College
Dakota County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt. See the full Dakota County Technical College profile
Navarro College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Corsicana, TX, Navarro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,578. Graduates carry a median of $13,781 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,716 ten years out. Set against $13,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Navarro College
Piedmont Technical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Greenwood, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,775, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $35,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Piedmont Technical College profile
Kirkwood Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $15,983. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,016 ten years after entry. Set against $15,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,636, with out-of-state students paying around $6,772. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $7,230. Florence Darlington Technical College alumni report median earnings of $32,748 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,230 median debt. Read the full report on Florence Darlington Technical College
Greenville Technical College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,495, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Greenville Technical College Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $12,009 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,473 ten years out. Set against $12,009 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Greenville Technical College profile
Related Engineering Technologies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 1569 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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