2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools
Looking for the best-value Precision Metal Working programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1018 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Precision Metal Working Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Coastal Pines Technical College this year in the United States. Coastal Pines Technical College is a public school based in Waycross, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,268 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,812 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,214 ten years out. Set against $5,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Coastal Pines Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,650 in debt. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,650 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #3 makes Central Louisiana Technical Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Alexandria, LA, Central Louisiana Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,098, with out-of-state students paying around $4,363. Central Louisiana Technical Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $8,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Louisiana Technical Community College report
A rank of #4 makes St Cloud Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. 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. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $9,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on St Cloud Technical And Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,326. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,928. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $9,928 median debt. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Northcentral Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,250 in debt. Northcentral Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,925 a decade after entry. Set against $5,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northcentral Technical College
Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $49,393 ten years out. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $8,109. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $8,109 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Anoka Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Anoka, MN, Anoka Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,267. Anoka Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $8,692 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Anoka Technical College
Wharton County Junior College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $10,916. Median earnings reach $44,960 ten years out. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wharton County Junior College
Northeast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Community College
Hennepin Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, Hennepin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Graduates carry a median of $9,329 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
Ridgewater College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Willmar, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ridgewater College report
South Louisiana Community College placed #14 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $6,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,432 ten years after entry. Set against $6,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Louisiana Community College profile
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rice Lake, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,406. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Based in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Central Lakes College Brainerd came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,249. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Lakes College Brainerd
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $7,664 in student loans. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Set against $7,664 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,553. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
Dakota County Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rosemount, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,679 in tuition and fees. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,500. Dakota County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $51,938 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Dakota County Technical College
South Central College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in North Mankato, MN, South Central College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,146. Students borrow a median of $3,666 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,068. That is a strong return on a $3,666 median debt. Read the full report on South Central College
Northwest Louisiana Technical College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minden, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,109. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,927. Median earnings reach $32,503 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,927 median debt. See the full Northwest Louisiana Technical College profile
Hill College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hillsboro, TX, Hill College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,862. Hill College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $12,302 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,572. That is a strong return on a $12,302 median debt. Read more about Hill College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Amarillo College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Amarillo College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $15,720 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. That is a strong return on a $15,720 median debt. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Western Technical College La Cross placed #26 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $5,500. Western Technical College La Cross alumni report median earnings of $45,303 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Central Community College placed #27 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Community College report
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,500. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
West Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $8,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $8,492. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
North Dakota State College Of Science ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. North Dakota State College Of Science is a public school based in Wahpeton, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,974 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,246 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt. See the full North Dakota State College Of Science profile
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar placed #32 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,780, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Graduates carry a median of $5,479 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Hawkeye Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Waterloo, IA, Hawkeye Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $7,874 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,849. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hawkeye Community College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $9,700. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $9,700 median debt. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
South Plains College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. South Plains College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $13,788 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,788 median debt. Get the full South Plains College report
Lakeshore Technical College placed #36 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Lakeshore Technical College is a public school based in Cleveland, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Lakeshore Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,582 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lakeshore Technical College
Lone Star College System ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $4,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $4,562 median debt. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
Bellingham Technical College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,431, compared with $5,809 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out. See the full Bellingham Technical College profile
Moraine Park Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,371 ten years out. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Moraine Park Technical College profile
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology placed #40 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lancaster, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,681 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
North Georgia Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. North Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Clarkesville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $12,279. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. More on North Georgia Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $18,048. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
Coffeyville Community College placed #44 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Coffeyville Community College is a public school based in Coffeyville, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, while out-of-state students pay about $4,680. Graduates carry a median of $12,838 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,246. That is a strong return on a $12,838 median debt. More on Coffeyville Community College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,062. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Winona, MN, Minnesota State College Southeast Technical is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,432 in tuition and fees. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $12,500. Median earnings reach $43,613 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Minnesota State College Southeast Technical
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,650 in tuition and fees. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $18,442. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,709 ten years after entry. Set against $18,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Delta College placed #47 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $14,075. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,781. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Delta College
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,619 in student loans. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read more about Southern Crescent Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $6,599 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $6,599 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Augusta Technical College placed #51 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Augusta Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. Augusta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,523 a decade after entry. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 1018 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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