2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Precision Metal Working associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1018 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,650 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $11,650 median debt. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hennepin Technical College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $9,329 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Hennepin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,460 a decade after entry. Set against $9,329 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Anoka Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Precision Metal Working ranking in the United States. Anoka Technical College is a public school based in Anoka, MN. 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. More on Anoka Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northcentral Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Students borrow a median of $5,250 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Northcentral Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,925 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,250 median debt. Get the full Northcentral Technical College report
A rank of #5 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. 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. More on Amarillo College
South Central College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. South Central College is a public school based in North Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $3,666. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Ridgewater College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $9,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
North Dakota State College Of Science came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wahpeton, ND, North Dakota State College Of Science is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,974, compared with $6,973 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,246 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,513 ten years after entry. Set against $11,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Dakota State College Of Science profile
Bellingham Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,431, with out-of-state students paying around $5,809. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out. Get the full Bellingham Technical College report
Central Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Central Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read the full report on Central Community College
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Hawkeye Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Waterloo, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,874 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $42,849 ten years out. Set against $7,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Hawkeye Community College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $6,599. 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. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,664 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $7,664 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Lancaster, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,050. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,681. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology profile
Hill College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Hill College is a public school based in Hillsboro, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,862. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $12,302. Hill College alumni report median earnings of $39,572 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,302 median debt. Read more about Hill College
Lake Area Technical Institute landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Lake Area Technical Institute is a public school based in Watertown, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Graduates carry a median of $11,001 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,473 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,001 median debt. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Lake Superior College placed #19 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $13,350. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,449 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Superior College
Central Lakes College Brainerd offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public school based in Brainerd, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,249. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $42,162 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Lakes College Brainerd
Moraine Park Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Moraine Park Technical College is a public school based in Fond du Lac, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $7,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,371 ten years after entry. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Moraine Park Technical College
South Plains College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,788 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
San Jacinto Community College landed the #23 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, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $11,376. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. More on San Jacinto Community College
Delta College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $14,075 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,781 ten years out. Set against $14,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delta College report
Coffeyville Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Coffeyville Community College is a public school based in Coffeyville, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $4,680. Graduates carry a median of $12,838 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,246 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Coffeyville Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Precision Metal Working Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Graduates carry a median of $4,562 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $4,562 median debt. More on Lone Star College System
Southwestern Illinois College placed #27 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Southwestern Illinois College alumni report median earnings of $36,884 a decade after entry. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southwestern Illinois College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,161. Minneapolis Community And Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $24,036 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. Set against $24,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Austin Community College District came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Students borrow a median of $14,970 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $14,970 median debt. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Indian Hills Community College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ottumwa, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $15,390. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,507 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Itawamba Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Itawamba Community College
Spokane Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,984 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Spokane Community College
Del Mar College placed #33 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,500, while out-of-state students pay about $6,050. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $7,476. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Del Mar College report
Linn State Technical College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Linn, MO, Linn State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,160, with out-of-state students paying around $14,610. Linn State Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $11,474 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Linn State Technical College
Clover Park Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Lakewood, WA. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $15,154. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Clover Park Technical College profile
Holmes Community College placed #36 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Holmes Community College is a public school based in Goodman, MS. Students from in state pay about $3,710 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,610 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,191 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $32,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,191 median debt. Read the full report on Holmes Community College
Lower Columbia College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Longview, WA, Lower Columbia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,626 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,003 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,340 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,691 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,340 median debt. Read more about Lower Columbia College
North Idaho College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID, North Idaho College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,396, compared with $8,736 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $14,688. North Idaho College alumni report median earnings of $40,081 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,688 median debt. Read more about North Idaho College
Kirkwood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $13,500. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
New Mexico State University Carlsbad placed #40 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $10,284 in debt. More on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Piedmont Technical College placed #41 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,775 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,768. Set against $11,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Piedmont Technical College report
Wichita Area Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,237. The median Precision Metal Working program debt is $5,564. Wichita Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,679 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,564 median debt. Get the full Wichita Area Technical College report
Iowa Central Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Dodge, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Graduates carry a median of $16,135 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,046 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,135 median debt. See the full Iowa Central Community College profile
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,480 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Typical Precision Metal Working student debt is $10,864. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,864 a decade after entry. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Skagit Valley College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Located in Mount Vernon, WA, Skagit Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,400, while out-of-state students pay about $7,410. Graduates carry a median of $14,056 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,505. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Skagit Valley College
Central Maine Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Auburn, ME, Central Maine Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,140 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,020 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,700 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,448 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,700 median debt. Read more about Central Maine Community College
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Des Moines Area Community College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Read more about Des Moines Area Community College
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City placed #48 among the best-value Precision Metal Working schools in the United States. Set in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Students borrow a median of $12,281 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Milwaukee Area Technical College Precision Metal Working students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Jones County Junior College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Precision Metal Working schools. Set in Ellisville, MS, Jones County Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,700, with out-of-state students paying around $5,700. Students borrow a median of $9,559 to complete their Precision Metal Working program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,377. That is a strong return on a $9,559 median debt. See the full Jones County Junior College profile
Related Precision Metal Working Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Precision Metal Working Undergraduate Certificate 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
These rankings are produced 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 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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