2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 schools 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 2018 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 Science & Tech Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on La Salle University
Out of the 2018 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #2 spot. 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 Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,935 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
Lee College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in the United States. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lee College
Out of the 2018 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Hennepin Community College landed the #4 spot. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. North Hennepin Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
A rank of #5 makes Cabrini College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Cabrini College Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,889 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,038 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,889 median debt. Get the full Cabrini College report
Panola College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Carthage, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,352 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,072. More on Panola College
Coahoma Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,490. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,745. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,289. That is a strong return on a $11,745 median debt. Read more about Coahoma Community College
Columbia Southern University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,447. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia Southern University
Anoka Ramsey Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. Students borrow a median of $22,593 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Area Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,799 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Collin County Community College District landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,716. Median earnings reach $48,701 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,716 median debt. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
Camden County College placed #12 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,999. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,212. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. Read more about Camden County College
Seattle Community College North Campus came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,643 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,728. Set against $16,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Seattle Community College North Campus
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,532. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Johnson County Community College
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Rochester, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,291 in student loans. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
Coastal Pines Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Waycross, GA, Coastal Pines Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Coastal Pines Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $5,812 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,214. Set against $5,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Coastal Pines Technical College
Northwest Arkansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,342 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,479. Northwest Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,505 a decade after entry. Set against $12,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwest Arkansas Community College report
Highline Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Students borrow a median of $8,958 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $47,869 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. See the full Highline Community College profile
Normandale Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,329. Graduates carry a median of $20,162 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,207 ten years out. Set against $20,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,287. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Central Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,277. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Community College report
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,557. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. More on El Centro College
Hutchinson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Hutchinson, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Students borrow a median of $18,148 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hutchinson Community College report
Arkansas State University Newport placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newport, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,925. Median earnings reach $41,524 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Arkansas State University Newport
Alexandria Technical And Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Alexandria Technical And Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,054 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,393 ten years out. Set against $14,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Chattahoochee Technical College placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Chattahoochee Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,616 in debt. Chattahoochee Technical College alumni report median earnings of $37,138 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,616 median debt. Get the full Chattahoochee Technical College report
St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $16,734 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
Northcentral Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,709 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. Read more about Northcentral Technical College
Neosho County Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chanute, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,704. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,209. Neosho County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,966 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. Read the full report on Neosho County Community College
Seattle Community College Central Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,699. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,699 median debt. Read more about Seattle Community College Central Campus
College Of The Mainland ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Texas City, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Northeast Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Bismarck State College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,340. Median earnings reach $54,277 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt. Read the full report on Bismarck State College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set 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. The median Science & Tech program debt is $16,812. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Centralia College placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,266, compared with $5,651 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,140. Read more about Centralia College
Barton County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Great Bend, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,680, compared with $4,960 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,792 in student loans. Barton County Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,428 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Barton County Community College report
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,332. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
American Public University System landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
Labette Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Labette Community College is a public school based in Parsons, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,064, compared with $4,864 for out-of-state students. Labette Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,288 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,818. That is a strong return on a $12,288 median debt. See the full Labette Community College profile
L E Fletcher Technical Community College placed #40 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Schriever, LA, L E Fletcher Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,219 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $5,396. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,189 ten years after entry. Set against $5,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Oakland Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Oakland Community College is a public school based in Auburn Hills, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,865. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
Wayne County Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Students borrow a median of $20,820 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt. See the full Wayne County Community College District profile
New Mexico State University Carlsbad came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. 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 Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,284 in debt. See the full New Mexico State University Carlsbad profile
Amarillo College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,720 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Amarillo College report
Inver Hills Community College placed #45 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This public school is set in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,146. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,160. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Inver Hills Community College report
Mclennan Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Students borrow a median of $11,598 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,163 ten years after entry. Set against $11,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mclennan Community College
Ridgewater College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Willmar, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,121. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,556. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,827. That is a strong return on a $15,556 median debt. More on Ridgewater College
Mid Plains Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Platte, NE, Mid Plains Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $4,530. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,596. Median earnings reach $40,059 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mid Plains Community College
Central Lakes College Brainerd landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public school based in Brainerd, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,249. Central Lakes College Brainerd Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,479 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,162. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Lakes College Brainerd report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,492. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Best Value Science & Tech Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Doctoral Degree Schools
Best Value Science & Tech Schools by State
See the best-value schools in your state:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 2018 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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