2026 Best Value Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 1251 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 Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat New Mexico Junior College this year in the United States. New Mexico Junior College is a public school based in Hobbs, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,440, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,986. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,233. Set against $9,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full New Mexico Junior College profile
A rank of #2 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Columbia Southern University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,447 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia Southern University
A rank of #3 makes Southeast Community College Area one of the best values in the United States. Located 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #4 makes Leech Lake Tribal College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Cass Lake, MN, Leech Lake Tribal College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,163. See the full Leech Lake Tribal College profile
Out of the 1251 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lee College landed the #5 spot. Based in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lee College
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,799. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Anoka Ramsey Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,682 in tuition and fees. Anoka Ramsey Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,593 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,342 ten years after entry. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Johnson County Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,532. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. That is a strong return on a $13,532 median debt. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Coahoma Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Coahoma Community College is a public school based in Clarksdale, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,490. Coahoma Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,745 in debt. Coahoma Community College alumni report median earnings of $24,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Coahoma Community College
Collin County Community College District landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Collin County Community College District is a public school based in McKinney, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,716. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. Set against $9,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Collin County Community College District
Clovis Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Clovis Community College is a public school based in Clovis, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,592, while out-of-state students pay about $3,344. Students borrow a median of $11,082 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clovis Community College
American Public University System placed #12 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
North Hennepin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,241. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Read the full report on North Hennepin Community College
Panola College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,352, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,072. Get the full Panola College report
Northwest Arkansas Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bentonville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,479 median debt. Read the full report on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Garden City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Garden City Community College is a public school based in Garden City, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,690, with out-of-state students paying around $4,320. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,084. Median earnings reach $41,704 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Garden City Community College
Rochester Community And Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Rochester Community And Technical College is a public school based in Rochester, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Students borrow a median of $20,291 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
Cloud County Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,839. Median earnings reach $39,883 ten years out. Set against $12,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cloud County Community College
Camden County College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Students borrow a median of $12,999 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Camden County College
Normandale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,329. Students borrow a median of $20,162 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,207 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,162 median debt. Read more about Normandale Community College
Highline Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. Highline Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $8,958 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,869. Set against $8,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Highline Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Science & Tech program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
El Centro College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $14,557 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. 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. St Cloud Technical And Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. St Cloud Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,734 median debt. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
New Mexico State University Grants ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Grants, NM. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,272. Graduates carry a median of $9,048 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Set against $9,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full New Mexico State University Grants report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
College Of The Mainland landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,928. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Central Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Alexandria Technical And Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $14,054 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
Amarillo College placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. 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
Barton County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Great Bend, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,680, compared with $4,960 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,792 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,428 ten years out. Set against $14,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Barton County Community College
Arkansas State University Newport landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Arkansas State University Newport Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,925 in debt. Arkansas State University Newport alumni report median earnings of $41,524 a decade after entry. Set against $10,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public school based in De Queen, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $5,190. Graduates carry a median of $7,018 in student loans. Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $33,775 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas profile
Cowley County Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Arkansas City, KS, Cowley County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,600. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,312. Cowley County Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,723 a decade after entry. Set against $9,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cowley County Community College report
Seattle Community College North Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College North Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,238, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,728 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,643 median debt. See the full Seattle Community College North Campus profile
New Mexico State University Carlsbad came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,284. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Labette Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Labette Community College is a public school based in Parsons, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,064, with out-of-state students paying around $4,864. Labette Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,288 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,818. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Labette Community College
Northeast Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Northeast Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,937. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Inver Hills Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Inver Hills Community College is a public school based in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,160. Median earnings reach $49,898 ten years out. Set against $20,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Oakland Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $15,865 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Century College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Century College Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,332 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
Northcentral Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Northcentral Technical College is a public school based in Wausau, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,709. Median earnings reach $44,925 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
Bismarck State College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, with out-of-state students paying around $7,331. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,340. Median earnings reach $54,277 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bismarck State College
Odessa College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Odessa College is a public school based in Odessa, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,926 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,087 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,026 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,087 median debt. Read the full report on Odessa College
Mid Plains Community College came in at #44 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. That is a strong return on a $14,596 median debt. More on Mid Plains Community College
Tyler Junior College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Wayne County Community College District came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wayne County Community College District
Mclennan Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $5,910. Students borrow a median of $11,598 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,163. That is a strong return on a $11,598 median debt. Read the full report on Mclennan Community College
East Arkansas Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Forrest City, AR, East Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $4,380. Graduates carry a median of $8,110 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $28,471. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about East Arkansas Community College
Centralia College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,140 ten years after entry. More on Centralia College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,376. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Related Science & Tech Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Science & Tech Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate 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
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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 1251 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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