2026 Best Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 1063 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 Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Cowley County Community College, our #1 best-value Science & Tech school in the United States. This public school is set in Arkansas City, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800, compared with $6,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,312 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,723. That is a strong return on a $9,312 median debt. See the full Cowley County Community College profile
A rank of #2 makes Coahoma Community College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,490 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,745 in student loans. 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
You'll get strong value at Clovis Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Clovis, NM, Clovis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,592, compared with $3,344 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,082 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clovis Community College
Out of the 1063 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #4 spot. Set in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,935. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #5 makes New Mexico Junior College one of the best values in the United States. New Mexico Junior College is a public school based in Hobbs, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,440 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $2,280. Students borrow a median of $9,986 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $34,233 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full New Mexico Junior College report
Lee College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Lee College is a public school based in Baytown, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Students borrow a median of $10,941 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $42,178 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. Read more about Lee College
Highland Community College Highland landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Highland Community College Highland is a public school based in Highland, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,495 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $41,291 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Highland Community College Highland profile
Spokane Falls Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $17,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,955. Set against $17,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Spokane Falls Community College report
Seattle Community College North Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Seattle Community College North Campus
Cloud County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Cloud County Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,839 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,883 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,839 median debt. More on Cloud County Community College
Inver Hills Community College placed #11 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Students borrow a median of $20,160 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $49,898 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Inver Hills Community College
Panola College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Panola College is a public school based in Carthage, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,352, compared with $5,232 for out-of-state students. Panola College alumni report median earnings of $36,072 a decade after entry. See the full Panola College profile
Central Community College placed #13 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Community College
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in De Queen, AR. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,190. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $7,018. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,775 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Collin County Community College District landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,716. Collin County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $48,701 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
North Hennepin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. North Hennepin Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on North Hennepin Community College
Hutchinson Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,148. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,148 median debt. Read the full report on Hutchinson Community College
Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,238, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,699. Median earnings reach $43,307 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Seattle Community College Central Campus report
Northwest Arkansas Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,342, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northwest Arkansas Community College profile
Arkansas State University Newport placed #20 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Arkansas State University Newport is a public school based in Newport, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,312 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. The median Science & Tech program debt is $10,925. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,925 median debt. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Highlands College Of Montana Tech landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Butte, MT, Highlands College Of Montana Tech is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,127, with out-of-state students paying around $10,948. Students borrow a median of $2,750 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,329. Set against $2,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Highlands College Of Montana Tech
Madison Area Technical College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Alexandria Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public school based in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Students borrow a median of $14,054 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,393 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
Delgado Community College placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Students borrow a median of $25,283 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,305 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Delgado Community College profile
Northcentral Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northcentral Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Camden County College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,999. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,212. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. More on Camden County College
Rochester Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,287. That is a strong return on a $20,291 median debt. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cloquet, MN, Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,006. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,773. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,665. That is a strong return on a $21,773 median debt. Read more about Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Alvin Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alvin, TX, Alvin Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,906, compared with $4,402 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,600 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,762 ten years after entry. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Alvin Community College
L E Fletcher Technical Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set 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. L E Fletcher Technical Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $5,396 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,396 median debt. Read the full report on L E Fletcher Technical Community College
Galveston College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Galveston College is a public school based in Galveston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,726, compared with $6,176 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,183 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,233. That is a strong return on a $15,183 median debt. More on Galveston College
Chattahoochee Technical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Marietta, GA, Chattahoochee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Students borrow a median of $9,616 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,138 ten years after entry. Set against $9,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chattahoochee Technical College
South Louisiana Community College placed #33 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. South Louisiana Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,435 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Louisiana Community College
Neosho County Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Neosho County Community College is a public school based in Chanute, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,704 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,966. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. See the full Neosho County Community College profile
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College report
Central Lakes College Brainerd ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,249 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,162 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,479 median debt. Get the full Central Lakes College Brainerd report
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,234. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Central Arizona College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,635. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,513. That is a strong return on a $11,635 median debt. Read the full report on Central Arizona College
Century College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,332 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,424. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. Read more about Century College
Northeast Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Northeast Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,937 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Hennepin Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $17,887. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,460. Set against $17,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Ridgewater College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,556. Median earnings reach $43,827 ten years out. Set against $15,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ridgewater College
El Centro College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,557. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Set against $14,557 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on El Centro College
Victoria College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Victoria, TX, Victoria College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,976, while out-of-state students pay about $5,328. The median Science & Tech program debt is $10,910. Median earnings reach $42,382 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Victoria College report
Washington State Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, compared with $4,152 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,291. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,988. Set against $16,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Washington State Community College
Wayne County Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,112, while out-of-state students pay about $4,067. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,820. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,079 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt. More on Wayne County Community College District
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, with out-of-state students paying around $7,650. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,776. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northwest Iowa Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,886. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Iowa Tech Community College report
Tyler Junior College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,869. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tyler Junior College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Related Science & Tech Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Science & Tech Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 1063 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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