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DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Carpenter)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Carpenter)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs" with relevance 0.8
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2026 Best Value Carpentry Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in carpentry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Carpentry Schools
For return on investment in carpentry, no school beat Metropolitan Community College Area this year. Located in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Carpentry graduates carry a median of $12,799 in student loans. Carpentry graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $45,583 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Hutchinson Community College one of the best values for carpentry. Hutchinson Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Hutchinson. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Typical student debt for carpentry graduates is $18,148. Soon after graduation, carpentry degree recipients from Hutchinson Community College generally make around $42,285. That is a strong return on a $18,148 median debt.
Fort Scott Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in carpentry, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, compared with $3,840 for out-of-state students. Carpentry graduates carry a median of $12,990 in student loans. Carpentry graduates of Fort Scott Community College earn a median of $40,041 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Riverland Community College earned it the #4 place for carpentry. Located in the town of Austin, Riverland Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,297. Students borrow a median of $15,732 to complete the carpentry program here. Carpentry graduates of Riverland Community College earn a median of $49,194 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,732 median debt.
Western Iowa Tech Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in carpentry, landing the #5 spot this year. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Sioux City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete the carpentry program here. Carpentry graduates of Western Iowa Tech Community College earn a median of $35,742 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt.
ADBLOCK #101
Garden City Community College landed the #6 spot for carpentry value this year. Garden City Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Garden City. In-state tuition and fees average $3,690, with out-of-state students paying around $4,320. Typical student debt for carpentry graduates is $11,084. Soon after graduation, carpentry degree recipients from Garden City Community College generally make around $35,476. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
North Iowa Area Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value carpentry schools. Located in the rural area of Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,653, while out-of-state students pay about $9,551. Typical student debt for carpentry graduates is $12,043. Early-career carpentry graduates make about $44,466. Set against $12,043 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwestern Community College Creston landed the #8 spot for carpentry value this year. Set in the town of Creston, Southwestern Community College Creston is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,064, while out-of-state students pay about $8,316. Typical student debt for carpentry graduates is $15,881. Soon after graduation, carpentry degree recipients from Southwestern Community College Creston generally make around $46,106. Set against $15,881 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Iowa Central Community College landed the #9 spot for carpentry value this year. Set in the town of Fort Dodge, Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,496 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Typical student debt for carpentry graduates is $16,135. Early-career carpentry graduates make about $39,624. Set against $16,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hawkeye Community College earned the #10 position for value in carpentry this year. Set in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Carpentry graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. Early-career carpentry graduates make about $44,602. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
[Carpentry](/majors/construction-trades/carpenters/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
