by our College Data Analytics Team
[Lineworker](/majors/construction-trades/electrical-power-transmission-installers/lineworker/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value lineworker schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the lineworker degrees they offer, see the list below.
Marshalltown Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value lineworker schools in Iowa. Located in the town of Marshalltown, Marshalltown Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Lineworker graduates carry a median of $6,837 in student loans. Early-career lineworker graduates make about $43,768. Set against $6,837 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Des Moines Area Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in lineworker, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Lineworker graduates carry a median of $14,956 in student loans. Early-career lineworker graduates make about $43,121. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt.
Northwest Iowa Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in lineworker, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Sheldon, Northwest Iowa Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, with out-of-state students paying around $7,650. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the lineworker program here. Lineworker graduates of Northwest Iowa Community College earn a median of $78,118 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.