by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Construction Trades](/majors/construction-trades/general-construction/construction-trades-general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general construction trades education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 122 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general construction trades schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general construction trades, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Lake Land College the best value for a degree in general construction trades in the United States. Set in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general construction trades graduates is $5,500. Early-career general construction trades graduates make about $12,838. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
Honolulu Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general construction trades, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Honolulu, Honolulu Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,174 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete the general construction trades program here. General Construction Trades graduates of Honolulu Community College earn a median of $86,741 early in their careers. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Triton College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general construction trades, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, compared with $15,330 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general construction trades graduates is $12,994. Soon after graduation, general construction trades degree recipients from Triton College generally make around $43,278. Set against $12,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general construction trades will find it at Mt Hood Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Gresham, Mt Hood Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,819. Students borrow a median of $18,767 to complete the general construction trades program here. Early-career general construction trades graduates make about $53,948. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Truckee Meadows Community College earned it the #5 place for general construction trades. Truckee Meadows Community College is a large public school located in the city of Reno. In-state tuition and fees average $3,352, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Typical student debt for general construction trades graduates is $12,290. Soon after graduation, general construction trades degree recipients from Truckee Meadows Community College generally make around $52,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Northern Virginia Community College landed the #6 spot for general construction trades value this year. Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Annandale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete the general construction trades program here. Soon after graduation, general construction trades degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College generally make around $40,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general construction trades schools. Located in the town of Okmulgee, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,774, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,356 to complete the general construction trades program here. Soon after graduation, general construction trades degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee generally make around $52,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Linn State Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general construction trades schools. Set in the rural area of Linn, Linn State Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,160, compared with $14,610 for out-of-state students. General Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $11,042 in student loans. General Construction Trades graduates of Linn State Technical College earn a median of $45,538 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,042 median debt.
Mesa State College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general construction trades schools. Mesa State College is a large public school located in the city of Grand Junction. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,124. Students borrow a median of $22,310 to complete the general construction trades program here. General Construction Trades graduates of Mesa State College earn a median of $43,617 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Charter College Anchorage earned the #10 position for value in general construction trades this year. Located in the city of Anchorage, Charter College Anchorage is a mid-sized private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $18,341 in tuition and fees. General Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $13,862 in student loans. Early-career general construction trades graduates make about $52,820. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Liberty University placed #11 among the best values for general construction trades. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete the general construction trades program here. Early-career general construction trades graduates make about $45,877. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Explore the best-value general construction trades schools at other degree levels:
This list is compiled 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 · 122 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.