ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Construction Trades Schools in the Southeast Region

11 Colleges in the United States
$11,808 Avg Student Debt
$34,909 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Construction Trades Badge [Construction Trades](/majors/construction-trades/) 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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 280 schools to find the best return on investment for construction trades students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/construction-trades/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 7
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Construction Trades)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Construction Trades)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Carpenter)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Carpenter)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Home Remodeling & Repair)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Home Remodeling & Repair)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Management - Construction Management" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Management - Construction Management" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Construction Management (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Construction Management (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Construction Management (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Construction Management (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 7
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 6 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 6
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Construction Trades Schools in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in construction trades, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Construction Trades Schools

1

Our analysis ranked South Georgia Technical College the best value for a degree in construction trades in the Southeast Region. Located in the town of Americus, South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,992, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $10,423. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from South Georgia Technical College generally make around $51,498. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt.

2

Coastal Pines Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Coastal Pines Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Waycross. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,812 to complete the construction trades program here. Construction Trades graduates of Coastal Pines Technical College earn a median of $39,090 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $5,812 median debt.

3

Students looking for strong value in construction trades will find it at Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $6,999 in student loans. Construction Trades graduates of Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College earn a median of $52,553 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Wilkes Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Wilkesboro. Students from in state pay about $2,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,716. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $9,125 in student loans. Construction Trades graduates of Wilkes Community College earn a median of $36,341 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Trident Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in construction trades, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Charleston, Trident Technical College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,546, compared with $8,620 for out-of-state students. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $18,116 in student loans. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $50,166. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Northeast Alabama Community College placed #6 among the best values for construction trades. Northeast Alabama Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Rainsville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Students borrow a median of $7,459 to complete the construction trades program here. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from Northeast Alabama Community College generally make around $35,119. Set against $7,459 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Southern Regional Technical College came in at #7 for value in construction trades this year. Located in the town of Thomasville, Southern Regional Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,007, with out-of-state students paying around $5,575. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $9,086 in student loans. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $44,007. That is a strong return on a $9,086 median debt.

8

Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Set in the city of Rome, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $8,492 in student loans. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $41,229. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt.

9

Somerset Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Set in the town of Somerset, Somerset Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from Somerset Community College generally make around $46,259. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Central Carolina Community College earned the #10 position for value in construction trades this year. Located in the town of Sanford, Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,711, with out-of-state students paying around $8,855. Students borrow a median of $10,266 to complete the construction trades program here. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from Central Carolina Community College generally make around $38,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Hinds Community College came in at #11 for value in construction trades this year. Set in the rural area of Raymond, Hinds Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,300. Students borrow a median of $16,385 to complete the construction trades program here. Construction Trades graduates of Hinds Community College earn a median of $34,003 early in their careers. Set against $16,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12
Nash Community College crest
Nash Community College
Rocky Mount, NC

Nash Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Set in the rural area of Rocky Mount, Nash Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,866 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,866. Students borrow a median of $16,969 to complete the construction trades program here. Construction Trades graduates of Nash Community College earn a median of $52,474 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13

Seminole State College Of Florida ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Set in the city of Sanford, Seminole State College Of Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,419 to complete the construction trades program here. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from Seminole State College Of Florida generally make around $48,049. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

North Georgia Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Set in the rural area of Clarkesville, North Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $12,279. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $41,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

New River Community And Technical College landed the #15 spot for construction trades value this year. Located in the rural area of Beaver, New River Community And Technical College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,156, compared with $9,646 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the construction trades program here. Construction Trades graduates of New River Community And Technical College earn a median of $50,399 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Florida State College At Jacksonville placed #16 among the best values for construction trades. Set in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,657, while out-of-state students pay about $9,631. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $19,139 in student loans. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from Florida State College At Jacksonville generally make around $46,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Atlanta Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Atlanta Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Atlanta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, while out-of-state students pay about $5,950. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $10,646 in student loans. Construction Trades graduates of Atlanta Technical College earn a median of $35,441 early in their careers. Set against $10,646 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Horry Georgetown Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Located in the city of Conway, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,518, with out-of-state students paying around $10,978. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the construction trades program here. Construction Trades graduates of Horry Georgetown Technical College earn a median of $32,356 early in their careers. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Owensboro Community And Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Set in the rural area of Owensboro, Owensboro Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $7,829. Construction Trades graduates of Owensboro Community And Technical College earn a median of $52,335 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Durham Technical Community College came in at #20 for value in construction trades this year. Set in the city of Durham, Durham Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,240 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,531. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $20,408 in student loans. Construction Trades graduates of Durham Technical Community College earn a median of $46,293 early in their careers. Set against $20,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Central Piedmont Community College earned the #21 position for value in construction trades this year. Located in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $11,861. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from Central Piedmont Community College generally make around $40,629. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Wytheville Community College placed #22 among the best values for construction trades. Wytheville Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Wytheville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,007, with out-of-state students paying around $11,445. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $9,542. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $40,973. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

West Georgia Technical College earned the #23 position for value in construction trades this year. Located in the rural area of Waco, West Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $39,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

East Mississippi Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value construction trades schools. Located in the rural area of Scooba, East Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,095, compared with $7,445 for out-of-state students. Construction Trades graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, construction trades degree recipients from East Mississippi Community College generally make around $53,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

George C Wallace State Community College Selma placed #25 among the best values for construction trades. Located in the town of Selma, George C Wallace State Community College Selma is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,740, compared with $8,610 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $15,250. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $39,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Construction Trades Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in construction trades:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

ADBLOCK #173
View All Construction Trades Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

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 · 280 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options