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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Associate Degree Schools Associate’s Degree Schools

1 Colleges in the United States
$10,932 Avg Student Debt
$41,634 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Associate Degree Schools Associate's Degree Badge [Associate Degree Schools](/majors/engineering-technologies/drafting-design-engineering-technology/3d-modeling-and-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 14 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for associate degree schools students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Associate Degree Schools Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in associate degree schools, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Associate Degree Schools Schools

1
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Leading the list is Oakland Community College, our #1 best value for associate degree schools in the United States. Oakland Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Auburn Hills. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Typical student debt for associate degree schools graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, associate degree schools degree recipients from Oakland Community College generally make around $45,844. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

A rank of #2 makes Macomb Community College one of the best values for associate degree schools. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,296 to complete the associate degree schools program here. Soon after graduation, associate degree schools degree recipients from Macomb Community College generally make around $44,701. That is a strong return on a $8,296 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes Front Range Community College one of the best values for associate degree schools. Located in the suburb of Westminster, Front Range Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Associate Degree Schools graduates carry a median of $10,750 in student loans. Associate Degree Schools graduates of Front Range Community College earn a median of $33,893 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Other Associate Degree Schools Degree Levels

Explore the best-value associate degree schools schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Associate Degree Schools
Bachelor's Degrees in Associate Degree Schools
Master's Degrees in Associate Degree Schools
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View All Associate Degree Schools Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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