by our College Data Analytics Team
[Energy Systems](/majors/engineering-technologies/energy-systems/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 224 schools to find the best return on investment for energy systems students.
What’s on this page:
The energy systems program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. To help, we created our Best Value Energy Systems Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Learn more about our methodology
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Energy Systems Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Read more about College Factual’s methodology
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the energy systems degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Williamson College Of The Trades, our #1 best value for energy systems in the United States. Set in the suburb of Media, Williamson College Of The Trades is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,611. Williamson College Of The Trades admits about 22% of applicants.
Mt San Antonio College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in energy systems, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $44,391. That is a strong return on a $9,384 median debt.
South Georgia Technical College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value energy systems schools. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. Students from in state pay about $3,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. Students borrow a median of $10,423 to complete the energy systems program here. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $40,497. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt.
Pasadena City College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value energy systems schools. Located in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. Typical student debt for energy systems graduates is $9,191. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $38,841. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in energy systems will find it at West Georgia Technical College, which ranked #5. 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. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete the energy systems program here. Energy Systems graduates of West Georgia Technical College earn a median of $39,922 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt.
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Central New Mexico Community College came in at #6 for value in energy systems this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the energy systems program here. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College generally make around $34,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
North Georgia Technical College placed #7 among the best values for energy systems. North Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Clarkesville. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $34,133. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt.
Indian River State College came in at #8 for value in energy systems this year. Indian River State College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fort Pierce. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $44,082. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ashland Community And Technical College came in at #9 for value in energy systems this year. Located in the city of Ashland, Ashland Community And Technical College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,485 to complete the energy systems program here. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $27,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ogeechee Technical College came in at #10 for value in energy systems this year. Ogeechee Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Statesboro. In-state tuition and fees average $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for energy systems graduates is $11,894. Energy Systems graduates of Ogeechee Technical College earn a median of $35,521 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gateway Community And Technical College came in at #11 for value in energy systems this year. Set in the suburb of Florence, Gateway Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $11,611 in student loans. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Gateway Community And Technical College generally make around $46,993. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #12 for value in energy systems this year. Located in the city of Long Island City, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $8,858 in student loans. Energy Systems graduates of Cuny Laguardia Community College earn a median of $31,437 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt.
Central Community College earned the #13 position for value in energy systems this year. Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Grand Island. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for energy systems graduates is $10,277. Energy Systems graduates of Central Community College earn a median of $43,218 early in their careers. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #14 spot for energy systems value this year. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College generally make around $40,734. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Colorado Mountain College earned the #15 position for value in energy systems this year. Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Glenwood Springs. In-state tuition and fees average $2,616, compared with $12,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,953 to complete the energy systems program here. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Colorado Mountain College generally make around $48,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cleveland State Community College came in at #16 for value in energy systems this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,762, with out-of-state students paying around $17,746. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $8,742 in student loans. Energy Systems graduates of Cleveland State Community College earn a median of $40,513 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Seattle Community College South Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value energy systems schools. Seattle Community College South Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,208, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,486 ten years after entry.
Southeast Community College Area earned the #18 position for value in energy systems this year. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Southeast Community College Area generally make around $104,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Colby Community College landed the #19 spot for energy systems value this year. Located in the town of Colby, Colby Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,140 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,830 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for energy systems graduates is $14,796. Energy Systems graduates of Colby Community College earn a median of $40,598 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Eastern Idaho Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value energy systems schools. Set in the city of Idaho Falls, Eastern Idaho Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $6,750. Students borrow a median of $17,066 to complete the energy systems program here. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Eastern Idaho Technical College generally make around $48,314. Set against $17,066 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Century College came in at #21 for value in energy systems this year. Located in the suburb of White Bear Lake, Century College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $21,332 in student loans. Energy Systems graduates of Century College earn a median of $47,502 early in their careers. Set against $21,332 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Texas State Technical College placed #22 among the best values for energy systems. Texas State Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Waco. Students from in state pay about $7,212 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the energy systems program here. Energy Systems graduates of Texas State Technical College earn a median of $40,747 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Los Angeles Trade Technical College landed the #23 spot for energy systems value this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Energy Systems graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $53,553. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt.
Escuela Tecnica De Electricidad earned the #24 position for value in energy systems this year. Located in the city of Ponce, Escuela Tecnica De Electricidad is a small private for-profit university. Students borrow a median of $3,814 to complete the energy systems program here. Early-career energy systems graduates make about $22,256. Set against $3,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee earned the #25 position for value in energy systems this year. Set in the town of Okmulgee, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,774 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Typical student debt for energy systems graduates is $13,356. Soon after graduation, energy systems degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee generally make around $52,354. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt.
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s energy systems value ranking:
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Energy Systems is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Energy Systems Technology/Technician | 553 |
| Solar Energy Technology/Technician | 279 |
| Power Plant Technology/Technician | 62 |
| Wind Energy Technology/Technician | 31 |
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 · 224 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.