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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Schools

15 Colleges in the United States
$17,634 Avg Student Debt
$43,547 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Badge [Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/automotive-engineering-technology-technician/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 59 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician School for You

The automotive engineering technology/technician program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. That is why we built our Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.

See how we build our rankings

Customize Your Rankings

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor's Degrees in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
Master's Degrees in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician
Doctorate Degrees in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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2026 Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in automotive engineering technology/technician, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Schools

1

Florida State College At Jacksonville earned the #1 spot for value among automotive engineering technology/technician schools in the United States. 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, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,139 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, automotive engineering technology/technician 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.

2

A rank of #2 makes George C Wallace State Community College Dothan one of the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Located in the city of Dothan, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,980, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,942 in student loans. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of George C Wallace State Community College Dothan earn a median of $34,762 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,942 median debt.

3

A rank of #3 makes Florida Gateway College one of the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Located in the town of Lake City, Florida Gateway College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,100, compared with $11,747 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,669 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Florida Gateway College earn a median of $41,947 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Students looking for strong value in automotive engineering technology/technician will find it at Seminole State College Of Florida, which ranked #4. Seminole State College Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Sanford. In-state tuition and fees average $3,122, while out-of-state students pay about $11,447. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $18,419. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Seminole State College Of Florida earn a median of $36,453 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,419 median debt.

5

A rank of #5 makes Cuyahoga Community College District one of the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Cuyahoga Community College District earn a median of $39,394 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

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Crowder College crest
Crowder College
Neosho, MO

Crowder College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools. Set in the town of Neosho, Crowder College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,784 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $9,887. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Crowder College earn a median of $33,816 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7
Camden County College crest
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ

Camden County College landed the #7 spot for automotive engineering technology/technician value this year. Set in the suburb of Blackwood, Camden County College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,999 in student loans. Early-career automotive engineering technology/technician graduates make about $39,549. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt.

8

Indian River State College earned the #8 position for value in automotive engineering technology/technician 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, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Early-career automotive engineering technology/technician graduates make about $44,082. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Mercer County Community College landed the #9 spot for automotive engineering technology/technician value this year. Mercer County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of West Windsor. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,310, compared with $9,174 for out-of-state students. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Mercer County Community College earn a median of $45,389 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt.

10

H Councill Trenholm State Technical College earned the #10 position for value in automotive engineering technology/technician this year. H Councill Trenholm State Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Montgomery. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,190, with out-of-state students paying around $9,060. Median earnings reach $32,183 ten years out.

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Savannah Technical College placed #11 among the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Located in the city of Savannah, Savannah Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Early-career automotive engineering technology/technician graduates make about $37,386. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Raritan Valley Community College earned the #12 position for value in automotive engineering technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Branchburg, Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,664, compared with $7,584 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $9,668. Soon after graduation, automotive engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Raritan Valley Community College generally make around $47,248. That is a strong return on a $9,668 median debt.

13

Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #13 spot for automotive engineering technology/technician value this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $16,214. Soon after graduation, automotive engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $62,440. Set against $16,214 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

14

Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus earned the #14 position for value in automotive engineering technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Birmingham, Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,910 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,769 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus earn a median of $40,090 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,769 median debt.

15
Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH

Stark State College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools. Located in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $17,349. Early-career automotive engineering technology/technician graduates make about $35,362. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Great Basin College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools. Great Basin College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elko. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,923, compared with $11,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,128 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Early-career automotive engineering technology/technician graduates make about $67,461. That is a strong return on a $17,128 median debt.

17

Columbus State Community College placed #17 among the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Located in the city of Columbus, Columbus State Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,488, while out-of-state students pay about $11,224. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $9,041. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,435. Set against $9,041 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education came in at #18 for value in automotive engineering technology/technician this year. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education is a small public school located in the suburb of La Puente. Soon after graduation, automotive engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Hacienda La Puente Adult Education generally make around $9,467. The acceptance rate is 100%.

19

Metropolitan Community College Kansas City ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,281 in student loans. Soon after graduation, automotive engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Metropolitan Community College Kansas City generally make around $46,660. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt.

20

Farmingdale State College placed #20 among the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Farmingdale State College is a large public school located in the suburb of Farmingdale. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $17,409. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Farmingdale State College earn a median of $50,374 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%.

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Owens Community College crest
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH

Owens Community College landed the #21 spot for automotive engineering technology/technician value this year. Set in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Owens Community College earn a median of $61,021 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Brookdale Community College placed #22 among the best values for automotive engineering technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Lincroft, Brookdale Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of Brookdale Community College earn a median of $35,805 early in their careers. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

James H Faulkner State Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools. James H Faulkner State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Bay Minette. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Students borrow a median of $14,326 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Automotive Engineering Technology/technician graduates of James H Faulkner State Community College earn a median of $52,231 early in their careers. Set against $14,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

Weber State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value automotive engineering technology/technician schools. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Students borrow a median of $18,280 to complete the automotive engineering technology/technician program here. Early-career automotive engineering technology/technician graduates make about $64,828. Set against $18,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25
Santa Fe College crest
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL

Santa Fe College came in at #25 for value in automotive engineering technology/technician this year. Santa Fe College is a large public school located in the suburb of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $2,563 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,189. Typical student debt for automotive engineering technology/technician graduates is $17,558. Soon after graduation, automotive engineering technology/technician degree recipients from Santa Fe College generally make around $45,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Rest of the Top 37 Best Value Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in automotive engineering technology/technician:

26
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
27
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Broward College crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL
35
Mcpherson College crest
Mcpherson College
McPherson, KS
36
37

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Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 59 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 15 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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