2026 Best Value Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the Far Western Region
[Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/vehicle-maintenance-repair-tech/airframe-mechanics-and-aircraft-maintenance-technology-technician/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 38 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools.
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2026 Best Value Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the Far Western Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools
For return on investment in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician, no school beat San Diego Miramar College this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Students borrow a median of $8,098 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of San Diego Miramar College earn a median of $43,285 early in their careers. Set against $8,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Sequoias is a great value for students pursuing a degree in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Visalia, College Of The Sequoias is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,394, while out-of-state students pay about $9,038. Typical student debt for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,288. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of College Of The Sequoias earn a median of $37,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,288 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician will find it at Reedley College, which ranked #3. Reedley College is a large public school located in the town of Reedley. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $30,520. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt.
Victor Valley College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the suburb of Victorville, Victor Valley College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,425, with out-of-state students paying around $10,125. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,995 in student loans. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Victor Valley College earn a median of $49,729 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,995 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Mt San Antonio College one of the best values for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Mt San Antonio College earn a median of $44,391 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Clover Park Technical College came in at #6 for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,634. Students borrow a median of $15,154 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $42,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gavilan College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the rural area of Gilroy, Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,508, compared with $12,249 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,939 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Gavilan College generally make around $28,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Solano Community College came in at #8 for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Solano Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,172, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. Typical student debt for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt.
Orange Coast College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. Orange Coast College is a very large public school located in the city of Costa Mesa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,392, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Typical student debt for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates is $8,978. Early-career airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $46,306. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt.
Renton Technical College came in at #10 for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Renton, Renton Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,330 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,768 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,582 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Renton Technical College generally make around $80,411. Set against $18,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Sacramento City College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Students borrow a median of $13,180 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Long Beach City College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. Long Beach City College is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,556, while out-of-state students pay about $12,544. Typical student debt for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates is $6,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,870. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt.
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the suburb of Kirkland, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,997, with out-of-state students paying around $12,062. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Lake Washington Institute Of Technology generally make around $60,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Seattle Community College South Campus earned the #14 position for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle Community College South Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,208, while out-of-state students pay about $5,796. Median earnings reach $44,486 ten years out.
Chaffey College came in at #15 for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Chaffey College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Rancho Cucamonga. Students from in state pay about $1,184 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,120. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $6,952 in student loans. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Chaffey College earn a median of $23,532 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
West Los Angeles College landed the #16 spot for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician value this year. Set in the suburb of Culver City, West Los Angeles College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from West Los Angeles College generally make around $65,978.
Spokane Community College landed the #17 spot for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician value this year. Spokane Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Spokane. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $15,722 in student loans. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Spokane Community College generally make around $37,713. Set against $15,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
City College Of San Francisco ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician schools. City College Of San Francisco is a very large public school located in the city of San Francisco. Students from in state pay about $1,696 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,656. Typical student debt for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,332. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of City College Of San Francisco earn a median of $100,031 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lane Community College earned the #19 position for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Eugene, Lane Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,202, with out-of-state students paying around $13,078. Typical student debt for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates is $18,373. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Lane Community College generally make around $60,759. That is a strong return on a $18,373 median debt.
San Bernardino Valley College landed the #20 spot for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,196, with out-of-state students paying around $4,528. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from San Bernardino Valley College generally make around $69,642. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt.
Antelope Valley College landed the #21 spot for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician value this year. Located in the suburb of Lancaster, Antelope Valley College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,548. Students borrow a median of $10,729 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $50,744. That is a strong return on a $10,729 median debt.
College Of Alameda landed the #22 spot for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician value this year. Located in the suburb of Alameda, College Of Alameda is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,898 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,563.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks landed the #23 spot for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician value this year. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. Students from in state pay about $10,083 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $23,439 in student loans. Early-career airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $50,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Portland Community College placed #24 among the best values for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician. Located in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,220, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,666 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Portland Community College generally make around $48,144. That is a strong return on a $12,666 median debt.
East Los Angeles College earned the #25 position for value in airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Monterey Park, East Los Angeles College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $8,180 to complete the airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from East Los Angeles College generally make around $33,595. Set against $8,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 36 Best Value Airframe Mechanics & Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for airframe mechanics & aircraft maintenance technology/technician this year:
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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 · 38 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
