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2026 Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools in the Far Western Region

5 Colleges in the United States
$12,241 Avg Student Debt
$41,861 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Badge [Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/vehicle-maintenance-repair-tech/automobile-automotive-mechanics-technology-technician/) 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 124 schools to find the best return on investment for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools in the Far Western Region

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools

1

Leading the list is San Diego Miramar College, our #1 best value for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician in the Far Western Region. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $8,098. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $43,285. That is a strong return on a $8,098 median debt.

2
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA

A rank of #2 makes Oxnard College one of the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Oxnard College is a large public school located in the city of Oxnard. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $41,393 ten years out.

3
Skyline College crest
Skyline College
San Bruno, CA

Skyline College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Set in the suburb of San Bruno, Skyline College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $9,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,702.

4
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA

Students looking for strong value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician will find it at Cerritos College, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $11,306. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

College Of The Sequoias is a great value for students pursuing a degree in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician, landing the #5 spot this year. College Of The Sequoias is a large public school located in the city of Visalia. In-state tuition and fees average $1,394, with out-of-state students paying around $9,038. Students borrow a median of $10,288 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $37,749. Set against $10,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6
Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA

Saddleback College earned the #6 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,432, with out-of-state students paying around $14,812. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $5,707 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Saddleback College earn a median of $15,890 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7
Victor Valley College crest
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA

Victor Valley College earned the #7 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Victorville, Victor Valley College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,425, compared with $10,125 for out-of-state students. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,995 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Victor Valley College earn a median of $49,729 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA

Golden West College earned the #8 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,380, with out-of-state students paying around $11,628. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt.

9
Reedley College crest
Reedley College
Reedley, CA

Reedley College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Set in the town of Reedley, Reedley College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $30,520. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt.

10

Clover Park Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $15,154. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $42,209. Set against $15,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Pasadena City College came in at #11 for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $38,841. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.

12
Ventura College crest
Ventura College
Ventura, CA

Ventura College placed #12 among the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Located in the city of Ventura, Ventura College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $20,250. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Ventura College generally make around $99,778. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt.

13

Fresno City College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,378 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,234 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Fresno City College earn a median of $37,470 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

College Of The Canyons earned the #14 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,166, with out-of-state students paying around $10,958. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,776 in student loans. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $51,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA

Hartnell College came in at #15 for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Hartnell College is a large public school located in the city of Salinas. Students from in state pay about $1,404 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,398. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Hartnell College generally make around $35,080. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Imperial Valley College landed the #16 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Located in the rural area of Imperial, Imperial Valley College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,126, with out-of-state students paying around $8,830. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $6,176. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Imperial Valley College earn a median of $42,617 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17
Santa Ana College crest
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana College landed the #17 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of Santa Ana, Santa Ana College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Santa Ana College earn a median of $36,380 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt.

18
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA

Citrus College earned the #18 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,204 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,636. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,065.

19
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA

Shasta College landed the #19 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Set in the suburb of Redding, Shasta College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,197, compared with $8,853 for out-of-state students. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,275 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Shasta College earn a median of $50,330 early in their careers. Set against $12,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

Bates Technical College landed the #20 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of Tacoma, Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,027, compared with $12,165 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,051 ten years after entry.

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21

Riverside City College earned the #21 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,767 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Riverside City College earn a median of $37,102 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22
Chabot College crest
Chabot College
Hayward, CA

Chabot College placed #22 among the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Hayward, Chabot College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,150 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,686. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $14,122. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Chabot College generally make around $85,175. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA

De Anza College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,571, compared with $12,596 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $7,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,596. That is a strong return on a $7,271 median debt.

24
Las Positas College crest
Las Positas College
Livermore, CA

Las Positas College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Livermore, Las Positas College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,168, compared with $9,808 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $51,088 ten years out.

25

Solano Community College came in at #25 for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Solano Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,172 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,170. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year:

26
Cypress College crest
Cypress College
Cypress, CA
27
Merced College crest
Merced College
Merced, CA
28
Yuba College crest
Yuba College
Marysville, CA
29
30
31
32
American River College crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA
33
Butte College crest
Butte College
Oroville, CA
34
Allan Hancock College crest
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA
35
Cosumnes River College crest
Cosumnes River College
Sacramento, CA
36
Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
37
38
39
40
Palomar College crest
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA
41
Bakersfield College crest
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA
42
43
Los Medanos College crest
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA
44
Skagit Valley College crest
Skagit Valley College
Mount Vernon, WA
45
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
46
47
48
Miracosta College crest
Miracosta College
Oceanside, CA
49
50

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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 · 124 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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