by our College Data Analytics Team
[Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/vehicle-maintenance-repair-tech/diesel-mechanics-technology-technician/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for diesel mechanics technology/technician students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the diesel mechanics technology/technician degrees they offer, see the list below.
Bates Technical College earned the #1 spot for value among diesel mechanics technology/technician schools in Washington. Set in the city of Tacoma, Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,027, while out-of-state students pay about $12,165. Median earnings reach $50,051 ten years out.
Bellingham Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value diesel mechanics technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Bellingham, Bellingham Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,431, with out-of-state students paying around $5,809. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,748.
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in diesel mechanics technology/technician, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Kirkland, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Diesel Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. Diesel Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Lake Washington Institute Of Technology earn a median of $60,000 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Skagit Valley College one of the best values for diesel mechanics technology/technician. Skagit Valley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Mount Vernon. Students from in state pay about $5,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,410. Students borrow a median of $14,056 to complete the diesel mechanics technology/technician program here. Early-career diesel mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $44,860. Set against $14,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Spokane Community College earned it the #5 place for diesel mechanics technology/technician. Located in the city of Spokane, Spokane Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,722 to complete the diesel mechanics technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, diesel mechanics 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.
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Seattle Community College South Campus landed the #6 spot for diesel mechanics technology/technician value this year. Seattle Community College South Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Seattle. Students from in state pay about $5,208 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,486.
Centralia College earned the #7 position for value in diesel mechanics technology/technician this year. Centralia College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Centralia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,266, while out-of-state students pay about $5,651. Early-career diesel mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $77,740.
Lower Columbia College landed the #8 spot for diesel mechanics technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of Longview, Lower Columbia College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,626 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,003. Typical student debt for diesel mechanics technology/technician graduates is $14,340. Soon after graduation, diesel mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Lower Columbia College generally make around $53,280. That is a strong return on a $14,340 median debt.
Walla Walla Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value diesel mechanics technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Walla Walla, Walla Walla Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,279, while out-of-state students pay about $6,700. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete the diesel mechanics technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, diesel mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Walla Walla Community College generally make around $46,131. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Clark College came in at #10 for value in diesel mechanics technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Vancouver, Clark College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,183. Typical student debt for diesel mechanics technology/technician graduates is $10,370. Diesel Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Clark College earn a median of $45,656 early in their careers. Set against $10,370 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The ranking above is published 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.