by our College Data Analytics Team
[Machine Tool Technology/Machinist](/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/machine-tool-technology-machinist/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 27 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for machine tool technology/machinist students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in machine tool technology/machinist, balancing cost against outcomes.
Williamson College Of The Trades earned the #1 spot for value among machine tool technology/machinist schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. 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. The acceptance rate is 22%.
A rank of #2 makes Westmoreland County Community College one of the best values for machine tool technology/machinist. Westmoreland County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Youngwood. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, compared with $14,728 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the machine tool technology/machinist program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,439 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value machine tool technology/machinist schools. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a small public school located in the city of Lancaster. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the machine tool technology/machinist program here. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates of Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology earn a median of $52,298 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Luzerne County Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value machine tool technology/machinist schools. Set in the suburb of Nanticoke, Luzerne County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,600 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,260 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for machine tool technology/machinist graduates is $14,614. Soon after graduation, machine tool technology/machinist degree recipients from Luzerne County Community College generally make around $44,353. Set against $14,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Erie 1 Boces earned it the #5 place for machine tool technology/machinist. Located in the suburb of West Seneca, Erie 1 Boces is a small public university. Students borrow a median of $11,600 to complete the machine tool technology/machinist program here. Soon after graduation, machine tool technology/machinist degree recipients from Erie 1 Boces generally make around $30,190. Set against $11,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value machine tool technology/machinist schools. Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center is a small public school located in the city of Altoona. Students borrow a median of $17,867 to complete the machine tool technology/machinist program here. Early-career machine tool technology/machinist graduates make about $47,891. That is a strong return on a $17,867 median debt.
Greater Johnstown Career And Technology Center landed the #7 spot for machine tool technology/machinist value this year. Located in the rural area of Johnstown, Greater Johnstown Career And Technology Center is a small public university. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates carry a median of $17,690 in student loans. Early-career machine tool technology/machinist graduates make about $27,897. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Berks Career And Technology Center placed #8 among the best values for machine tool technology/machinist. Located in the suburb of Leesport, Berks Career And Technology Center is a small public university.
Pennsylvania College Of Technology landed the #9 spot for machine tool technology/machinist value this year. Located in the city of Williamsport, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,940, compared with $25,680 for out-of-state students. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Early-career machine tool technology/machinist graduates make about $50,402. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt.
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 · 27 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.