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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 18 schools to find the best return on investment for machine tool technology/machinist students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in machine tool technology/machinist, balancing cost against outcomes.
Williamson College Of The Trades tops our 2026 list of the best value machine tool technology/machinist schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the suburb of Media, Williamson College Of The Trades is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,611. Williamson College Of The Trades admits about 22% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Westmoreland County Community College one of the best values for machine tool technology/machinist. Set in the suburb of Youngwood, Westmoreland County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,306, compared with $14,728 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for machine tool technology/machinist graduates is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,439 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in machine tool technology/machinist will find it at Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology, which ranked #3. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a small public school located in the city of Lancaster. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, machine tool technology/machinist degree recipients from Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology generally make around $52,298. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in machine tool technology/machinist will find it at Luzerne County Community College, which ranked #4. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $16,260. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center is a great value for students pursuing a degree in machine tool technology/machinist, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Altoona, Greater Altoona Career And Technology Center is a small public institution. Typical student debt for machine tool technology/machinist graduates is $17,867. Early-career machine tool technology/machinist graduates make about $47,891. That is a strong return on a $17,867 median debt.
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Greater Johnstown Career And Technology Center placed #6 among the best values for machine tool technology/machinist. Greater Johnstown Career And Technology Center is a small public school located in the rural area of Johnstown. Typical student debt for machine tool technology/machinist graduates is $17,690. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates of Greater Johnstown Career And Technology Center earn a median of $27,897 early in their careers. Set against $17,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Berks Career And Technology Center landed the #7 spot for machine tool technology/machinist value this year. Located in the suburb of Leesport, Berks Career And Technology Center is a small public university.
Pennsylvania College Of Technology placed #8 among the best values for machine tool technology/machinist. Located in the city of Williamsport, Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,940, with out-of-state students paying around $25,680. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Machine Tool Technology/machinist graduates of Pennsylvania College Of Technology earn a median of $50,402 early in their careers. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This list is compiled 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.