ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools in North Carolina

1 Colleges in the United States
$11,591 Avg Student Debt
$34,244 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Badge [Precision Metal Working](/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong precision metal working education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 61 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for precision metal working students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 48.05), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Welding)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Welding)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.8

2026 Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools in North Carolina

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in precision metal working, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Central Piedmont Community College the best value for a degree in precision metal working in North Carolina. Set in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete the precision metal working program here. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $40,149. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Central Carolina Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in precision metal working, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Sanford, Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,711 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,855. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $10,266 in student loans. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Central Carolina Community College generally make around $38,198. Set against $10,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Wilkes Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value precision metal working schools. Located in the town of Wilkesboro, Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,716. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $9,125. Precision Metal Working graduates of Wilkes Community College earn a median of $36,341 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,125 median debt.

4

A rank of #4 makes Cleveland Community College one of the best values for precision metal working. Cleveland Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Shelby. In-state tuition and fees average $2,602, with out-of-state students paying around $8,746. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $7,131 in student loans. Precision Metal Working graduates of Cleveland Community College earn a median of $39,891 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,131 median debt.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rockingham Community College earned it the #5 place for precision metal working. Located in the rural area of Wentworth, Rockingham Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,966, compared with $6,574 for out-of-state students. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $50,048. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Johnston Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value precision metal working schools. Located in the town of Smithfield, Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,756 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Students borrow a median of $9,490 to complete the precision metal working program here. Precision Metal Working graduates of Johnston Community College earn a median of $34,171 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,490 median debt.

7

Durham Technical Community College landed the #7 spot for precision metal working value this year. Durham Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Durham. Students from in state pay about $2,240 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,531. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $20,408. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Durham Technical Community College generally make around $46,293. Set against $20,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Sampson Community College earned the #8 position for value in precision metal working this year. Set in the town of Clinton, Sampson Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,877, with out-of-state students paying around $9,789. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $12,596. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Sampson Community College generally make around $45,929. That is a strong return on a $12,596 median debt.

9
Martin Community College crest
Martin Community College
Williamston, NC

Martin Community College earned the #9 position for value in precision metal working this year. Set in the town of Williamston, Martin Community College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,667. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $42,820.

10

Fayetteville Technical Community College earned the #10 position for value in precision metal working this year. Located in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,628 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,772. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $16,909 in student loans. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Fayetteville Technical Community College generally make around $40,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Haywood Community College placed #11 among the best values for precision metal working. Haywood Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Clyde. Students from in state pay about $2,580 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,724 for out-of-state students. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Haywood Community College generally make around $35,767.

12

Wayne Community College earned the #12 position for value in precision metal working this year. Located in the city of Goldsboro, Wayne Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,566, compared with $8,710 for out-of-state students. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Precision Metal Working graduates of Wayne Community College earn a median of $33,116 early in their careers. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

James Sprunt Community College earned the #13 position for value in precision metal working this year. Located in the rural area of Kenansville, James Sprunt Community College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $2,592 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,736. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $11,278 in student loans. Precision Metal Working graduates of James Sprunt Community College earn a median of $35,264 early in their careers. Set against $11,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

Craven Community College earned the #14 position for value in precision metal working this year. Set in the town of New Bern, Craven Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,630 for out-of-state students. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $8,924 in student loans. Precision Metal Working graduates of Craven Community College earn a median of $30,235 early in their careers. Set against $8,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Vance Granville Community College came in at #15 for value in precision metal working this year. Vance Granville Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Henderson. In-state tuition and fees average $1,944, while out-of-state students pay about $6,552. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Vance Granville Community College generally make around $43,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Halifax Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value precision metal working schools. Set in the rural area of Weldon, Halifax Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,608, with out-of-state students paying around $8,752. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $70,982.

17

Southeastern Community College Whiteville placed #17 among the best values for precision metal working. Southeastern Community College Whiteville is a small public school located in the rural area of Whiteville. Students from in state pay about $2,600 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,744. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $10,188. Precision Metal Working graduates of Southeastern Community College Whiteville earn a median of $65,328 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18
Nash Community College crest
Nash Community College
Rocky Mount, NC

Nash Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value precision metal working schools. Nash Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Rocky Mount. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,866, while out-of-state students pay about $8,866. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $16,969 in student loans. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $45,512. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

Rowan Cabarrus Community College came in at #19 for value in precision metal working this year. Located in the suburb of Salisbury, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,064 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,672 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $10,867. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Rowan Cabarrus Community College generally make around $34,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
College Of The Albemarle crest
College Of The Albemarle
Elizabeth City, NC

College Of The Albemarle landed the #20 spot for precision metal working value this year. Set in the town of Elizabeth City, College Of The Albemarle is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,242 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,652. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $10,240 in student loans. Precision Metal Working graduates of College Of The Albemarle earn a median of $50,506 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,240 median debt.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Surry Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value precision metal working schools. Surry Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Dobson. Students from in state pay about $2,668 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,812. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $9,537. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Surry Community College generally make around $47,188. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Southwestern Community College Sylva earned the #22 position for value in precision metal working this year. Set in the town of Sylva, Southwestern Community College Sylva is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,112 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,184. Students borrow a median of $13,708 to complete the precision metal working program here. Precision Metal Working graduates of Southwestern Community College Sylva earn a median of $36,418 early in their careers. Set against $13,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Lenoir Community College landed the #23 spot for precision metal working value this year. Set in the town of Kinston, Lenoir Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,578 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,822. Typical student debt for precision metal working graduates is $9,984. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $38,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

Beaufort County Community College earned the #24 position for value in precision metal working this year. Located in the rural area of Washington, Beaufort County Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,540, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Precision Metal Working graduates carry a median of $7,947 in student loans. Soon after graduation, precision metal working degree recipients from Beaufort County Community College generally make around $38,009. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Tri County Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value precision metal working schools. Tri County Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Murphy. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,508, while out-of-state students pay about $8,652. Early-career precision metal working graduates make about $46,717.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Precision Metal Working Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s precision metal working value ranking:

26
27
28
29
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Pitt Community College crest
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Carteret Community College crest
Carteret Community College
Morehead City, NC

ADBLOCK #173
View All Precision Metal Working Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

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 · 61 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options