Finding the Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician School for You
The water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. To help, we created our Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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2026 Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools
Leading the list is Santiago Canyon College, our #1 best value for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician in the United States. Located in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,164, with out-of-state students paying around $9,612. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $5,500. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $34,100. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician will find it at Mt San Antonio College, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Students borrow a median of $9,384 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Mt San Antonio College earn a median of $44,391 early in their careers. Set against $9,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes College Of The Canyons one of the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $10,958. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $9,776. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of College Of The Canyons earn a median of $51,913 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes College Of The Sequoias one of the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. College Of The Sequoias is a large public school located in the city of Visalia. In-state tuition and fees average $1,394, compared with $9,038 for out-of-state students. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,288 in student loans. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of College Of The Sequoias earn a median of $37,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,288 median debt.
Imperial Valley College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician, landing the #5 spot 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. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $6,176 in student loans. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Imperial Valley College generally make around $42,617. That is a strong return on a $6,176 median debt.
Ventura College landed the #6 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Ventura College is a large public school located in the city of Ventura. Students from in state pay about $1,426 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Ventura College generally make around $99,778. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt.
Gavilan College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Set in the rural area of Gilroy, Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,508, compared with $12,249 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,939 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $28,496. Set against $5,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Citrus College came in at #8 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,204, compared with $10,636 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,065 ten years after entry.
Sacramento City College came in at #9 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $13,180. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $46,522. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northwest Shoals Community College earned the #10 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Muscle Shoals, Northwest Shoals Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,131, while out-of-state students pay about $9,001. Students borrow a median of $13,312 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $33,842. Set against $13,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Chattahoochee Technical College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Chattahoochee Technical College is a large public school located in the suburb of Marietta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $9,616. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Chattahoochee Technical College earn a median of $44,673 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #12 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $14,692. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $80,047. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Woodland Community College landed the #13 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Located in the suburb of Woodland, Woodland Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,124, with out-of-state students paying around $7,656. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,042.
Palomar College came in at #14 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Palomar College is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Marcos. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,354, while out-of-state students pay about $10,650. Median earnings reach $42,300 ten years out.
Macomb Community College came in at #15 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $38,758. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Central Carolina Technical College came in at #16 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Sumter, Central Carolina Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,715, compared with $9,016 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $40,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cuyamaca College landed the #17 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Located in the suburb of El Cajon, Cuyamaca College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,346, compared with $11,314 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,435.
San Bernardino Valley College earned the #18 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, San Bernardino Valley College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,196, with out-of-state students paying around $4,528. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of San Bernardino Valley College earn a median of $69,642 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt.
Mt San Jacinto Community College District placed #19 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Set in the suburb of San Jacinto, Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,448, compared with $12,728 for out-of-state students. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $8,770 in student loans. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Mt San Jacinto Community College District generally make around $37,488. That is a strong return on a $8,770 median debt.
Clackamas Community College landed the #20 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Clackamas Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Oregon City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,345, with out-of-state students paying around $14,265. Students borrow a median of $13,915 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $31,280. Set against $13,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Capital Community College placed #21 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Capital Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New Britain. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,596. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $12,059. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Capital Community College generally make around $43,086. That is a strong return on a $12,059 median debt.
Red Rocks Community College landed the #22 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Located in the suburb of Lakewood, Red Rocks Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,859, with out-of-state students paying around $17,459. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Red Rocks Community College earn a median of $76,340 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,471 median debt.
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology earned the #23 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Lancaster, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,050. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $9,915. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $40,859. Set against $9,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Owens Community College landed the #24 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Owens Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Perrysburg. In-state tuition and fees average $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Owens Community College earn a median of $45,785 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Los Angeles Trade Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $14,833. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Los Angeles Trade Technical College generally make around $43,340. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 27 Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician:
Narrow Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools by Region
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 · 81 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician](/majors/engineering-technologies/environmental-control-technology/water-quality-and-wastewater-treatment-management-and-recycling-technology-technician/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician education at a price that pays off.
