2027 Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools
[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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 32 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician students.
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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. That is why we built our Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Learn more about our methodology
Customizing Your List
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.
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.
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2027 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
For return on investment in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician, no school beat Santiago Canyon College this year. Set in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,164, while out-of-state students pay about $9,612. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Santiago Canyon College generally make around $34,100. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Macomb Community College earned it the #2 place for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Set in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Students borrow a median of $9,862 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Macomb Community College earn a median of $38,758 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt.
Oxnard College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,393 ten years after entry.
Ventura College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Ventura, Ventura College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete the water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician program here. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Ventura College earn a median of $99,778 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of The Sequoias earned it the #5 place for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Set in the city of Visalia, College Of The Sequoias is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,394, compared with $9,038 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,288 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 $37,749. Set against $10,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northwest Shoals Community College placed #6 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $9,001. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $13,312. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Northwest Shoals Community College generally make around $33,842. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of The Canyons ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,166, while out-of-state students pay about $10,958. Students borrow a median of $9,776 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 $51,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Imperial Valley College landed the #8 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Imperial Valley College is a large public school located in the rural area of Imperial. 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.
Citrus College came in at #9 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,204, while out-of-state students pay about $10,636. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,065 ten years after entry.
Butte College earned the #10 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Set in the rural area of Oroville, Butte College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,356 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,276. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $13,302. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Butte College generally make around $67,048. That is a strong return on a $13,302 median debt.
Palomar College placed #11 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,354, compared with $10,650 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,300.
Central Carolina Technical College came in at #12 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,715, with out-of-state students paying around $9,016. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. 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.
Santa Rosa Junior College placed #13 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Rosa. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt.
Mt San Antonio College earned the #14 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, 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. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $44,391. That is a strong return on a $9,384 median debt.
Sacramento City College earned the #15 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Sacramento City College is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,180 in student loans. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $46,522. That is a strong return on a $13,180 median debt.
Gavilan College placed #16 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Gilroy. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Gavilan College earn a median of $28,496 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cuyamaca College earned the #17 position for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Cuyamaca College is a large public school located in the suburb of El Cajon. In-state tuition and fees average $1,346, compared with $11,314 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,435.
Mt San Jacinto Community College District placed #18 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Jacinto. Students from in state pay about $1,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,728. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Clackamas Community College ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Set in the suburb of Oregon City, Clackamas Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,345, compared with $14,265 for out-of-state students. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,915 in student loans. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Clackamas Community College generally make around $31,280. Set against $13,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #20 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $18,296. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $38,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Woodland Community College ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician schools. Set in the suburb of Woodland, Woodland Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,124, while out-of-state students pay about $7,656. Median earnings reach $40,042 ten years out.
Owens Community College came in at #22 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $19,383. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates of Owens Community College earn a median of $45,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt.
Emily Griffith Technical College landed the #23 spot for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician value this year. Emily Griffith Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Denver. Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,725 in student loans. Soon after graduation, water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician degree recipients from Emily Griffith Technical College generally make around $42,412. Set against $9,725 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Des Moines Area Community College placed #24 among the best values for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $14,956 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 $43,121. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt.
Central Pennsylvania Institute Of Science And Technology came in at #25 for value in water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Pleasant Gap, Central Pennsylvania Institute Of Science And Technology is a small public university. Typical student debt for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates is $11,840. Early-career water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician graduates make about $37,215. That is a strong return on a $11,840 median debt. Central Pennsylvania Institute Of Science And Technology admits about 96% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 32 Best Value Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Management & Recycling Technology/Technician Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for water quality & wastewater treatment management & recycling technology/technician this year:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 32 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 32 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.
