by our College Data Analytics Team
[Construction](/majors/construction-trades/general-construction/) 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 122 schools to find the best return on investment for construction students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the construction degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Lake Land College the best value for a degree in construction in the United States. Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Mattoon. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, compared with $14,301 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the construction program here. Early-career construction graduates make about $12,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in construction will find it at Honolulu Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Honolulu, Honolulu Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,174 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete the construction program here. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Honolulu Community College generally make around $86,741. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Triton College earned it the #3 place for construction. Set in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Construction graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Early-career construction graduates make about $43,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mt Hood Community College earned it the #4 place for construction. Located in the suburb of Gresham, Mt Hood Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,247, compared with $9,819 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for construction graduates is $18,767. Early-career construction graduates make about $53,948. That is a strong return on a $18,767 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Truckee Meadows Community College earned it the #5 place for construction. Set in the city of Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,352 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Construction graduates carry a median of $12,290 in student loans. Early-career construction graduates make about $52,785. That is a strong return on a $12,290 median debt.
Northern Virginia Community College placed #6 among the best values for construction. Located in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Typical student debt for construction graduates is $14,413. Early-career construction graduates make about $40,126. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt.
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee placed #7 among the best values for construction. Set in the town of Okmulgee, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,774 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Typical student debt for construction graduates is $13,356. Construction graduates of Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee earn a median of $52,354 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Linn State Technical College placed #8 among the best values for construction. Linn State Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Linn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, compared with $14,610 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for construction graduates is $11,042. Early-career construction graduates make about $45,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mesa State College landed the #9 spot for construction value this year. Mesa State College is a large public school located in the city of Grand Junction. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,927, compared with $25,124 for out-of-state students. Construction graduates carry a median of $22,310 in student loans. Early-career construction graduates make about $43,617. Set against $22,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Charter College Anchorage came in at #10 for value in construction this year. Charter College Anchorage is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the city of Anchorage. Students from in state pay about $18,341 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,862 to complete the construction program here. Construction graduates of Charter College Anchorage earn a median of $52,820 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Liberty University landed the #11 spot for construction value this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete the construction program here. Early-career construction graduates make about $45,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Construction rankings across degree levels:
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 · 122 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.