2026 Best Value Construction Schools in the Far Western Region
[Construction](/majors/construction-trades/general-construction/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 16 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for construction students.
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2026 Best Value Construction Schools in the Far Western Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in construction, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Construction Schools
Leading the list is Honolulu Community College, our #1 best value for construction in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Honolulu, Honolulu Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,174, compared with $8,310 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for construction graduates is $12,500. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Honolulu Community College generally make around $86,741. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mt Hood Community College earned it the #2 place for construction. Located in the suburb of Gresham, Mt Hood Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, with out-of-state students paying around $9,819. Construction graduates carry a median of $18,767 in student loans. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Mt Hood Community College generally make around $53,948. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Truckee Meadows Community College one of the best values for construction. Truckee Meadows Community College is a large public school located in the city of Reno. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,352, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Construction graduates carry a median of $12,290 in student loans. Construction graduates of Truckee Meadows Community College earn a median of $52,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,290 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in construction will find it at Portland Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $10,440. Students borrow a median of $20,648 to complete the construction program here. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Portland Community College generally make around $49,580. Set against $20,648 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Western Nevada College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value construction schools. Located in the city of Carson City, Western Nevada College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,168, with out-of-state students paying around $12,834. Students borrow a median of $15,948 to complete the construction program here. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Western Nevada College generally make around $47,257. That is a strong return on a $15,948 median debt.
Perry Technical Institute landed the #6 spot for construction value this year. Set in the city of Yakima, Perry Technical Institute is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $7,892 to complete the construction program here. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Perry Technical Institute generally make around $39,366. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Charter College Anchorage placed #7 among the best values for construction. Located in the city of Anchorage, Charter College Anchorage is a mid-sized private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,341. Typical student debt for construction graduates is $13,862. Soon after graduation, construction degree recipients from Charter College Anchorage generally make around $52,820. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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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 · 16 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.
