2026 Best Value Drafting & Design Engineering Technology Schools in Virginia

1

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA

For return on investment in drafting & design engineering technology, no school beat J Sargeant Reynolds Community College this year. Located in the suburb of Richmond, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,718 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,131 to complete the drafting & design engineering technology program here. Soon after graduation, drafting & design engineering technology degree recipients from J Sargeant Reynolds Community College generally make around $36,965. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Germanna Community College
Locust Grove, VA

A rank of #2 makes Germanna Community College one of the best values for drafting & design engineering technology. Set in the rural area of Locust Grove, Germanna Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,257, compared with $11,648 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for drafting & design engineering technology graduates is $10,999. Soon after graduation, drafting & design engineering technology degree recipients from Germanna Community College generally make around $41,880. That is a strong return on a $10,999 median debt.

3

Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, VA

Thomas Nelson Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in drafting & design engineering technology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Hampton, Thomas Nelson Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,088, with out-of-state students paying around $11,526. Students borrow a median of $14,402 to complete the drafting & design engineering technology program here. Drafting & Design Engineering Technology graduates of Thomas Nelson Community College earn a median of $36,758 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,402 median debt.

4

Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA

Students looking for strong value in drafting & design engineering technology will find it at Tidewater Community College, which ranked #4. Tidewater Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,858, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Students borrow a median of $14,001 to complete the drafting & design engineering technology program here. Early-career drafting & design engineering technology graduates make about $41,114. That is a strong return on a $14,001 median debt.

5

Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA

Northern Virginia Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value drafting & design engineering technology schools. Located in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for drafting & design engineering technology graduates is $14,413. Soon after graduation, drafting & design engineering technology degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College generally make around $40,126. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt.

6

Marymount University
Arlington, VA

Marymount University earned the #6 position for value in drafting & design engineering technology this year. Set in the city of Arlington, Marymount University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,880 to complete the drafting & design engineering technology program here. Early-career drafting & design engineering technology graduates make about $58,028. That is a strong return on a $26,880 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.