2026 Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools
[Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/vehicle-maintenance-repair-tech/automobile-automotive-mechanics-technology-technician/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 795 schools to find the best return on investment for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician students.
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Finding the Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician School for You
The right automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician school can pay off for years to come. That is why we built our Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics 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
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this 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 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools
San Diego Miramar College earned the #1 spot for value among automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools in the United States. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $8,098. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from San Diego Miramar College generally make around $43,285. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Moraine Valley Community College one of the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Set in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $11,149. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Trident Technical College earned it the #3 place for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Located in the city of Charleston, Trident Technical College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,546, compared with $8,620 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $18,116. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $50,166. That is a strong return on a $18,116 median debt.
Metropolitan Community College Area is a great value for students pursuing a degree in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician, landing the #4 spot this year. Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public school located in the city of Omaha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Metropolitan Community College Area generally make around $49,950. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #5 makes Oxnard College one of the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Set in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Median earnings reach $41,393 ten years out.
Skyline College earned the #6 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Skyline College is a large public school located in the suburb of San Bruno. Students from in state pay about $1,332 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,702 ten years after entry.
Pima Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Students borrow a median of $7,375 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Pima Community College generally make around $45,250. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Central Piedmont Community College landed the #8 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Central Piedmont Community College earn a median of $44,653 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cerritos College earned the #9 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $11,306 in student loans. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt.
Henry Ford Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Henry Ford Community College is a large public school located in the city of Dearborn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,568, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Henry Ford Community College earn a median of $36,247 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,876 median debt.
Clover Park Technical College placed #11 among the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Lakewood. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $15,154. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Clover Park Technical College earn a median of $42,209 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Victor Valley College earned the #12 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Victor Valley College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Victorville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,425, while out-of-state students pay about $10,125. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $7,995. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Victor Valley College earn a median of $49,729 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,995 median debt.
Saddleback College came in at #13 for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,432, while out-of-state students pay about $14,812. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $5,707 in student loans. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Saddleback College generally make around $15,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of The Sequoias landed the #14 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $9,038. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,288 in student loans. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $37,749. Set against $10,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
West Georgia Technical College earned the #15 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Waco, West Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,410, compared with $5,978 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete the automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician program here. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $40,092. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Georgia Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. In-state tuition and fees average $3,992, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,423 in student loans. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $28,841. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt.
South Texas College landed the #17 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $6,868 in student loans. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $28,199. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Golden West College landed the #18 spot for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician value this year. Set in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,380, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Golden West College earn a median of $82,984 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lake Land College placed #19 among the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Located in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,769 in student loans. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Lake Land College generally make around $30,294. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Pasadena City College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Pasadena City College is a very large public school located in the city of Pasadena. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, compared with $10,924 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $9,191. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Pasadena City College generally make around $38,841. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wilkes Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Wilkesboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,572, with out-of-state students paying around $8,716. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $9,125. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Wilkes Community College generally make around $25,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College placed #22 among the best values for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician. Located in the city of Rome, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $8,492. Early-career automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates make about $41,229. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College earned the #23 position for value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,068 in student loans. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College earn a median of $42,892 early in their careers. Set against $12,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Florence Darlington Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Florence Darlington Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Florence. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,636, with out-of-state students paying around $6,772. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $7,230. Soon after graduation, automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician degree recipients from Florence Darlington Technical College generally make around $34,948. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Suffolk County Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician schools. Suffolk County Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Selden. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician graduates is $7,000. Automobile/automotive Mechanics Technology/technician graduates of Suffolk County Community College earn a median of $42,496 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,000 median debt.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in automobile/automotive mechanics technology/technician:
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Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. Browse the parent area of study.
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 · 795 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 109 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.
