2026 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools in the Great Lakes Region
[Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist](/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/computer-numerically-controlled-cnc-machinist-technology-cnc-machinist/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 41 schools to find the best return on investment for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist students.
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2026 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools
City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College earned the #1 spot for value among computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $33,326. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Carl Sandburg College one of the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Carl Sandburg College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Galesburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,390, compared with $8,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,604 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $48,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lake Land College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the rural area of Mattoon, Lake Land College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,415, with out-of-state students paying around $14,301. Students borrow a median of $7,769 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $30,294. That is a strong return on a $7,769 median debt.
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $8,093. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $33,073. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.
Illinois Valley Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, landing the #5 spot this year. Illinois Valley Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Oglesby. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,385. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $8,099 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Illinois Valley Community College generally make around $33,224. Set against $8,099 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Danville Area Community College placed #6 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Located in the town of Danville, Danville Area Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,440, while out-of-state students pay about $7,440. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $9,470 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $36,123. That is a strong return on a $9,470 median debt.
Muskegon Community College came in at #7 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Muskegon Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Muskegon. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,250, with out-of-state students paying around $16,010. Students borrow a median of $14,928 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Muskegon Community College generally make around $48,267. That is a strong return on a $14,928 median debt.
Richland Community College placed #8 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Located in the city of Decatur, Richland Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,680, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. Students borrow a median of $9,562 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Richland Community College earn a median of $46,233 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,562 median debt.
Oakland Community College placed #9 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Set in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $15,865. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $43,205. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt.
Harper College placed #10 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. Students from in state pay about $3,894 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Elgin Community College came in at #11 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,252, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $7,727. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Elgin Community College earn a median of $43,975 early in their careers. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Sinclair Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Sinclair Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Dayton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $35,348 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Lake County ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. In-state tuition and fees average $4,788, while out-of-state students pay about $14,400. Students borrow a median of $9,785 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $50,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ivy Tech Community College earned the #14 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $6,599 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College generally make around $49,030. Set against $6,599 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Wayne County Community College District came in at #15 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Wayne County Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $20,820 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $48,892. Set against $20,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lakeshore Technical College landed the #16 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Set in the rural area of Cleveland, Lakeshore Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $11,582 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Lakeshore Technical College generally make around $48,619. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kishwaukee College landed the #17 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Set in the rural area of Malta, Kishwaukee College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,680. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $10,328. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Kishwaukee College generally make around $30,398. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #18 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Located in the town of Rice Lake, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College generally make around $42,282. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
John A Logan College earned the #19 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. John A Logan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Carterville. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $7,540. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $10,479. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from John A Logan College generally make around $40,806. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gateway Technical College came in at #20 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Gateway Technical College is a large public school located in the city of Kenosha. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $9,700 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Gateway Technical College earn a median of $38,659 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,700 median debt.
Clark State Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Clark State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,393, with out-of-state students paying around $8,049. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $20,740 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Clark State Community College earn a median of $39,734 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $9,500. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $38,325. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Moraine Park Technical College placed #23 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Moraine Park Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fond du Lac. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,819, compared with $7,084 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $7,000. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $41,073. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #24 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Fennimore. Students from in state pay about $4,904 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,147 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $5,500. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $42,087. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
Blackhawk Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the suburb of Janesville, Blackhawk Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,747, compared with $6,803 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,715 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Blackhawk Technical College generally make around $44,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 32 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 41 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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.
