2026 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools in North Carolina
[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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 27 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools.
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2026 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools in North Carolina
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
For return on investment in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist, no school beat Central Carolina Community College this year. Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Sanford. Students from in state pay about $2,711 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,855 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $10,266 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Central Carolina Community College earn a median of $38,198 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,266 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Central Piedmont Community College one of the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $11,861. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Central Piedmont Community College earn a median of $40,629 early in their careers. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Cleveland Community College one of the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Located in the town of Shelby, Cleveland Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,602 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,746 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $7,131 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $39,891. Set against $7,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist will find it at Durham Technical Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Durham, Durham Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,240 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,531 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $20,408 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $46,293. Set against $20,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist will find it at Rockingham Community College, which ranked #5. Rockingham Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Wentworth. In-state tuition and fees average $1,966, with out-of-state students paying around $6,574. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $5,500. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Rockingham Community College generally make around $50,048. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Johnston Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the town of Smithfield, Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,756 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,900 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $9,490 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $34,171. Set against $9,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Fayetteville Technical Community College placed #7 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Located in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,628, compared with $8,772 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $16,909. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $40,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wayne Community College placed #8 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Wayne Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Goldsboro. In-state tuition and fees average $2,566, compared with $8,710 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $5,500. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Wayne Community College earn a median of $33,116 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Craven Community College landed the #9 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Set in the town of New Bern, Craven Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,022, while out-of-state students pay about $6,630. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $8,924 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Craven Community College earn a median of $30,235 early in their careers. Set against $8,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Surry Community College earned the #10 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Located in the rural area of Dobson, Surry Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,668, while out-of-state students pay about $8,812. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $9,537 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Surry Community College generally make around $47,188. That is a strong return on a $9,537 median debt.
College Of The Albemarle landed the #11 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Located in the town of Elizabeth City, College Of The Albemarle is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,242 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,652 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $10,240 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $50,506. Set against $10,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rowan Cabarrus Community College landed the #12 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Located in the suburb of Salisbury, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,064 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,672. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $10,867 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Rowan Cabarrus Community College earn a median of $34,351 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cape Fear Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Set in the city of Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,748, with out-of-state students paying around $8,892. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $12,388 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Cape Fear Community College earn a median of $42,889 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute landed the #14 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Hudson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,528, compared with $6,528 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $44,734. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Gaston College came in at #15 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Located in the suburb of Dallas, Gaston College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,186, compared with $9,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,915 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Gaston College earn a median of $39,937 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Richmond Community College landed the #16 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Set in the town of Hamlet, Richmond Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,956, compared with $6,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,407 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 Richmond Community College generally make around $31,268. That is a strong return on a $8,407 median debt.
Mitchell Community College came in at #17 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Mitchell Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Statesville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,651, compared with $8,795 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $6,313 in student loans. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Mitchell Community College earn a median of $40,450 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Forsyth Technical Community College earned the #18 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Forsyth Technical Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,276, compared with $6,884 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $16,374 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Forsyth Technical Community College generally make around $38,094. That is a strong return on a $16,374 median debt.
Isothermal Community College earned the #19 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Isothermal Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Spindale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,030, compared with $6,638 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $6,625. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Isothermal Community College generally make around $47,389. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt.
Mcdowell Technical Community College placed #20 among the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Set in the rural area of Marion, Mcdowell Technical Community College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,032, while out-of-state students pay about $6,640. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Mcdowell Technical Community College earn a median of $56,733 early in their careers.
Randolph Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the town of Asheboro, Randolph Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,416, compared with $8,176 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Randolph Community College earn a median of $32,198 early in their careers.
Davidson County Community College came in at #22 for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Located in the rural area of Thomasville, Davidson County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,980, compared with $6,588 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $11,000. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Davidson County Community College generally make around $39,990. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock landed the #23 spot for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value this year. Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Flat Rock. Students from in state pay about $2,660 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,804 for out-of-state students. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $16,252 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $42,443. Set against $16,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College earned the #24 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Set in the city of Asheville, Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,882, with out-of-state students paying around $9,026. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $18,883. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $37,078. That is a strong return on a $18,883 median debt.
Alamance Community 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 Graham, Alamance Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,592 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete the computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist program here. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Alamance Community College earn a median of $37,585 early in their careers. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Rest of the Top 26 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist value ranking:
More Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 27 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.
