2026 Best Value Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist Schools in Iowa
[Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist](/majors/production-product-development/precision-metal-working/computer-numerically-controlled-cnc-machinist-technology-cnc-machinist/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 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 Iowa
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
Our analysis ranked Kirkwood Community College the best value for a degree in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist in Iowa. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $13,500. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $48,114. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Iowa Central Community College one of the best values for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist. Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Fort Dodge. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $16,135. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Iowa Central Community College earn a median of $27,404 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Eastern Iowa Community College District came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $15,995. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Eastern Iowa Community College District earn a median of $41,510 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,995 median debt.
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the rural area of Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates carry a median of $5,479 in student loans. Early-career computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates make about $43,588. Set against $5,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hawkeye Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist schools. Located in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,525 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $7,874. Soon after graduation, computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist degree recipients from Hawkeye Community College generally make around $45,509. That is a strong return on a $7,874 median debt.
Southeastern Community College West Burlington earned the #6 position for value in computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist this year. Set in the town of West Burlington, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,570. Typical student debt for computer numerically controlled (cnc) machinist technology/cnc machinist graduates is $16,126. Computer Numerically Controlled (Cnc) Machinist Technology/cnc Machinist graduates of Southeastern Community College West Burlington earn a median of $45,760 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,126 median debt.
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 · 6 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.
