by our College Data Analytics Team
[Construction Trades](/majors/construction-trades/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong construction trades education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value construction trades schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the construction trades degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Western Dakota Technical Institute the best value for a degree in construction trades in South Dakota. Western Dakota Technical Institute is a small public school located in the city of Rapid City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,294. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $12,548. Early-career construction trades graduates make about $41,303. Set against $12,548 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mitchell Technical Institute came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value construction trades schools. Mitchell Technical Institute is a small public school located in the town of Mitchell. Students from in state pay about $7,524 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $10,683. Construction Trades graduates of Mitchell Technical Institute earn a median of $45,651 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,683 median debt.
Lake Area Technical Institute is a great value for students pursuing a degree in construction trades, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Watertown, Lake Area Technical Institute is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the construction trades program here. Construction Trades graduates of Lake Area Technical Institute earn a median of $38,635 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southeast Technical Institute is a great value for students pursuing a degree in construction trades, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, Southeast Technical Institute is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,650. Typical student debt for construction trades graduates is $18,442. Construction Trades graduates of Southeast Technical Institute earn a median of $48,654 early in their careers. Set against $18,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.