2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 237 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Grantham University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in LIttle Rock, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $30,600 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. Get the full Grantham University report
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Angola, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,176. Students borrow a median of $24,787 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,787 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read more about Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
A rank of #3 makes Bemidji State University one of the best values in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bemidji State University
A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #5 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Northern Illinois University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Northern Illinois University
Excelsior College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. Excelsior College Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $19,311 in debt. Excelsior College alumni report median earnings of $78,493 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Excelsior College
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #8 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
Morehead State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Morehead State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $22,580 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Morehead State University
Saint Cloud State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Eastern Kentucky University placed #11 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,122. Median earnings reach $45,795 ten years out. Set against $25,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Eastern Kentucky University
California State University Northridge landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. California State University Northridge Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
Kennesaw State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,004. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Kennesaw State University report
University Of Dayton came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,033. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Purdue University Northwest placed #15 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hammond, IN. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in East Greenwich, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,275. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,586. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,684. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. New England Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about New England Institute Of Technology
Utah Valley University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Students borrow a median of $13,850 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. Set against $13,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Utah Valley University profile
Wichita State University placed #18 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on Wichita State University
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Central Michigan University
South Dakota State University placed #20 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,989. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
Grand Valley State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #23 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $17,226. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Massachusetts Maritime Academy placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school based in Buzzards Bay, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,420, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,884 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,392. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Massachusetts Maritime Academy report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $26,404. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Iowa State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $25,236 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Set against $25,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Iowa State University profile
California State University Chico placed #29 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Students borrow a median of $16,601 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about California State University Chico
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full National University profile
Pittsburg State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Students borrow a median of $22,669 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Pittsburg State University
Louisiana Tech University placed #32 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Louisiana Tech University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $23,846 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of Kansas ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Washington State University placed #33 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Washington State University
Western Michigan University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Western Michigan University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,408. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Eastern Michigan University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $31,122. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Set against $31,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
East Carolina University placed #39 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,747. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on East Carolina University
Temple University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Temple University
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $16,625 in debt. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $16,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Jose State University
Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,900. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $32,114. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,114 median debt. Florida Institute Of Technology admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology report
Northeastern State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Northeastern State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. University Of Michigan Dearborn Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,516 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,649. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,668 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,119. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Georgia Southern University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Georgia Southern University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #50 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 237 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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