2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Grantham University this year in the United States. This public school is set in LIttle Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,520. Grantham University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $30,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. See the full Grantham University profile
You'll get strong value at Bemidji State University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,819. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Excelsior College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Set in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $19,311 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Excelsior College
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #5 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Kennesaw State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $27,004 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kennesaw State University
South Dakota State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,083. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
Utah Valley University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Orem, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $13,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,486. Set against $13,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Utah Valley University
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,122. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,795. That is a strong return on a $25,122 median debt. Eastern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
California State University Northridge came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. California State University Northridge Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on California State University Northridge
Eastern Michigan University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $31,122. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
Morehead State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Morehead State University report
Western Michigan University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Iowa State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,236. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $25,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Iowa State University
California State University Chico ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on California State University Chico
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,404. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,404 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Pittsburg State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Pittsburg State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $22,669 in debt. 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. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University
East Carolina University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on East Carolina University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $16,625. 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. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Southeast Missouri State University placed #21 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,289. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Southeast Missouri State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
San Jose State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full San Jose State University report
Stanford University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Stanford University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of South Carolina Upstate came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Spartanburg, SC, University Of South Carolina Upstate is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,588, with out-of-state students paying around $23,090. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $28,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,587 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Carolina Upstate profile
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Arizona State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. More on Clemson University
Michigan State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $23,756 in student loans. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,756 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Michigan State University report
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga alumni report median earnings of $51,151 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $19,576. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,576 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
Indiana State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,582. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana State University profile
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Miami University Oxford landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,000. Miami University Oxford alumni report median earnings of $55,076 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Miami University Oxford has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Miami University Oxford
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,777. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Arizona
Michigan Technological University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $27,875. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $26,774. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Illinois Institute Of Technology
Clarkson University placed #39 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Potsdam, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,398. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,696 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Clarkson University profile
Rochester Institute Of Technology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,571 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. Rochester Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Rochester Institute Of Technology
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hoboken, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $63,462. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $108,772. That is a strong return on a $26,975 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. More on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Art Center College Of Design landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pasadena, CA, Art Center College Of Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,170. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $37,250. Median earnings reach $71,958 ten years out. Set against $37,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Art Center College Of Design admits about 74% of applicants. More on Art Center College Of Design
New York University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University
New York Institute Of Technology ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Old Westbury, NY, New York Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,560. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,435. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New York Institute Of Technology
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
Johnson And Wales University Online landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Johnson And Wales University Online
Francis Tuttle Technology Center placed #47 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Get the full Francis Tuttle Technology Center report
Washington State University placed #48 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Michigan Dearborn
Georgetown University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. See the full Georgetown University profile
Related Engineering Related Fields Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Rankings consider 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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