2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 237 colleges 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 analyzed schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus, our #1 best-value Engineering Related Fields school in the United States. Based in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,787 in debt. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,165 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,787 median debt. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,260. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #3 this year. Located 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. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
A rank of #4 makes Eastern Kentucky University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Eastern Kentucky University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,122 in debt. Eastern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $45,795 a decade after entry. Set against $25,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Eastern Kentucky University
You'll get strong value at Morehead State University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $22,580. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Set against $22,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Morehead State University profile
Saint Cloud State University came in at #6 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. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Kennesaw State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. 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. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Purdue University Northwest landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Graduates carry a median of $25,083 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
University Of Dayton ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. More on University Of Dayton
California State University Northridge placed #10 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about California State University Northridge
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,275. Students borrow a median of $24,586 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. New England Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $48,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. New England Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on New England Institute Of Technology
Wichita State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Wichita State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,262 in debt. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Wichita State University report
Central Michigan University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,404 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $26,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Southeast Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $44,030 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Massachusetts Maritime Academy came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Buzzards Bay, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Massachusetts Maritime Academy Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,884 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,392 ten years after entry. Set against $25,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Maritime Academy has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Clemson University
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. 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. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Ohio University Main Campus placed #21 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
National University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $30,426. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,989 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Graduates carry a median of $23,846 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $23,846 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
University Of Kansas placed #25 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $23,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Washington State University placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Washington State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
San Jose State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Iowa State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,236 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $25,236 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University
Temple University placed #29 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,259. 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%. See the full Temple University profile
Florida Institute Of Technology placed #30 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,900. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $32,114. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida Institute Of Technology
Arizona State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. 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 admits about 90% of applicants. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $23,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northeastern State University report
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #34 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,774. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,649 ten years after entry. Set against $26,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full University Of Michigan Dearborn report
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #36 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,668 in student loans. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology alumni report median earnings of $72,257 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,668 median debt. 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 ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public school based in Fort Wayne, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,872 ten years after entry. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
University Of Houston placed #38 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
Oakland University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,972 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,612. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Oakland University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $21,829 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Stanford University
East Carolina University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. East Carolina University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on East Carolina University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,151 ten years after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report
Kansas State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,546. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $16,625 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Indiana State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Indiana State University
George Washington University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. See the full George Washington University profile
Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,957. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
California State University Los Angeles ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
Related Engineering Related Fields Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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).