2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 334 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Civil Engineering Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Civil Engineering school in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 334 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Civil Engineering students take on a median of $9,370 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $9,370 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #3 on this year's best-value Civil Engineering ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Civil Engineering students take on a median of $9,053 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $9,053 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
You'll get strong value at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $21,701 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $21,701 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #7 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Civil Engineering students take on a median of $22,275 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $22,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University
University Of Wisconsin Platteville placed #9 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public school based in Platteville, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,522. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,760. That is a strong return on a $23,522 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville profile
Youngstown State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of North Dakota landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #12 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,388. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,388 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
San Jose State University placed #13 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full San Jose State University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $20,424 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,424 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California State University Chico ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Chico, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. California State University Chico Civil Engineering students take on a median of $21,583 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. That is a strong return on a $21,583 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Chico
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,307. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set 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 $28,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
West Virginia University Institute Of Technology ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Beckley, WV, West Virginia University Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,291 in student loans. West Virginia University Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 37%. More on West Virginia University Institute Of Technology
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #21 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,044 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,044 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Western Michigan University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $29,156. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $29,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
California State University Sacramento placed #23 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $19,124 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
San Diego State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $19,832. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Lamar University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,988. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lamar University profile
York College Pennsylvania landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,537. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Jackson State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Jackson State University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Jackson State University
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $16,437. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Set against $16,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. More on California State University Long Beach
Lawrence Technological University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,760. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $30,197. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,151. That is a strong return on a $30,197 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lawrence Technological University report
University Of Houston landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
The College Of New Jersey came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of New Jersey
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $15,267 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,000. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,030 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Dayton placed #37 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Dayton
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Butte, MT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,962. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana alumni report median earnings of $54,329 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,962 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Tennessee Technological University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $20,870. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Tennessee Technological University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Civil Engineering students take on a median of $19,781 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
San Francisco State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $18,873. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Set against $18,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full San Francisco State University profile
Villanova University placed #41 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about Villanova University
University Of Wyoming landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Texas Tech University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Iowa State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Johnstown, PA. Students from in state pay about $14,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown profile
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,500. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Best Value Civil Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Civil Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering 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 334 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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