2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 334 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 reviewed 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 Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Brigham Young University Idaho Civil Engineering students take on a median of $13,287 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $9,370. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,370 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Civil Engineering students take on a median of $9,053 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
South Dakota State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Civil Engineering ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. South Dakota State University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
Out of the 334 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, West Texas A And M University landed the #5 spot. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #6 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $21,701 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Civil Engineering students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Platteville, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Graduates carry a median of $23,522 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Platteville alumni report median earnings of $61,760 a decade after entry. Set against $23,522 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Platteville admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Students borrow a median of $22,275 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $26,600 in student loans. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $26,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,388 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,257. Set against $27,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants. More on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Youngstown State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
San Jose State University placed #13 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about San Jose State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Civil Engineering students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $20,424 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Set against $20,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State University Chico ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located 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 $21,583 to complete their Civil Engineering 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. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full California State University Chico profile
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $29,156. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $29,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,307. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Purdue University Northwest placed #20 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $28,250. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,044. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $26,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
West Virginia University Institute Of Technology ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Beckley, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $24,291. West Virginia University Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Set against $24,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 37%. Read more about West Virginia University Institute Of Technology
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,124 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,124 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #24 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Students borrow a median of $19,781 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. Set against $19,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
San Diego State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,832 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
Lamar University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,988. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,988 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lamar University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
York College Pennsylvania landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. 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
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,965, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Jackson State University
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
California State University Long Beach placed #30 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Set against $16,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Long Beach
The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $15,267. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Set against $15,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
University Of Houston landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston
Tennessee Technological University placed #35 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $20,870. Median earnings reach $48,501 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,870 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,289, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,962 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,329 ten years out. Set against $23,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana admits about 91% of applicants. More on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University
Cuny City College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $17,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny City College
University Of Wyoming placed #38 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. University Of Wyoming Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
Kennesaw State University landed the #40 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 average $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $28,093. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #40 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical Civil Engineering student 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. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,873 in student loans. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,873 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Texas Tech University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. 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. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Florida came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $20,121. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Florida report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. 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
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Johnstown, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,906 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,780 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown profile
Northern Arizona University placed #47 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,384 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,234. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
University Of Memphis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $29,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of Memphis
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,957 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $22,957 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,760. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $25,760 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Related Civil Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Civil Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Schools are scored on 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.