2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering doctoral degree 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.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Civil Engineering doctoral degree schools 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. Brigham Young University Provo Civil Engineering students take on a median of $9,370 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $9,370 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Based 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, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Akron Main Campus earned it the #3 place in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $21,701. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,701 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Civil Engineering students take on a median of $21,030 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
A rank of #5 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
South Dakota State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $19,500. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Marquette University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Marquette University
Texas Tech University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Houston placed #11 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Civil Engineering students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Lehigh University placed #12 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lehigh University
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,388 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Civil Engineering students take on a median of $14,903 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,903 median debt. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #15 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Civil Engineering students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Cornell University placed #15 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $12,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of California Berkeley ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,392 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $14,392 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #21 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. 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. That is a strong return on a $22,957 median debt. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Clemson University placed #23 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on Clemson University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $19,444. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $19,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Iowa State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. 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 admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Iowa State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Wyoming placed #26 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located 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. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,000. 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. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of California Davis came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. University Of California Davis Civil Engineering students take on a median of $16,101 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Civil Engineering students take on a median of $19,054 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $19,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #29 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,760. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of Kansas placed #30 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $14,874 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $14,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of California San Diego landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $16,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
Northeastern University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,828 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $26,828 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $22,763 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $22,763 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. 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 admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Washington State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,450 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $22,450 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Washington State University
University Of Florida placed #38 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Civil Engineering students take on a median of $20,121 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $20,121 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of California Irvine ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $19,700 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Melbourne, FL. Students from in state pay about $45,900 in tuition and fees. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,137. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $22,103 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $22,103 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University report
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At El Paso Civil Engineering students take on a median of $16,293 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
Western Michigan University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $29,156 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Western Michigan University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,957. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,765. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Worcester Polytechnic Institute admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Related Civil Engineering Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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).