2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 334 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez to be the best-value Civil Engineering school in the United States. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $9,053 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $9,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
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. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $9,370. 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 more about Brigham Young University Provo
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #3 on this year's best-value Civil Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $22,275 in student loans. 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. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Out of the 334 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #4 spot. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Out of the 334 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #5 spot. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
University Of Dayton placed #6 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based 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 $26,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about University Of Dayton
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,701 in student loans. 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. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Villanova University placed #8 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about Villanova University
Seattle University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Seattle University profile
San Jose State University placed #10 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full San Jose State University profile
Loyola Marymount University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $20,424. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $20,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Lawrence Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,760. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $30,197. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,151 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,197 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lawrence Technological University
Manhattan College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,400. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,316 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Manhattan College report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #15 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 run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Bradley University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bradley University
South Dakota State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Santa Clara University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $109,183 ten years out. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. See the full Santa Clara University profile
Saint Martins University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lacey, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $23,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Saint Martins University
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $21,030 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,030 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
California Baptist University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,504 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on California Baptist University
Marquette University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marquette University
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #22 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,388 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,257. That is a strong return on a $27,388 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Houston ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of New Haven landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit school based in West Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $60,126 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of New Haven profile
University Of North Dakota landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,600. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,600 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Dakota
The University Of Texas At Tyler ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,512, with out-of-state students paying around $24,512. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $22,670. The University Of Texas At Tyler alumni report median earnings of $57,053 a decade after entry. Set against $22,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Tyler report
San Diego State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $19,832. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,832 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read the full report on San Diego State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. 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. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Texas A And M University College Station placed #31 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Delaware came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
California State University Long Beach came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $16,437. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. Set against $16,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
California State University Sacramento landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $19,124 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Cornell University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $12,750 in student loans. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $12,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Cornell University
University Of California San Diego landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. University Of California San Diego Civil Engineering students take on a median of $16,400 in debt. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $16,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. California State University Northridge Civil Engineering students take on a median of $18,732 in debt. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
California State University Fresno landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,267 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Set against $15,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of California Berkeley placed #41 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Civil Engineering students take on a median of $14,392 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,392 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit school based in West Hartford, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Students borrow a median of $25,532 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $60,823 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,532 median debt. University Of Hartford admits about 96% of applicants. More on University Of Hartford
Lehigh University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $105,584 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. More on Lehigh University
Clemson University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,750. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. More on Clemson University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,074. Graduates carry a median of $22,845 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Set against $22,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Civil Engineering students take on a median of $19,444 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,444 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $13,548. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $13,548 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Fullerton profile
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,508. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $24,500. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina alumni report median earnings of $72,085 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 23%. More on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Related Civil Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 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 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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