2026 Best Value Engineering Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 100 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to 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 Engineering Science Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Arizona State University Skysong to be the best-value Engineering Science school in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Engineering Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Kettering University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Science ranking in the United States. Located in Flint, MI, Kettering University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,425 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $28,913. Graduates go on to earn a median of $94,823 ten years after entry. Set against $28,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kettering University report
A rank of #3 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #4 place in the United States. 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. The median Engineering Science program debt is $19,273. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
A rank of #5 makes Ohio University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Sonoma State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,031 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,986. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Sonoma State University
The College Of New Jersey landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $24,429. The College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $73,323 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. More on The College Of New Jersey
University Of New Orleans placed #8 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. University Of New Orleans Engineering Science students take on a median of $23,048 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,872 ten years out. Set against $23,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Orleans admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of New Orleans report
Dartmouth College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hanover, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,019. Dartmouth College Engineering Science students take on a median of $17,083 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,434. Set against $17,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dartmouth College admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Dartmouth College
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Harvard University Engineering Science students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. University Of Colorado Denver Engineering Science students take on a median of $26,582 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
University Of California Berkeley ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Science schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Engineering Science program debt is $14,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $22,444. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Washington State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median Engineering Science program debt is $21,903. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Toledo came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,923 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,632. That is a strong return on a $24,923 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Toledo
Wright State University Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. The median Engineering Science program debt is $25,836. Median earnings reach $49,500 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wright State University Main Campus
University Of California San Diego landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,101 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $21,348. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Set against $21,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Science program debt is $23,529. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
The University Of Tennessee placed #21 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The University Of Tennessee Engineering Science students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Arizona State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,250 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
Vanderbilt University placed #23 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Dordt College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,050. Graduates carry a median of $21,812 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,559. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Dordt College
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Engineering Science students take on a median of $19,137 in debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Science Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical Engineering Science student debt is $22,843. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Science schools. Set in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. Students borrow a median of $24,755 to complete their Engineering Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,276. Set against $24,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New Jersey Institute Of Technology
University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. The median Engineering Science program debt is $19,738. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of Rochester placed #30 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,517 in student loans. University Of Rochester alumni report median earnings of $79,042 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Rochester
California State University Bakersfield came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bakersfield, CA, California State University Bakersfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,087, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Median earnings reach $59,009 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about California State University Bakersfield
Smith College placed #32 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Based in Northampton, MA, Smith College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,178. The median Engineering Science program debt is $18,941. Median earnings reach $64,027 ten years out. Set against $18,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Smith College has an acceptance rate of 21%. See the full Smith College profile
University Of Notre Dame placed #33 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,891 in student loans. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. Set against $19,891 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Idaho State University placed #34 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Idaho State University is a public school based in Pocatello, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,610, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Engineering Science program debt is $24,640. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,608. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. See the full Idaho State University profile
Wartburg College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waverly, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $26,250. Students borrow a median of $26,793 to complete their Engineering Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,201 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,793 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Wartburg College
Hofstra University placed #36 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. Hofstra University Engineering Science students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Hofstra University alumni report median earnings of $69,039 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Hofstra University report
Mercer County Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Science schools. See the full Mercer County Community College profile
Sweet Briar College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Sweet Briar College
Holyoke Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. See the full Holyoke Community College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #39 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Clarkson University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full Clarkson University profile
Rockland Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Rockland Community College
Washington And Lee University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. More on Washington And Lee University
University Of Kansas came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Bethel University Minnesota placed #44 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
Goucher College
Goucher College placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Science schools in the United States. See the full Goucher College profile
Trinity University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Trinity University
Bristol Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Science schools. See the full Bristol Community College profile
Niagara County Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Niagara County Community College
Camden County College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Science schools. See the full Camden County College profile
Carroll College
Carroll College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Carroll College
Best Value Engineering Science Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Science 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 100 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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