2026 Best Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Environmental Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 171 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology tops our 2026 ranking of the best Environmental Engineering master's degree schools in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
The strong Environmental Engineering programs at Johns Hopkins University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
You'll be in good company at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus, which ranked #3 this year. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $27,250. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
Vanderbilt University came in at #4 on this year's Environmental Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. More on Vanderbilt University
A rank of #5 makes Bucknell University one of the top choices in the United States. Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lewisburg, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $67,812 in tuition and fees. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $25,951. Read the full report on Bucknell University
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #6 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $16,316 in debt. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $21,275. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $19,028. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
University Of Georgia placed #9 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $22,143. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Carnegie Mellon University did well this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Southern California placed #11 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $15,625. More on University Of Southern California
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #12 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
California State University Fullerton ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. California State University Fullerton posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $15,525. More on California State University Fullerton
Michigan State University landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,213. Read the full report on Michigan State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #15 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,004. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #16 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Golden, CO. Colorado School Of Mines graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,500. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
Michigan Technological University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,545 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Read more about Michigan Technological University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Florida ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Get the full University Of Florida report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,393. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Clemson University did well this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. About 87% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Get the full Clemson University report
Lehigh University placed #23 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University graduates 88% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. Read more about Lehigh University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #24 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Clarkson University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Potsdam, NY, Clarkson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,398. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $27,000. Get the full Clarkson University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $27,000. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates 74% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. University Of Colorado Boulder Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Southern Methodist University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $20,712. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
University Of Iowa placed #29 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. More on University Of Iowa
University Of California Riverside landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,068 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California Riverside
The University Of Tennessee came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana placed #32 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana graduates 58% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,289 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,962 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Read the full report on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Read the full report on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Manhattan College placed #34 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverdale, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. Students borrow a median of $25,968 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Get the full Manhattan College report
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #35 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hoboken, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Students from in state pay about $63,462 in tuition and fees. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,767. Read more about Stevens Institute Of Technology
University Of New Haven came in at #36 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Haven, CT. University Of New Haven posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,332. University Of New Haven Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,244 in debt. Read more about University Of New Haven
University Of Central Florida placed #37 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
New Jersey Institute Of Technology landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Set in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. About 73% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. New Jersey Institute Of Technology Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $24,755 in debt. More on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
University Of California Irvine placed #39 among Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
Lamar University came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. Roughly 37% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,988. More on Lamar University
University Of Houston landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. More on University Of Houston
The University Of Alabama came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The University Of Alabama graduates 73% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of Connecticut came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,738 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
Illinois Institute Of Technology did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. Graduates carry a median of $24,975 in student loans. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University Of Kansas came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,608. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Oklahoma State University Main Campus graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $22,337. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Arizona came in at #48 in this year's ranking. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,861. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno graduates 61% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,060 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
Drexel University did well this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $30,983. Read more about Drexel University
Related Environmental Engineering Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Environmental Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Environmental Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Environmental Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Environmental Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 171 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).