2026 Best Value Environmental Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Environmental Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 171 colleges 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 Environmental Engineering Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is University Of Wisconsin Platteville, our #1 best-value Environmental Engineering school in the United States. This public school is set in Platteville, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $20,457. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,457 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $22,333. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
You'll get strong value at California State University Fullerton, which ranked #3 this year. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. More on California State University Fullerton
Out of the 171 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #4 spot. 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. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $22,386. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
You'll get strong value at University Of North Dakota, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Lamar University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Lamar University is a public school based in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Lamar University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,988 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lamar University
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,316 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,316 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #8 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of New Haven offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $26,244 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of New Haven alumni report median earnings of $60,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of New Haven
Cuny City College placed #10 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,389. Median earnings reach $66,039 ten years out. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Cuny City College report
University Of Houston ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $27,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
San Diego State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $19,089 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $19,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Diego State University report
Saint Cloud State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Cloud State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
University Of Hartford ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Hartford, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Graduates carry a median of $25,648 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,823 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full University Of Hartford profile
University Of Georgia came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,143 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Manhattan College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. Students borrow a median of $25,968 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,316. That is a strong return on a $25,968 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Manhattan College
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Butte, MT. Students from in state pay about $8,289 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Graduates carry a median of $23,962 in student loans. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana alumni report median earnings of $54,329 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,962 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $25,060 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
Texas Tech University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $19,750. 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 admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Northern Arizona University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,384 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
University Of Central Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $24,596 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Florida placed #25 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Toledo placed #26 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Toledo, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,157 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,923 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,632 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Toledo report
Clemson University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Clemson University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $26,004 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $26,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #29 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Michigan Technological University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,545. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Kennesaw State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Kennesaw State University
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $24,486. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,486 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $21,813. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Florida Gulf Coast University placed #35 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,118, with out-of-state students paying around $25,162. Graduates carry a median of $19,929 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,560. That is a strong return on a $19,929 median debt. Florida Gulf Coast University admits about 63% of applicants. More on Florida Gulf Coast University
Humboldt State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Arcata, CA, Humboldt State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,397, while out-of-state students pay about $20,997. Graduates carry a median of $24,350 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,626. That is a strong return on a $24,350 median debt. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Humboldt State University report
Florida International University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Florida International University report
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $24,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #40 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,516. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $143,372 a decade after entry. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public school based in Rolla, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,957. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Kansas landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,608. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about University Of Kansas
University Of Delaware ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,950. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $26,950 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Rice University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $11,904. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. See the full Rice University profile
Mercer University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Macon, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,565. Mercer University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $32,463 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,354 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,463 median debt. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Mercer University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Colorado School Of Mines came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Colorado School Of Mines Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #50 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,531. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
Best Value Environmental Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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).
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