2026 Best Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Environmental Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 171 institutions 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 Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of North Dakota tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Environmental Engineering doctoral degree schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Dakota
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Environmental Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $16,316. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Set against $16,316 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Michigan Technological University, which ranked #3 this year. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,545. 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 admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
A rank of #4 makes Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Located 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, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
A rank of #5 makes Clemson University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Clemson University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #6 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. 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 Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Reno Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $25,060 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Lehigh University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Lehigh University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,008 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 26%. Read the full report on Lehigh University
University Of Houston landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,531. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $20,778. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Florida landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. 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
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $143,372. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #15 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 average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
University Of Kansas came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median Environmental Engineering program 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 admits about 94% of applicants. More on University Of Kansas
Rice University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $11,904. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. See the full Rice University profile
University Of California Irvine placed #18 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $16,539. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Irvine
University Of Central Florida came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,308. That is a strong return on a $24,596 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
University Of Iowa came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Michigan State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
Clarkson University placed #22 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Potsdam, NY, Clarkson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,398. Clarkson University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,696 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clarkson University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on Clarkson University
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #23 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
Colorado School Of Mines placed #25 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,335. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #26 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,774. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
Vanderbilt University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,975. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. More on Vanderbilt University
Temple University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,259. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Temple University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $19,028 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Arizona
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Newark, NJ. 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 Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $84,276 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Jersey Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Stevens Institute Of Technology ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Hoboken, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $63,462. Stevens Institute Of Technology Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,767 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $108,772. Set against $26,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stevens Institute Of Technology report
Drexel University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $30,983 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Set against $30,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Drexel University
Johns Hopkins University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
University Of Connecticut came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $21,738. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
University Of Southern California ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,312. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,131. Set against $23,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,043 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Oregon State University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Oregon State University report
Cuny City College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Cuny City College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
West Virginia University placed #43 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. See the full West Virginia University profile
Mercer University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. More on Mercer University
Syracuse University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Syracuse University
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Tufts University
Tufts University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Tufts University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Indiana Institute Of Technology ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Read the full report on Indiana Institute Of Technology
Wayne State University placed #50 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. More on Wayne State University
Related Environmental Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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 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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