2026 Best Value Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Environmental Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 171 institutions 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
California State University Fullerton tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Environmental Engineering master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. California State University Fullerton Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #2 on this year's best-value Environmental Engineering ranking in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #3 on this year's best-value Environmental Engineering ranking in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Out of the 171 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lamar University landed the #4 spot. 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. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,988. Median earnings reach $49,652 ten years out. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lamar University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bucknell University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,812. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,951. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,807 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bucknell University report
University Of New Haven landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $26,244 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of New Haven report
Michigan Technological University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,545. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $26,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Butte, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, with out-of-state students paying around $26,094. Students borrow a median of $23,962 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $54,329 ten years out. Set against $23,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Clemson University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
University Of Georgia came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,143 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $22,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $16,316 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Houston came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $27,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of Hartford placed #14 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Students borrow a median of $25,648 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $60,823 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hartford has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about University Of Hartford
Manhattan College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,968 in student loans. Median earnings reach $86,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Manhattan College
Texas Tech University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Tech University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,004 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,004 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Lehigh University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,008. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 26%. Get the full Lehigh University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,530. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Florida ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #21 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $20,778. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Gannon University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Gannon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Erie, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,656. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,934. Gannon University alumni report median earnings of $58,845 a decade after entry. Set against $26,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Gannon University profile
University Of Nevada Reno placed #24 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,060. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Set against $25,060 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $21,829. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Cuny City College placed #28 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Graduates carry a median of $13,389 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,039. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny City College
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,516. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $143,372. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of California Riverside ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Graduates carry a median of $18,068 in student loans. University Of California Riverside alumni report median earnings of $67,699 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full University Of California Riverside report
University Of Kansas placed #30 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,608. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kansas
Mercer University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,565. Graduates carry a median of $32,463 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,354 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mercer University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,259. Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $103,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology placed #34 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of Central Florida ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. University Of Central Florida is a public school based in Orlando, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $24,596. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,308 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,596 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of California Irvine landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
University Of Iowa placed #37 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $24,463. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,331. University Of Maryland Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $69,960 a decade after entry. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Northern Arizona University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $19,103 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $19,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University
The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso
Michigan State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $25,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $20,836. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
West Virginia University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Virginia University profile
Montana State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,635. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Montana State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,500. Colorado School Of Mines alumni report median earnings of $97,335 a decade after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $24,496. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about The University Of Alabama
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
Related Environmental Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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).