2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value General Engineering programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 790 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 reviewed 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 General Engineering Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Wake Technical Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,254 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Students borrow a median of $11,182 to complete their General Engineering program here. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. Set against $11,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
You'll get strong value at Austin Community College District, which ranked #2 this year. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. The median General Engineering program debt is $15,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Austin Community College District profile
You'll get strong value at Monroe Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Rochester, NY, Monroe Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Typical General Engineering student debt is $9,185. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,174 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,185 median debt. See the full Monroe Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Youngstown State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong General Engineering students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Western Carolina University placed #7 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median General Engineering program debt is $25,550. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,550 median debt. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Western Carolina University
Louisiana Tech University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,846. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical General Engineering student debt is $22,386. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Massachusetts Maritime Academy ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school based in Buzzards Bay, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $25,884. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,392 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,884 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Massachusetts Maritime Academy profile
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. University Of Wisconsin Platteville General Engineering students take on a median of $23,677 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,760 ten years out. Set against $23,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Platteville admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Villanova University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on Villanova University
Purdue University Northwest placed #14 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Purdue University Northwest General Engineering students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Northwest
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,378 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Oklahoma Christian University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,180. Students borrow a median of $24,721 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $49,203 ten years out. Set against $24,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma Christian University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Oklahoma Christian University
Lake Superior State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sault Ste Marie, MI, Lake Superior State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,890 in tuition and fees. Typical General Engineering student debt is $22,429. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,045 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,429 median debt. Get the full Lake Superior State University report
Lamar University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Students borrow a median of $26,988 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Lamar University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
San Jose State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles General Engineering students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Central Michigan University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their General Engineering program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Michigan Technological University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Rowan University placed #25 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,488. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Rowan University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Engineering Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Jackson, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $32,944. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,060. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Jackson State University report
University Of Arkansas placed #27 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,019. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,668. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology alumni report median earnings of $72,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants. See the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,162. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley General Engineering students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete their General Engineering program here. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $45,872 a decade after entry. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,399. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Olin College placed #32 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Needham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,742. Graduates carry a median of $14,512 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $129,455. Set against $14,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 25%. Get the full Olin College report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,273. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $19,273 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,627 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Mcneese State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Mcneese State University is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Students from in state pay about $8,489 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Mcneese State University General Engineering students take on a median of $27,249 in debt. Mcneese State University alumni report median earnings of $46,453 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcneese State University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Mcneese State University
Tennessee Technological University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,580 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,501. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Memphis ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. University Of Memphis General Engineering students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Weber State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Weber State University is a public school based in Ogden, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Weber State University
Utah Valley University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Orem, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,478 to complete their General Engineering program here. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt. Read more about Utah Valley University
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. Students borrow a median of $27,093 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median General Engineering program debt is $25,611. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. More on Northeastern University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #46 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,074. The median General Engineering program debt is $22,845. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. New Mexico State University Main Campus General Engineering students take on a median of $19,026 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station General Engineering students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $21,275. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
University Of Portland ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,169. Median earnings reach $82,804 ten years out. Set against $23,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Portland
Best Value General Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value General Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General 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 790 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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