2026 Best Value General Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Engineering bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 790 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Western Carolina University, our #1 best-value General Engineering school in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Western Carolina University General Engineering students take on a median of $25,550 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Carolina University
You'll get strong value at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Buzzards Bay, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,722 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,884 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,392 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,884 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Massachusetts Maritime Academy profile
Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Grand Valley State University landed the #3 spot. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,378. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Olin College came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Engineering ranking in the United States. Olin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Needham, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $63,742. Olin College General Engineering students take on a median of $14,512 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $129,455 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olin College admits about 25% of applicants. See the full Olin College profile
A rank of #5 makes San Jose State University one of the best values in the United States. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on San Jose State University
Mcneese State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Lake Charles, LA, Mcneese State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,489, with out-of-state students paying around $9,989. Students borrow a median of $27,249 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,453. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcneese State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Mcneese State University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,627. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,627 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Tennessee Technological University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Tennessee Technological University report
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Harvey Mudd College placed #10 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Claremont, CA, Harvey Mudd College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,613 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,240 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $138,687. That is a strong return on a $22,240 median debt. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Harvey Mudd College
California State University Long Beach came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Florida International University placed #12 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,349. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
James Madison University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. James Madison University General Engineering students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,954. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on James Madison University
University Of Southern Indiana ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. The median General Engineering program debt is $21,999. University Of Southern Indiana alumni report median earnings of $47,605 a decade after entry. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Southern Indiana report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical General Engineering student debt is $30,518. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $30,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Rowan University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Rowan University General Engineering students take on a median of $24,488 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Rowan University
Arizona State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,113. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,113 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median General Engineering program debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
East Carolina University placed #17 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. East Carolina University General Engineering students take on a median of $26,978 in debt. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Set against $26,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on East Carolina University
University Of Mississippi Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $22,444. University Of Mississippi Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $50,994 a decade after entry. Set against $22,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus profile
University Of North Carolina At Asheville landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Asheville, NC, University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,501, with out-of-state students paying around $24,849. Typical General Engineering student debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Asheville has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Asheville profile
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,119. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
University Of California Davis placed #23 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their General Engineering program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Hope College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Holland, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,484. Hope College General Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Hope College alumni report median earnings of $58,427 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Hope College profile
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome placed #25 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Utica, NY, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,625, compared with $21,215 for out-of-state students. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome General Engineering students take on a median of $21,056 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,355. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Martin, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,560, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. The University Of Tennessee Martin General Engineering students take on a median of $29,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee Martin has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee Martin report
Northwestern University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Northwestern University report
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #28 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $20,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Butte, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,962. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,329. That is a strong return on a $23,962 median debt. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana profile
Colorado School Of Mines came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set 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 General Engineering students take on a median of $24,521 in debt. Colorado School Of Mines alumni report median earnings of $97,335 a decade after entry. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
Michigan State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Michigan State University
John Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Siloam Springs, AR, John Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,756. Graduates carry a median of $25,488 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,907 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,488 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on John Brown University
Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,046. Students borrow a median of $25,148 to complete their General Engineering program here. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $101,253 a decade after entry. Set against $25,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology
Old Dominion University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Old Dominion University
Calvin College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,350 in tuition and fees. Calvin College General Engineering students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Calvin College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Calvin College
Carnegie Mellon University placed #35 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,529. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Elizabethtown College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,950. Elizabethtown College General Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Elizabethtown College
Mercer University placed #38 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,565. Mercer University General Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,354. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mercer University
Brown University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. The median General Engineering program debt is $14,500. Brown University alumni report median earnings of $93,487 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brown University profile
Michigan Technological University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median General Engineering program debt is $25,800. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Michigan Technological University
New Jersey Institute Of Technology came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,755. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,276 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Frostburg State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Frostburg, MD. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,493. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Frostburg State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Frostburg State University
Boise State University placed #43 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,048 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,311. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,658 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boise State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Boise State University
Miami University Oxford offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Students borrow a median of $24,177 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. That is a strong return on a $24,177 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Miami University Oxford profile
Lafayette College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Easton, PA, Lafayette College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,648 in tuition and fees. The median General Engineering program debt is $16,931. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,410 ten years after entry. Set against $16,931 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lafayette College admits about 31% of applicants. Read the full report on Lafayette College
Swarthmore College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Swarthmore, PA, Swarthmore College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,494. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,257. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. More on Swarthmore College
Fort Lewis College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Fort Lewis College is a public school based in Durango, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,958, compared with $21,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,450 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Lewis College has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Fort Lewis College
Temple University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,259. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Temple University
Santa Clara University placed #50 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $109,183 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Santa Clara University profile
Christian Brothers University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Memphis, TN, Christian Brothers University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,420. Students borrow a median of $32,416 to complete their General Engineering program here. Christian Brothers University alumni report median earnings of $57,478 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Christian Brothers University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Christian Brothers University
Related General Engineering Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value General Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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