2026 Best Value General Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

Our analysis found Louisiana Tech University to be the best-value General Engineering school in the United States. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,846. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $23,846 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report

#2

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General Engineering students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#3

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Villanova University landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full Villanova University profile

#4

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas A And M University College Station landed the #4 spot. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $20,031. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#5

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

A rank of #5 makes Lamar University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,988 median debt. Lamar University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Lamar University

#6

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS

Jackson State University placed #6 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,965, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. The median General Engineering program debt is $32,944. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. Set against $32,944 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Jackson State University profile

#7

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas placed #7 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas

#8

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Rowan University

#9

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Berkeley

#10

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Students borrow a median of $17,580 to complete their General Engineering program here. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Tennessee Technological University

#11

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis General Engineering students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Memphis

#12

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock

Little Rock, AR

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,093 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,265 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,093 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock

#13

New Mexico State University Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. 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. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,026. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus

#14

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical General Engineering student debt is $21,792. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#15

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #15 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile

#16

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mississippi State University report

#17

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University placed #17 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,772. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. More on West Virginia University

#18

University Of New Mexico Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #18 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,738. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Set against $19,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus

#19

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Northeastern University

#20

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,559. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs

#20

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Graduates carry a median of $30,309 in student loans. Morgan State University alumni report median earnings of $50,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Morgan State University

#22

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Saint Louis University Main Campus General Engineering students take on a median of $26,586 in debt. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report

#23

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cleveland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Cleveland State University report

#24

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, 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

#24

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,529. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University

#26

Wright State University Main Campus

Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,836. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,500 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Wright State University Main Campus

#27

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University placed #27 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,001 in student loans. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,001 median debt. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Old Dominion University report

#28

University Of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK

University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #28 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,083 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,892. University Of Alaska Fairbanks General Engineering students take on a median of $23,439 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,866 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,439 median debt. Read more about University Of Alaska Fairbanks

#28

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Montana State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This public school is set in Bozeman, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Montana State University General Engineering students take on a median of $23,635 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Set against $23,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Montana State University report

#30

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #30 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,657. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report

#31

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University placed #31 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school based in Richmond, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,813. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Set against $23,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile

#32

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Typical General Engineering student debt is $20,712. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Southern Methodist University

#33

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $93,487 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Brown University

#34

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome

Utica, NY

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Utica, NY, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,625, while out-of-state students pay about $21,215. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome General Engineering students take on a median of $21,056 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,355. That is a strong return on a $21,056 median debt. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome

#35

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus General Engineering students take on a median of $22,053 in debt. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus

#36

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale

#37

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. The median General Engineering program debt is $13,426. Johns Hopkins University alumni report median earnings of $87,555 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile

#38

Rochester Institute Of Technology

Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,491 in student loans. Rochester Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $76,571 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,491 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rochester Institute Of Technology

#39

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth placed #39 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in North Dartmouth, MA, University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,612 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,567. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,106. Median earnings reach $68,804 ten years out. Set against $27,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth

#40

University Of South Florida Main Campus

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#41

Widener University Main Campus

Widener University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Widener University Main Campus

#42

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#43

Marion Technical College

Marion Technical College placed #43 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. More on Marion Technical College

#44

Mclennan Community College

Mclennan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on Mclennan Community College

#45

Prince Georges Community College

Prince Georges Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Prince Georges Community College

#46

Springfield Technical Community College

Springfield Technical Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Springfield Technical Community College

#47

University Of Maryland College Park

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Maryland College Park

#48

Bradley University

Bradley University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Bradley University report

#49

Columbia College Sonora

Columbia College Sonora came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Columbia College Sonora

#50

Gateway Community College Phoenix

Gateway Community College Phoenix ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. See the full Gateway Community College Phoenix profile