2026 Best Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Engineering master’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.
To help you make your decision, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is West Texas A And M University, our #1 best-value General Engineering school in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University General Engineering students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Youngstown State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Engineering ranking in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Youngstown State University
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #3 this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. 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. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,627. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,627 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Louisiana Tech University landed the #5 spot. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Louisiana Tech University General Engineering students take on a median of $23,846 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Louisiana Tech University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #6 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. University Of Wisconsin Platteville alumni report median earnings of $61,760 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,677 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Platteville admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, 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 has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
Purdue University Northwest ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical General Engineering student debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Oklahoma Christian University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $27,180. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,721. Median earnings reach $49,203 ten years out. Set against $24,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Oklahoma Christian University profile
San Jose State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Lamar University placed #14 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Students borrow a median of $26,988 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $49,652 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lamar University report
University Of California Los Angeles placed #15 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $16,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Central Michigan University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical General Engineering student debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
South Dakota State University placed #17 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
Rowan University placed #18 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,488. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Rowan University report
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,965, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $32,944. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Jackson State University
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public school based in Fort Wayne, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,119 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. 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. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,162. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median General Engineering program debt is $19,273. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona General Engineering students take on a median of $17,226 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their General Engineering program here. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Northeastern University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Michigan Technological University placed #29 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Graduates carry a median of $22,845 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. Set against $22,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set 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, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh General Engineering students take on a median of $30,518 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $30,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Portland offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. University Of Portland General Engineering students take on a median of $23,169 in debt. University Of Portland alumni report median earnings of $82,804 a decade after entry. Set against $23,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Portland has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about University Of Portland
University Of Georgia placed #33 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median General Engineering program debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
California State University Fresno landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. California State University Fresno General Engineering students take on a median of $15,598 in debt. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Fresno
Texas Tech University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Mcneese State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lake Charles, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,489, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,249 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,453 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcneese State University admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Mcneese State University
Dartmouth College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. The median General Engineering program debt is $16,989. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,989 median debt. Dartmouth College admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about Dartmouth College
Milwaukee School Of Engineering ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,480. Students borrow a median of $27,667 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,070. That is a strong return on a $27,667 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. More on Milwaukee School Of Engineering
Prairie View A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,299, compared with $26,874 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,824 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $45,411 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,824 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Prairie View A And M University
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,659. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia General Engineering students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
San Francisco State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. San Francisco State University General Engineering students take on a median of $17,024 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on San Francisco State University
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #44 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $20,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete their General Engineering program here. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign General Engineering students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public school based in Colorado Springs, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. Graduates carry a median of $23,559 in student loans. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs alumni report median earnings of $54,659 a decade after entry. 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
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga General Engineering students take on a median of $23,324 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Set against $23,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $20,836. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Southern University And A And M College placed #50 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Southern University And A And M College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,922, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $33,288. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,371. Set against $33,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 35% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern University And A And M College profile
Related General Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Graduate Certificate 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. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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