2026 Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Manufacturing Engineering bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 89 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Manufacturing Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $11,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
You'll get strong value at National University, which ranked #2 this year. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. See the full National University profile
Out of the 89 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ferris State University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Out of the 89 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. The median Manufacturing Engineering program debt is $29,814. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
A rank of #5 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Grand Valley State University placed #6 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. More on Grand Valley State University
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,273 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Dunwoody College Of Technology ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,477. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $34,996. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Dunwoody College Of Technology
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $17,083. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Saint Cloud State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. The median Manufacturing Engineering program debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Western Washington University placed #12 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $21,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. That is a strong return on a $21,425 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Western Washington University
Georgia Southern University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Manufacturing Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $53,236 ten years out. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #14 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The University Of Texas Pan American Manufacturing Engineering students take on a median of $14,694 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
Wichita State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Manufacturing Engineering program here. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Wichita State University
University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete their Manufacturing Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,649 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about University Of Michigan Dearborn
Bradley University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Bradley University
Northwestern University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern University report
Miami University Oxford came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. The median Manufacturing Engineering program debt is $24,177. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Miami University Oxford has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Oregon State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $21,457 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Set against $21,457 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oregon State University
California State University Northridge landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,202 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Northridge
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Manufacturing Engineering program debt is $24,253. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $24,253 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median Manufacturing Engineering program debt is $21,375. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $21,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Virginia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Petersburg, VA, Virginia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,043 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,650 for out-of-state students. Typical Manufacturing Engineering student debt is $29,010. Virginia State University alumni report median earnings of $45,543 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,010 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Virginia State University
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Manufacturing Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Southern Indiana landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Southern Indiana
Rowan University
Rowan University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Rowan University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Savannah College Of Art And Design offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Read the full report on Savannah College Of Art And Design
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #31 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
Central State University placed #32 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Central State University report
California State University Long Beach came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. More on University Of Connecticut
Clemson University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. More on Clemson University
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College report
Wayne State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Wayne State University
Onondaga Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about Onondaga Community College
San Diego State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Read more about San Diego State University
Northeastern University placed #40 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Northeastern University report
Macomb Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Macomb Community College report
University Of California Los Angeles placed #42 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #43 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
Robert Morris University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. More on Robert Morris University
University Of North Florida ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools. See the full University Of North Florida profile
Boston University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools. More on Boston University
University Of California Irvine came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Fairfield University placed #48 among the best-value Manufacturing Engineering schools in the United States. See the full Fairfield University profile
Texas Tech University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Texas Tech University profile
The University Of Tennessee landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
Related Manufacturing Engineering Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Manufacturing Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 89 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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