2026 Best Value Materials Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Materials Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 119 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Materials Engineering Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Dayton this year in the United States. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on University Of Dayton
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #2 on this year's best-value Materials Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Winona State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Materials Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Winona State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Villanova University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. See the full Villanova University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on this year's best-value Materials Engineering ranking in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Materials Engineering students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
San Jose State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Materials Engineering students take on a median of $21,335 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $21,335 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #7 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Iowa State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $23,125. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Iowa State University
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Located in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,289 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,962 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,329 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,962 median debt. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana admits about 91% of applicants. More on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
University Of Florida came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Florida
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,668 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,257. Set against $26,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Materials Engineering students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $17,123. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $17,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Houston landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Materials Engineering students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
Cornell University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $18,000. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Materials Engineering students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $20,676. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of California San Diego came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $17,101. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on University Of California San Diego
Michigan Technological University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
California State University Northridge landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. California State University Northridge Materials Engineering students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. See the full California State University Northridge profile
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #25 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Materials Engineering students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $143,372. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Materials Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Arkansas placed #26 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas
Arizona State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $23,733 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,733 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $23,659. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $17,916 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $17,916 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $29,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Wichita State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $24,262. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Wichita State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $22,337. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Auburn University placed #33 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $22,803. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Auburn University report
Clemson University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $25,243. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read more about Clemson University
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $21,829. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,760 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $29,760 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Washington State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $21,111. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $21,111 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $25,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,957. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Lehigh University placed #40 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $26,324. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lehigh University report
Boise State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Boise State University is a public school based in Boise, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Boise State University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Boise State University alumni report median earnings of $51,658 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Boise State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Michigan State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $27,925. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $27,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,624 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Wright State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Wright State University Main Campus is a public school based in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wright State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Wright State University Main Campus
Northwestern University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,765. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Best Value Materials Engineering Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Materials Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 119 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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