2026 Best Value Materials Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Materials Engineering bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 119 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Materials Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Winona State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Materials Engineering bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $22,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Winona State University profile
A rank of #2 makes University Of Florida one of the best values in the United States. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
A rank of #3 makes University Of Alabama At Birmingham one of the best values in the United States. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $26,162. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Alabama At Birmingham
You'll get strong value at Purdue University Main Campus, which ranked #4 this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $21,335. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,335 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Iowa State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on San Jose State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #7 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #8 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, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Materials Engineering students take on a median of $17,123 in debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $17,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #9 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Materials Engineering students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $29,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Wright State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical Materials 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%. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
Washington State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $29,760 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $29,760 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Washington State University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $19,500. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #13 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $17,916 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Materials Engineering students take on a median of $20,676 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,676 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Michigan Technological University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Auburn University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Auburn University report
Arizona State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $23,733 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $23,733 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
Boise State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $25,000. Boise State University alumni report median earnings of $51,658 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Boise State University profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Materials Engineering students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $21,111 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Michigan State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $27,925. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $27,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Michigan State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Materials Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Clemson University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,243 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on Clemson University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Reno Materials Engineering students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Northwestern University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. See the full Northwestern University profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $17,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
The University Of Tennessee ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The University Of Tennessee Materials Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. More on The University Of Tennessee
Cornell University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho Materials Engineering students take on a median of $23,844 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Idaho
New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Socorro, NM. Students from in state pay about $9,476 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,247 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $18,747. New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology alumni report median earnings of $76,489 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,747 median debt. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology
University Of Kentucky landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Lehigh University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Students borrow a median of $26,324 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $105,584. Set against $26,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lehigh University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $20,915 in student loans. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $20,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of California Davis placed #40 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $18,777 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Stanford University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of Connecticut landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Connecticut
Case Western Reserve University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. Case Western Reserve University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $25,106 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,989. That is a strong return on a $25,106 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full Case Western Reserve University profile
University Of North Texas ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $26,823. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,823 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
University Of California Irvine placed #45 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $9,987. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,987 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on University Of California Irvine
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $23,250. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $102,051 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University Of Utah came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $20,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Utah
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
Alfred University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Located in Alfred, NY, Alfred University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,138. Alfred University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $25,706 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,897. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about Alfred University
Johns Hopkins University placed #50 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University
Related Materials Engineering Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Materials Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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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