2026 Best Value Materials Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Materials Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 119 schools 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of Dayton earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $25,033. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of Dayton
A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the best values in the United States. Based 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 median Materials Engineering program debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Out of the 119 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Michigan Technological University landed the #3 spot. Set 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. Michigan Technological University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
A rank of #4 makes Texas A And M University College Station one of the best values in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,676 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. 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, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $21,335. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Set against $21,335 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $17,123. 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. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
Lehigh University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $26,324 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,324 median debt. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted. More on Lehigh University
Clemson University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $25,243. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $25,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Clemson University
University Of Florida came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Houston landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Materials Engineering students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 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 Houston
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located 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. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $26,668. 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
Arizona State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $23,733 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $17,916. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of California San Diego landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $17,101. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #21 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Students from in state pay about $62,396 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
The University Of Tennessee came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
University Of Arkansas came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $24,019. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median Materials 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. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Materials Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Materials Engineering students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Materials Engineering students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,187 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Missouri University Of Science And Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,957 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
Auburn University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on Auburn University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #30 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,111 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,111 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of California Davis placed #31 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $18,777. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $18,777 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Colorado School Of Mines Materials Engineering students take on a median of $24,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,470. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
Northwestern University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials 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. Northwestern University Materials Engineering students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. Read more about Northwestern University
Washington State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $29,760. Ten years after enrolling, 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. More on Washington State University
Boise State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Boise State University is a public school based in Boise, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,658. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Boise State University
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $9,987. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $9,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Irvine
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #39 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. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Materials Engineering students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Materials Engineering schools in the United States. Located in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. University Of Mississippi Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $50,994 a decade after entry. Set against $22,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Materials Engineering students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. 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. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Central Florida ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso Materials Engineering students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
University Of North Texas ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,823 to complete their Materials Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $26,823 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
The University Of Alabama ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $20,531. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,227. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Dallas report
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Materials Engineering schools. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. The median Materials Engineering program debt is $24,755. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,276. Set against $24,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full New Jersey Institute Of Technology report
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $19,349. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Typical Materials Engineering student debt is $21,632. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Materials Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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