2026 Best Value Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1312 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 reviewed 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 Engineering Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $14,103 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Engineering students take on a median of $9,280 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,280 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #3 spot. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Engineering students take on a median of $10,742 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $10,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Austin Community College District, which ranked #4 this year. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $15,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Austin Community College District profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,097. Students borrow a median of $26,995 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide report
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering student debt is $30,426. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Read more about National University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $26,236. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
West Texas A And M University placed #8 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $21,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $21,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Stout offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,877 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. That is a strong return on a $24,877 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,484. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,484 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #11 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
South Dakota State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about South Dakota State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #13 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Engineering students take on a median of $23,142 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Youngstown State University report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,777 to complete their Engineering program here. University Of Wisconsin Platteville alumni report median earnings of $61,760 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,777 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Platteville admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
Central Michigan University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Central Michigan University Engineering students take on a median of $29,824 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $29,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of North Dakota ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,764 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $26,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Lake Superior State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sault Ste Marie, MI, Lake Superior State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,890. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,901. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,045. That is a strong return on a $26,901 median debt. See the full Lake Superior State University profile
Massachusetts Maritime Academy placed #19 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Buzzards Bay, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,420, while out-of-state students pay about $23,722. Students borrow a median of $26,833 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $82,392 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Northern Illinois University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $24,698 to complete their Engineering program here. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,698 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Grand Valley State University placed #21 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. The median Engineering program debt is $27,870. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,870 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full San Jose State University profile
Louisiana Tech University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Engineering program here. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Louisiana Tech University
Purdue University Northwest came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Graduates carry a median of $27,656 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Engineering students take on a median of $26,262 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,257 ten years out. Set against $26,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report
Saint Cloud State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $28,500. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Cloud State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $21,400 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $21,400 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Dunwoody College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,477 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $34,996. Median earnings reach $61,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,996 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Dunwoody College Of Technology
California State University Chico landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chico, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Students borrow a median of $21,693 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Set against $21,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full California State University Chico profile
Lamar University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. The median Engineering program debt is $19,464. Median earnings reach $49,652 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Lamar University profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #33 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $26,263 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Set against $26,263 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Jackson State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,965, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. Typical Engineering student debt is $29,769. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. Set against $29,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Jackson State University report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Engineering students take on a median of $19,230 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. Set against $19,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
West Virginia University Institute Of Technology landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Beckley, WV, West Virginia University Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Students borrow a median of $24,178 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,939. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 37%. More on West Virginia University Institute Of Technology
Suny Maritime College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Throggs Neck, NY, Suny Maritime College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,589, with out-of-state students paying around $19,159. Graduates carry a median of $25,578 in student loans. Suny Maritime College alumni report median earnings of $95,951 a decade after entry. Set against $25,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Suny Maritime College
York College Pennsylvania ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. The median Engineering program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,012 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on York College Pennsylvania
Oklahoma Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,180 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,203. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma Christian University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Oklahoma Christian University profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,445 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,445 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,465. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Western Michigan University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $29,340 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Set against $29,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Michigan University
University Of Houston ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,528 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Engineering students take on a median of $19,122 in debt. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,122 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University
Olin College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Needham, MA. Students from in state pay about $63,742 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,512 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $129,455. That is a strong return on a $14,512 median debt. Olin College admits about 25% of applicants. Read the full report on Olin College
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University Engineering students take on a median of $24,874 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,874 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Iowa State University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $20,937. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,937 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Tennessee Technological University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $19,578. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Set against $19,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Tennessee Technological University
Texas Tech University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,785. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $26,785 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Dayton came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. The median Engineering program debt is $26,009. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. Set against $26,009 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dayton has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on University Of Dayton
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Engineering students take on a median of $26,467 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $26,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Best Value Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 1312 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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