2026 Best Value Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1312 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Engineering school in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. The median Engineering program debt is $14,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $14,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $10,742 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #3 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
National University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about National University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Stout earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. University Of Wisconsin Stout Engineering students take on a median of $24,877 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout alumni report median earnings of $58,084 a decade after entry. Set against $24,877 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
South Dakota State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. South Dakota State University Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $21,125 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $21,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $23,484 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $23,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Engineering program debt is $23,817. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $23,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Central Michigan University placed #10 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,777 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Engineering students take on a median of $26,361 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,142 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
University Of North Dakota ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $26,764 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $26,764 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Lake Superior State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Sault Ste Marie, MI, Lake Superior State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,890. Graduates carry a median of $26,901 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,045. Set against $26,901 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Superior State University
Massachusetts Maritime Academy landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school based in Buzzards Bay, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,420, with out-of-state students paying around $23,722. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,833. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,392 ten years after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Maritime Academy has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. The median Engineering program debt is $27,870. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Engineering students take on a median of $26,262 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Northern Illinois University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median Engineering program debt is $24,698. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Louisiana Tech University placed #22 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Louisiana Tech University Engineering students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Louisiana Tech University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $21,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. The median Engineering program debt is $26,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,263 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Dunwoody College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,477. Graduates carry a median of $34,996 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,996 median debt. Dunwoody College Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Dunwoody College Of Technology
California State University Chico offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Students borrow a median of $21,693 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $64,172 ten years out. Set against $21,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Chico
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Purdue University Northwest came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. The median Engineering program debt is $27,656. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Jackson State University is a public school based in Jackson, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,965, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Jackson State University Engineering students take on a median of $29,769 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,060. Set against $29,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Jackson State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $19,230 in student loans. 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 has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
West Virginia University Institute Of Technology placed #31 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Beckley, WV, West Virginia University Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Students borrow a median of $24,178 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 37%. Read more about West Virginia University Institute Of Technology
Western Michigan University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median Engineering program debt is $29,340. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
Lamar University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Graduates carry a median of $19,464 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,652 ten years out. Set against $19,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lamar University report
Suny Maritime College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Throggs Neck, NY, Suny Maritime College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,589, compared with $19,159 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,578 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $95,951. Set against $25,578 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny Maritime College has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Suny Maritime College profile
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
York College Pennsylvania landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #37 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. 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. 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. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Engineering students take on a median of $20,933 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
Iowa State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,874 to complete their Engineering program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $24,265 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,265 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Florida International University placed #40 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $20,347 in student loans. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,347 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Florida International University
Tennessee Technological University placed #42 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Students borrow a median of $19,578 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,578 median debt. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Olin College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Needham, MA, Olin College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,742. The median Engineering program debt is $14,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $129,455. Set against $14,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 25%. More on Olin College
San Diego State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Engineering students take on a median of $19,122 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana placed #45 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Butte, MT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,289, compared with $26,094 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,375 to complete their Engineering program here. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana alumni report median earnings of $54,329 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,493 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Texas Tech University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Engineering program debt is $26,785. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $26,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Houston ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Engineering students take on a median of $20,528 in debt. 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%. More on University Of Houston
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,748 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,748 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
The College Of New Jersey landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $26,198 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
University Of Toledo placed #51 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Toledo is a public school based in Toledo, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Typical Engineering student debt is $22,407. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Toledo report
Related Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Associate’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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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