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2026 Best Value Engineering Certificate Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Engineering Certificate Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Engineering certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1312 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

Our analysis found South Dakota State University to be the best-value Engineering school in the United States. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Engineering program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University

#2

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $20,748 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida

You'll get strong value at Missouri University Of Science And Technology, which ranked #3 this year. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public school based in Rolla, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,808 to complete their Engineering program here. Missouri University Of Science And Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,957 a decade after entry. Set against $25,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report

A rank of #4 makes Ohio University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $25,951. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus

Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #5 spot. Based in Pueblo, CO, Colorado State University Pueblo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,944 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado State University Pueblo report

Louisiana Tech University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Louisiana Tech University

University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Engineering students take on a median of $24,390 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $24,390 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Graduates carry a median of $17,550 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,872. That is a strong return on a $17,550 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,010. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,010 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#11

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University placed #11 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,399 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Wichita State University

Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Engineering program debt is $20,769. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,769 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#13

University Of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL

University Of North Florida ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. University Of North Florida Engineering students take on a median of $21,699 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants. See the full University Of North Florida profile

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,166. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $26,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,572. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,572 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#16

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Rowan University Engineering students take on a median of $23,242 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,242 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rowan University

#17

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $28,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. That is a strong return on a $28,463 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Kennesaw State University

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Engineering program debt is $24,066. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#19

University Of New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

University Of New Orleans placed #19 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. Students from in state pay about $9,172 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,981 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,872. That is a strong return on a $23,981 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of New Orleans

#20

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $20,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Arizona

#21

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. University Of Kentucky Engineering students take on a median of $23,672 in debt. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $23,672 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky

#22

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Engineering student debt is $25,444. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Clemson University profile

Boise State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Boise State University is a public school based in Boise, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. The median Engineering program debt is $29,430. Boise State University alumni report median earnings of $51,658 a decade after entry. Set against $29,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boise State University report

The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #24 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Students borrow a median of $27,458 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $57,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,458 median debt. The University Of Texas At San Antonio has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Engineering students take on a median of $26,166 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,198 ten years out. Set against $26,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Certificate Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington Engineering students take on a median of $22,359 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington

#27

Western New England University

Springfield, MA

Western New England University placed #27 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,820. Students borrow a median of $26,698 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,157. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western New England University

University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. The median Engineering program debt is $27,000. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile

#29

University Of Maine

Orono, ME

University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Orono, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Students borrow a median of $25,815 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $48,653 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Maine

#30

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL

Full Sail University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winter Park, FL, Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,906. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,219. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Read the full report on Full Sail University

#31

Electrical Training Center

Copiague, NY

Electrical Training Center ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Copiague, NY, Electrical Training Center is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $6,333 to complete their Engineering program here. See the full Electrical Training Center profile

Augustana College Illinois ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Get the full Augustana College Illinois report

Bluegrass Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Read the full report on Bluegrass Community And Technical College

Corning Community College placed #34 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Corning Community College report

Marshall University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Marshall University profile

Montgomery Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Montgomery Community College

Oregon Health And Science University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Read the full report on Oregon Health And Science University

Oxnard College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Oxnard College

Bucks County Community College placed #39 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. See the full Bucks County Community College profile

Capital Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Capital Community College profile

Columbia College Missouri ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Read more about Columbia College Missouri

Northwestern College Iowa ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa

San Diego City College placed #43 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Read more about San Diego City College

Simpson University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. See the full Simpson University profile

Arizona Western College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read the full report on Arizona Western College

Benedictine College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. See the full Benedictine College profile

Heartland Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. More on Heartland Community College

Lamar State College Orange landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Lamar State College Orange

North Shore Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on North Shore Community College

Tidewater Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Read the full report on Tidewater Community College

See value rankings for other degree levels:

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

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