2026 Best Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez to be the best-value Engineering school in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $9,280 in student loans. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,280 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $10,742. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $10,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Engineering program 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 admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,484. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $23,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Louisiana Tech University landed the #5 spot. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Engineering students take on a median of $20,937 in debt. 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 has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
University Of Delaware came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Lawrence Technological University placed #8 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit school based in Southfield, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,760. The median Engineering program debt is $30,029. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,151. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lawrence Technological University admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Lawrence Technological University profile
Texas Tech University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Engineering students take on a median of $26,785 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,785 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Dayton ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,009 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,009 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about University Of Dayton
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Lamar University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Lamar University is a public school based in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Students borrow a median of $19,464 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. That is a strong return on a $19,464 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lamar University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Marquette University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. The median Engineering program debt is $26,427. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Marquette University
Santa Clara University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $24,197 in student loans. Median earnings reach $109,183 ten years out. Set against $24,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. Get the full Santa Clara University report
Michigan Technological University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Michigan Technological University Engineering students take on a median of $26,258 in debt. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $26,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Texas A And M University College Station placed #17 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,769 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Dakota came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. University Of North Dakota Engineering students take on a median of $26,764 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,764 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. 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. University Of Wisconsin Madison Engineering students take on a median of $23,010 in debt. 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. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Houston landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Engineering student debt is $20,528. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,528 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston
University Of California Berkeley came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,930 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $25,158. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,158 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Engineering program debt is $20,445. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $20,445 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Lehigh University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $25,607. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lehigh University
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,262 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,257 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,262 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,074. Typical Engineering student debt is $25,859. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Set against $25,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Cornell University placed #27 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical Engineering student debt is $13,684. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $13,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. See the full Cornell University profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,493 in student loans. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $24,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,838 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $15,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Engineering program debt is $25,951. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $25,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Rowan University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $23,242. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $23,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Rowan University
Clemson University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. The median Engineering program debt is $25,444. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,444 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Clemson University report
Iowa State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,874 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iowa State University profile
Wichita State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $24,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Wichita State University
San Diego State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $19,122. 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. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read the full report on San Diego State University
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based 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, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $17,938 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $25,739. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $25,739 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $20,628. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,628 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Memphis placed #37 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Engineering students take on a median of $27,043 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Memphis report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #40 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Engineering students take on a median of $24,572 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $24,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,639. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,639 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Engineering students take on a median of $24,840 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Tulsa placed #43 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit school based in Tulsa, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,546. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,408 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. University Of Tulsa has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full University Of Tulsa report
Kansas State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Engineering program debt is $24,859. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Set against $24,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Kansas State University
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,001 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
North Carolina A And T State University placed #46 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Students borrow a median of $29,926 to complete their Engineering program here. North Carolina A And T State University alumni report median earnings of $44,440 a decade after entry. Set against $29,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Carolina A And T State University report
Oakland University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,140. Oakland University alumni report median earnings of $58,612 a decade after entry. Set against $26,140 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oakland University
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Typical Engineering student debt is $17,301. New Mexico State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,301 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Kingsville Engineering students take on a median of $25,201 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $25,201 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Georgia landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $23,894. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,894 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Related Engineering Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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