2026 Best Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering graduate certificate 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 evaluated 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Arizona State University Skysong this year in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $23,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. 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
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #3 spot. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Engineering program debt is $26,467. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $26,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Louisiana Tech University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Louisiana Tech University Engineering students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. 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. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $21,400 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,400 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. University Of Dayton Engineering students take on a median of $26,009 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Seattle University placed #9 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Seattle University Engineering students take on a median of $24,235 in debt. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
Texas A And M University College Station placed #10 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,769 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Lawrence Technological University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit school based in Southfield, MI. Students from in state pay about $44,760 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $30,029. Median earnings reach $69,151 ten years out. Set against $30,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lawrence Technological University admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Lawrence Technological University profile
Villanova University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,782. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on Villanova University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Engineering students take on a median of $20,937 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,937 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Michigan Technological University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Engineering program debt is $26,258. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,258 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Loyola Marymount University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Loyola Marymount University Engineering students take on a median of $26,838 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. Set against $26,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. The median Engineering program debt is $26,405. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $26,405 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
University Of New Orleans landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,172, 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. Set against $23,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of New Orleans
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,785. A decade after starting, 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 St Thomas Minnesota placed #19 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. See the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota profile
Lehigh University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,607 to complete their Engineering program here. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,607 median debt. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. Read the full report on Lehigh University
Auburn University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,167. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $23,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on Auburn University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Set against $25,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Engineering program debt is $23,010. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $23,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Students borrow a median of $26,262 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,572. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $24,572 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $24,399. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $24,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Wichita State University
San Diego State University placed #28 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical Engineering student debt is $19,122. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #29 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Engineering students take on a median of $24,066 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of Michigan Dearborn offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Graduates carry a median of $23,819 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,649. Set against $23,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn
Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,984, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Typical Engineering student debt is $25,808. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri University Of Science And Technology admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Engineering program debt is $20,748. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $20,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #33 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland College Park Engineering students take on a median of $21,991 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,991 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,570, with out-of-state students paying around $38,508. Students borrow a median of $25,160 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Engineering program debt is $20,445. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Iowa State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #37 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,765. The median Engineering program debt is $26,985. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,470. That is a strong return on a $26,985 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #38 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Engineering program debt is $25,739. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $25,739 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of South Alabama came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,116, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. The median Engineering program debt is $26,581. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Alabama
North Carolina A And T State University placed #40 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $6,813 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Students borrow a median of $29,926 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,440. Set against $29,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina A And T State University
Harvard University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Engineering program debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Harvard University
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. The median Engineering program debt is $17,301. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. That is a strong return on a $17,301 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,414. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. Set against $23,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Clemson University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $25,444. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,444 median debt. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. The median Engineering program debt is $25,201. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $24,390 in student loans. 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 the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Arizona landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. The median Engineering program debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Arizona
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Engineering students take on a median of $25,024 in debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Engineering students take on a median of $20,594 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,960 ten years after entry. Set against $20,594 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
University Of North Texas landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $25,169 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
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 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. 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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