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2026 Best Value Engineering Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1312 colleges 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.

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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Explore the best-value schools below:

Our analysis found University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez to be the best-value Engineering school in the United States. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $9,280 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,280 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,097. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,995. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Set against $26,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Engineering student debt is $10,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $10,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report

#4

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Engineering program debt is $26,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,361 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #5 spot. Located 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. Arizona State University Skysong Engineering students take on a median of $26,236 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median Engineering program debt is $23,142. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $23,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile

North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Engineering program debt is $23,817. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $23,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,467 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,467 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report

Northern Illinois University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $24,698 to complete their Engineering program here. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $24,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #10 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Engineering program debt is $23,484. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $23,484 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile

#11

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. The median Engineering program debt is $26,009. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Dayton

#12

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Engineering students take on a median of $28,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University

Purdue University Northwest came in at #13 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Typical Engineering student 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. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Northwest

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $23,465. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#15

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report

#16

Seattle University

Seattle, WA

Seattle University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $24,235 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Seattle University profile

#17

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University placed #17 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Villanova University Engineering students take on a median of $26,782 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University

Lawrence Technological University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southfield, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,760. Lawrence Technological University Engineering students take on a median of $30,029 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,151. Set against $30,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Lawrence Technological University report

#19

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,293. The median Engineering program debt is $24,197. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $24,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. See the full Santa Clara University profile

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $21,400 in student loans. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade 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 more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Oklahoma Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Edmond, OK. Students from in state pay about $27,180 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Oklahoma Christian University

The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Engineering student debt is $20,937. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#23

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Lamar University placed #23 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $19,464. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. Set against $19,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lamar University

#24

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about Loyola Marymount University

#25

Bradley University

Peoria, IL

Bradley University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $26,978. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. Set against $26,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bradley University

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

#26

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA

Bucknell University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,812. Bucknell University Engineering students take on a median of $26,837 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $93,807. Set against $26,837 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants. More on Bucknell University

South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on South Dakota State University

#28

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University placed #28 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Marquette University Engineering students take on a median of $26,427 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $26,427 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marquette University profile

California Baptist University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,228. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on California Baptist University

#30

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,764 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $23,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $23,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#32

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Set against $23,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Rowan University profile

Michigan Technological University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University

#34

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,876 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $88,794. That is a strong return on a $26,876 median debt. Fairfield University has an acceptance rate of 33%. Read more about Fairfield University

#35

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,943 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full University Of Delaware report

#36

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston placed #36 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,528 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $20,528 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Engineering student 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. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile

Texas A And M University College Station placed #38 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Engineering student debt is $20,769. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $20,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report

#39

University Of New Haven

West Haven, CT

University Of New Haven placed #39 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,332 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,126 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of New Haven

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,262 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,262 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology profile

Saint Martins University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,510. Saint Martins University Engineering students take on a median of $23,707 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. That is a strong return on a $23,707 median debt. Saint Martins University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Saint Martins University profile

University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report

University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,938 in student loans. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,074. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Engineering students take on a median of $25,859 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,859 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report

#45

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. See the full San Diego State University profile

California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $19,230. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. 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

University Of California Berkeley came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Engineering students take on a median of $14,930 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,930 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#47

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Wichita State University Engineering students take on a median of $24,399 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Wichita State University

#49

Manhattan College

Riverdale, NY

Manhattan College placed #49 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,400. The median Engineering program debt is $26,071. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Manhattan College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Manhattan College

The University Of Texas At Tyler came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,512 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,512. Graduates carry a median of $23,446 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,053 ten years out. Set against $23,446 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Tyler profile

Compare value rankings at other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published 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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