2026 Best Value Systems Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

Leading the list is University Of Dayton, our #1 best-value Systems Engineering school in the United States. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about University Of Dayton

#3

Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Rolla, MO

A rank of #3 makes Missouri University Of Science And Technology one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $25,187 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. Set against $25,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology

#4

University Of Michigan Dearborn

Dearborn, MI

A rank of #4 makes University Of Michigan Dearborn one of the best values in the United States. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Dearborn Systems Engineering students take on a median of $26,516 in debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn alumni report median earnings of $59,649 a decade after entry. Set against $26,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn

#5

New Mexico State University Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM

A rank of #5 makes New Mexico State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Graduates carry a median of $19,026 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. Set against $19,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about New Mexico State University Main Campus

#5

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Florida earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $19,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on University Of Florida

#7

University Of South Alabama

Mobile, AL

University Of South Alabama came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $26,513. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Alabama

#8

Citadel Military College Of South Carolina

Charleston, SC

Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public school based in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,570, while out-of-state students pay about $38,508. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina Systems Engineering students take on a median of $24,305 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,085. That is a strong return on a $24,305 median debt. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina admits about 23% of applicants. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile

#9

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wichita State University profile

#10

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University

#11

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,765. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $26,259. Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $103,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute profile

#12

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins

#13

University Of Maryland Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. Graduates carry a median of $21,331 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile

#14

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Golden, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,335. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile

#15

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #15 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $28,838. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Drexel University

#16

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Graduates carry a median of $23,146 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

#17

Portland State University

Portland, OR

Portland State University placed #17 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $26,475. Portland State University alumni report median earnings of $57,906 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Portland State University

#18

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton placed #18 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $20,691. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,691 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on Suny At Binghamton

#19

Stevens Institute Of Technology

Hoboken, NJ

Stevens Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Hoboken, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,462. Students borrow a median of $26,767 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $108,772 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%. More on Stevens Institute Of Technology

#20

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Systems Engineering students take on a median of $18,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile

#20

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants. More on Washington University In St Louis

#22

The University Of Texas At Dallas

Richardson, TX

The University Of Texas At Dallas landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. Graduates carry a median of $20,531 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,227. Set against $20,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Dallas

#23

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University placed #23 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $26,001. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Old Dominion University

#24

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Kennesaw State University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Kennesaw State University profile

#25

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California placed #25 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $15,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. See the full University Of Southern California profile

#26

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Johns Hopkins University

#27

University Of Connecticut

Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Connecticut is a public school based in Storrs, CT. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants. Read more about University Of Connecticut

#29

University Of Denver

Denver, CO

University Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,155 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Denver

#28

Texas A And M International University

Texas A And M International University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Read the full report on Texas A And M International University

#29

University Of Central Florida

University Of Central Florida placed #29 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. More on University Of Central Florida

#30

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#31

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. More on Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University

#32

Rutgers University New Brunswick

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#33

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide

#34

Clemson University

Clemson University placed #34 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Read more about Clemson University

#35

California State Polytechnic University Pomona

California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona

#36

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University placed #36 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. See the full Case Western Reserve University profile

#37

Florida International University

Florida International University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Get the full Florida International University report

#38

University Of Alaska Fairbanks

University Of Alaska Fairbanks came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Get the full University Of Alaska Fairbanks report

#39

Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate School Of Engineering And Management

Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate School Of Engineering And Management offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. See the full Air Force Institute Of Technology Graduate School Of Engineering And Management profile

#40

Idaho State University

Idaho State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. More on Idaho State University

#41

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus

#42

Northeastern University

Northeastern University placed #42 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Read the full report on Northeastern University

#43

Northeastern University Global Network

Northeastern University Global Network came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Northeastern University Global Network report

#44

Weber State University

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

#45

Ecpi University

Ecpi University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. More on Ecpi University

#46

Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology

Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read more about Harrisburg University Of Science And Technology

#47

Morehead State University

Morehead State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Read the full report on Morehead State University

#48

St Marys University

St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full St Marys University report

#49

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University

#50

University Of California Santa Cruz

University Of California Santa Cruz placed #50 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report