2026 Best Value Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Systems Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 119 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,097. Students borrow a median of $20,787 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Set against $20,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide report
A rank of #2 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Lawrence Technological University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Systems Engineering ranking in the United States. Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit school based in Southfield, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,760. Students borrow a median of $27,799 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Lawrence Technological University alumni report median earnings of $69,151 a decade after entry. Set against $27,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lawrence Technological University
Loyola Marymount University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Systems Engineering ranking in the United States. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $22,248. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. Set against $22,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $21,813. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Houston landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $21,255. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #8 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $23,923. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $24,323. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #10 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $17,226. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #11 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station placed #12 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Cornell University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of California San Diego ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $17,101. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #15 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,845 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Oakland University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Oakland University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $25,972 in debt. Oakland University alumni report median earnings of $58,612 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Oakland University profile
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #17 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Systems Engineering students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $24,271. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of South Alabama ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. Students from in state pay about $10,116 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. University Of South Alabama Systems Engineering students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,379 ten years after entry. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Alabama
Northeastern University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $25,611. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Northeastern University
Iowa State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $23,495. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Michigan Dearborn offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $26,516. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,649 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full University Of Michigan Dearborn profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #23 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $17,800. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $17,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,900. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $32,114. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,137. Set against $32,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $23,393. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology placed #27 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Students borrow a median of $25,187 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. 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. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Systems Engineering students take on a median of $19,250 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
George Washington University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. More on George Washington University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $21,331. University Of Maryland Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $69,960 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Southern Methodist University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Methodist University
Florida State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $20,488. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $26,259. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Systems Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Arizona State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. 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. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Portland State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $26,475. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Portland State University report
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,521 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Colorado School Of Mines
New Jersey Institute Of Technology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,974, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $24,755. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,276. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $20,531. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,227 ten years after entry. 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
Johns Hopkins University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,555 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Systems Engineering students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%. More on University Of Southern California
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #47 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $19,137. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Typical Systems Engineering student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,182. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
University Of Arizona placed #50 among the best-value Systems Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Stevens Institute Of Technology ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Systems Engineering schools. Set in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,462. Stevens Institute Of Technology Systems Engineering students take on a median of $26,767 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $108,772 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,767 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read the full report on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Case Western Reserve University came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Case Western Reserve University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $25,106 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,989 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. Get the full Case Western Reserve University report
Florida International University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Florida International University is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. The median Systems Engineering program debt is $19,349. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University Systems Engineering students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,343 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on George Mason University
Related Systems Engineering Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Systems Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Systems Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Systems Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Systems Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Systems Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Systems Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Systems Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 119 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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