2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 237 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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, Grad Degree 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 Related Fields Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus, our #1 best-value Engineering Related Fields school in the United States. Set in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,176. Graduates carry a median of $24,787 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,165. Set against $24,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus admits about 40% of applicants. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Eastern Kentucky University landed the #4 spot. Located in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. That is a strong return on a $25,122 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Eastern Kentucky University
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Morehead State University landed the #5 spot. Morehead State University is a public school based in Morehead, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $22,580. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about Morehead State University
Saint Cloud State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
California State University Northridge placed #7 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $16,202 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on California State University Northridge
Kennesaw State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Kennesaw State University
Purdue University Northwest ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,083. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Dayton came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,033. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of Dayton
New England Institute Of Technology landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,275 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,586. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,684 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full New England Institute Of Technology profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,404 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Wichita State University
Central Michigan University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $27,857. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Central Michigan University
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,289. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $17,226. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Texas A And M University College Station placed #18 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Massachusetts Maritime Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public school based in Buzzards Bay, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,420, while out-of-state students pay about $23,722. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,884. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,392. That is a strong return on a $25,884 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Clemson University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Clemson University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $23,659 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
National University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. See the full National University profile
South Dakota State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about South Dakota State University
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,846. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $23,846 median debt. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of Kansas ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. University Of Kansas Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $23,608 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Washington State University placed #25 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Washington State University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,408. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $16,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $16,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
San Jose State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Temple University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,259. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Temple University
Iowa State University placed #31 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,236 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
Florida Institute Of Technology landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,900. Graduates carry a median of $32,114 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Institute Of Technology admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Florida Institute Of Technology report
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
Northeastern State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,379. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Northeastern State University
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Dearborn, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $26,516. Median earnings reach $59,649 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #38 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $26,668. Median earnings reach $72,257 ten years out. Set against $26,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,119. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Georgia Southern University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Georgia Southern University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia Southern University
University Of Houston ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report
Oakland University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $58,612 ten years out. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oakland University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,673. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Stanford University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $21,829 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
East Carolina University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on East Carolina University
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $22,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about George Washington University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,151. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Kansas State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,546 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
Indiana State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Indiana State University
Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (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 237 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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