2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 237 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree analyzed schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
California State University Northridge tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Engineering Related Fields graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. California State University Northridge Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Northridge
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,404 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,404 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Purdue University Northwest came in at #3 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,083. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
University Of Dayton came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. University Of Dayton Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. 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 has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full University Of Dayton profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio University Main Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on Ohio University Main Campus
Temple University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Temple University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Temple University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Washington State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Washington State University
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,608. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $22,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Georgia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based 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. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #13 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,151. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants. See the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Drexel University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Drexel University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $28,838 in debt. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Set against $28,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Drexel University
George Washington University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of Arkansas placed #17 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,957. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
Western New England University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MA, Western New England University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,820 in tuition and fees. Western New England University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,520 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,157. Set against $25,520 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western New England University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Western New England University
University Of Arizona landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,777. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,777 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
Northwestern University placed #20 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern University report
Old Dominion University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Old Dominion University is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. The median Engineering Related Fields 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. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Old Dominion University
Stevens Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $63,462. Graduates carry a median of $26,975 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $108,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Northwestern College Minnesota ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. See the full Northwestern College Minnesota profile
Colorado School Of Mines placed #25 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Edison State Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Edison State Community College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #27 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
University Of Louisville landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of Louisville profile
Kaskaskia College placed #29 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Read the full report on Kaskaskia College
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #30 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
University Of Miami ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Read the full report on University Of Miami
Western Michigan University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Western Michigan University report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #34 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
Rowan University
Rowan University placed #36 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Read more about Rowan University
Universidad Politecnica De Puerto Rico Orlando Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. See the full Universidad Politecnica De Puerto Rico Orlando Campus profile
University Of Scranton placed #38 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Read the full report on University Of Scranton
Saint Martins University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Read more about Saint Martins University
University Of Wisconsin Platteville ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Community College Of Rhode Island placed #41 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Read more about Community College Of Rhode Island
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
Wichita State University placed #44 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. See the full Wichita State University profile
California State University Chico came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. See the full California State University Chico profile
Johns Hopkins University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
Liberty University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Read more about Liberty University
West Virginia University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Get the full West Virginia University report
University Of Connecticut landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of Connecticut profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. See the full Clemson University profile
Related Engineering Related Fields Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. 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 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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