2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 237 schools 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, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus to be the best-value Engineering Related Fields school in the United States. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Angola, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,787. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,165. That is a strong return on a $24,787 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Get the full Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Northern Illinois University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
A rank of #4 makes Eastern Kentucky University one of the best values in the United States. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morehead State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Graduates carry a median of $22,580 in student loans. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Morehead State University
Saint Cloud State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,004. Kennesaw State University alumni report median earnings of $57,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Purdue University Northwest came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
University Of Dayton placed #9 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Dayton
California State University Northridge ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. California State University Northridge Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
New England Institute Of Technology landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in East Greenwich, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,275. The median Engineering Related Fields program 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. Read the full report on New England Institute Of Technology
Wichita State University placed #12 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wichita State University
Central Michigan University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. The median Engineering Related Fields program 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,404. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,404 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Southeast Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $44,030 a decade after entry. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,226 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set 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, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Massachusetts Maritime Academy landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buzzards Bay, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,420, while out-of-state students pay about $23,722. Massachusetts Maritime Academy Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,884 in debt. Massachusetts Maritime Academy alumni report median earnings of $82,392 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Clemson University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Clemson University
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
National University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $30,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Read the full report on National University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,989. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Louisiana Tech University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,846 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,846 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. 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. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Washington State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
San Jose State University placed #27 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Iowa State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,236. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,236 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Temple University placed #29 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,900. Students borrow a median of $32,114 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Florida Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $43,137 a decade after entry. Set against $32,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Florida Institute Of Technology profile
Arizona State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. 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 landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $82,592 ten years out. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Students borrow a median of $26,516 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,649. 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
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,668. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $45,872 ten years out. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $21,255. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
Oakland University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,612 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oakland University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Stanford University placed #42 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Stanford University
East Carolina University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,747. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about East Carolina University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. 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. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Kansas State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $16,625. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $16,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Indiana State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Terre Haute, IN. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana State University
George Washington University placed #48 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public school based in Rolla, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
California State University Los Angeles came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about California State University Los Angeles
Related Engineering Related Fields Value Rankings
Explore 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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