2026 Best Value Engineering Technologies Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Technologies programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1569 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build 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 Technologies Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Columbia Southern University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Columbia Southern University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $20,517 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. Set against $20,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia Southern University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $20,976. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $20,976 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Out of the 1569 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus landed the #3 spot. Based in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $57,165 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus has an acceptance rate of 40%. See the full Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus profile
Out of the 1569 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, American Public University System landed the #4 spot. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $30,810. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $28,038. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,038 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
The University Of Findlay offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Findlay, OH, The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,164. The University Of Findlay Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Findlay report
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $27,274 in student loans. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Eastern Kentucky University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $34,786 in debt. Eastern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $45,795 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern Kentucky University
Western Illinois University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $32,373. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,373 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Morehead State University placed #11 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Students borrow a median of $23,743 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,197. That is a strong return on a $23,743 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Morehead State University
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $26,600. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,600 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide placed #13 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. Students borrow a median of $20,787 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Kennesaw State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Kennesaw State University is a public school based 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 $28,760 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $16,084 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. California State University Northridge Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Purdue University Northwest ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $25,313. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $25,313 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Dayton placed #18 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Students borrow a median of $26,588 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,537. Set against $26,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of Dayton
Michigan Technological University placed #19 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $29,260 in debt. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $29,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in East Greenwich, RI. Students from in state pay about $37,275 in tuition and fees. New England Institute Of Technology Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $22,178 in debt. New England Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $48,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New England Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about New England Institute Of Technology
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,190 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $26,190 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $23,875 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Wichita State University
Central Michigan University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $29,040. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Clemson University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Clemson University
University Of North Texas came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,315 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $24,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of North Texas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southeast Missouri State University placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Students borrow a median of $24,440 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $24,440 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. More on Southeast Missouri State University
Tarleton State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Students borrow a median of $24,288 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Tarleton State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $24,964. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $24,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #28 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $23,830 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,863 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. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $19,416 in student loans. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $19,416 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
Massachusetts Maritime Academy landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Buzzards Bay, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,420, with out-of-state students paying around $23,722. Students borrow a median of $25,884 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,392. Set against $25,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Maritime Academy has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Massachusetts Maritime Academy report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,758 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,758 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Indiana State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. 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 $22,938 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $22,938 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana State University
Pittsburg State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pittsburg, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,080 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,579. Set against $23,080 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Pittsburg State University
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $23,213 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. That is a strong return on a $23,213 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of Memphis came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $27,600. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,600 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $23,744 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos
National University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $30,426. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. Get the full National University report
University Of Houston ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $24,465. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $24,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston
South Dakota State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #43 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $21,115 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $21,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. University Of Central Missouri Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $23,832 in debt. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Louisiana Tech University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
Arizona State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $30,515. 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
University Of Florida ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $14,738 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $14,738 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida
Washington State University placed #48 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. 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. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $28,550. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
University Of Kansas came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Western Carolina University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $23,452 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,452 median debt. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Western Carolina University
Best Value Engineering Technologies Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies 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 1569 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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