2026 Best Value Engineering Technologies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Technologies graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1569 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Technologies Graduate Certificate Degree 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. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $20,517. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
Illinois State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Technologies ranking in the United States. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $20,976. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $20,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
A rank of #3 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $30,810 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
A rank of #4 makes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide one of the best values in the United States. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. Students borrow a median of $20,787 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kennesaw State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,760 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
California State University Northridge placed #6 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $16,202. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about California State University Northridge
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #7 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $26,190. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $21,115. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Indiana State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $22,938. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $22,938 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana State University report
Purdue University Northwest came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Students borrow a median of $25,313 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $25,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located 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. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $29,260. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Michigan Technological University
University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $26,588 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full University Of Dayton report
University Of Central Missouri came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,832 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Central Missouri
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $26,863 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $26,863 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
East Carolina University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $20,643 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full East Carolina University profile
Temple University placed #15 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $30,150 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Temple University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
University Of Florida placed #18 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $14,738. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $14,738 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Washington State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $28,550 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $28,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Washington State University
Iowa State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $25,236 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $25,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $24,408. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $23,608. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Western Kentucky University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. 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. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $24,758. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,758 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Technologies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Georgia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. Graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%. More on Tufts University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $23,347 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. Set against $23,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Lowell, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,874. Set against $25,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Lowell has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Drexel University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drexel University profile
George Washington University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $22,910. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Read more about George Washington University
University Of Arkansas came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $24,019. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Western New England University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Springfield, MA, Western New England University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,820. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $73,157 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western New England University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Western New England University
Eastern Illinois University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Eastern Illinois University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
Northwestern University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Northwestern University Engineering Technologies students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. See the full Northwestern University profile
University Of Arizona ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $24,777. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,777 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
Eastern Michigan University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $30,048. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $30,048 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Eastern Michigan University
Old Dominion University placed #40 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Old Dominion University report
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,864 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,652. Students borrow a median of $26,048 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana admits about 92% of applicants. More on Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Central Connecticut State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Central Connecticut State University is a public school based in New Britain, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,050, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Engineering Technologies program here. Median earnings reach $58,562 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Central Connecticut State University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Central Connecticut State University profile
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $63,462. Typical Engineering Technologies student debt is $26,975. Stevens Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $108,772 a decade after entry. Set against $26,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stevens Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 48%. See the full Stevens Institute Of Technology profile
Johns Hopkins University placed #44 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Engineering Technologies program debt is $13,426. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
New York Institute Of Technology landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Old Westbury, NY, New York Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,560 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. New York Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $70,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on New York Institute Of Technology
Cosumnes River College placed #46 among the best-value Engineering Technologies schools in the United States. Get the full Cosumnes River College report
Davis Technical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Davis Technical College report
Forsyth Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full Forsyth Technical Community College report
Jefferson Community And Technical College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. More on Jefferson Community And Technical College
Midwest Technical Institute Springfield Il ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Technologies schools. Read the full report on Midwest Technical Institute Springfield Il
Related Engineering Technologies Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Technologies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).