2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 334 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.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Civil Engineering Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $9,053. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,370 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $9,370 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 334 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #3 spot. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #4 this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Civil Engineering students take on a median of $22,275 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $22,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
You'll get strong value at Youngstown State University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Youngstown State University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $21,701. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Dayton placed #7 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Villanova University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about Villanova University
Seattle University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Seattle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Seattle University profile
San Jose State University placed #10 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Jose State University
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $20,424. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,424 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Lawrence Technological University placed #13 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southfield, MI. Students from in state pay about $44,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $30,197. Lawrence Technological University alumni report median earnings of $69,151 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lawrence Technological University
Manhattan College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. Manhattan College Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,316. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Manhattan College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Manhattan College report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Civil Engineering students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Bradley University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Bradley University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #17 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $21,030. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,030 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
South Dakota State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Santa Clara University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Santa Clara University alumni report median earnings of $109,183 a decade after entry. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
Saint Martins University placed #20 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,510. Students borrow a median of $23,616 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. Set against $23,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Martins University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Saint Martins University report
California Baptist University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Baptist University
Marquette University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Marquette University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Marquette University report
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,388 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,257 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
University Of Houston came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Civil Engineering students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
Ohio University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. 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. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Delaware placed #26 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. 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. Texas A And M University College Station Civil Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of New Haven offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,332 in tuition and fees. University Of New Haven Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,126. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of New Haven
University Of North Dakota landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. University Of North Dakota Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $26,600 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
The University Of Texas At Tyler offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public school based in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,512, while out-of-state students pay about $24,512. Graduates carry a median of $22,670 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Tyler admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Tyler report
San Diego State University placed #31 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,832 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $19,832 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Diego State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #33 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,903 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $14,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
California State University Long Beach ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $16,437 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Cornell University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $12,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
Lehigh University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 26%. Read the full report on Lehigh University
California State University Sacramento landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Students borrow a median of $19,124 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,124 median debt. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
Michigan Technological University placed #38 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,000. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
California State University Northridge placed #40 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $18,732. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Northridge report
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,400 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $16,400 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
California State University Fresno came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $15,267. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
University Of California Berkeley ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,392 in student loans. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit school based in West Hartford, CT. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,532 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,823. Set against $25,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hartford admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Hartford report
Clemson University placed #45 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,750. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Clemson University report
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,444 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $19,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #48 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Civil Engineering students take on a median of $22,845 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,845 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Texas Tech University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Best Value Civil Engineering Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Civil Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Civil Engineering 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 334 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.