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2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 334 colleges 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 evaluated 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 Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $9,370. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,370 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile

A rank of #3 makes University Of Akron Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Civil Engineering students take on a median of $21,701 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $21,701 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus

You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,030 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

University Of Delaware came in at #5 on this year's best-value Civil Engineering ranking in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. More on University Of Delaware

South Dakota State University ranked #6 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. South Dakota State University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full South Dakota State University report

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Civil Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report

#9

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University placed #9 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Marquette University

#10

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University

#11

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston placed #11 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston

#12

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lehigh University

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,388 in debt. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology alumni report median earnings of $72,257 a decade after entry. Set against $27,388 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology

#14

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. 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. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #15 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#15

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University placed #15 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $12,750 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $12,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about Cornell University

Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Michigan Technological University profile

#18

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #18 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile

University Of California Berkeley came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,392 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #21 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $22,957. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report

#23

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University placed #23 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Clemson University

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $19,444. 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. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

Iowa State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,250. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

#26

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Wyoming

University Of California Davis landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $16,101. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,054 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $19,054 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,760. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report

#30

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $26,000. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kansas

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #31 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,874 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus

University Of California San Diego landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $16,400. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,400 median debt. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#34

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #34 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Northeastern University

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #35 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,828 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $26,828 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Civil Engineering students take on a median of $22,763 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $22,763 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. 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%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Washington State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $22,450. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $22,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Washington State University

#38

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida placed #38 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based 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. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $20,121. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $20,121 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. More on University Of Florida

University Of California Irvine ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $19,700. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #40 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus

Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,900 in tuition and fees. Florida Institute Of Technology Civil Engineering students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on Florida Institute Of Technology

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #43 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $22,103 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $22,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

Arizona State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $23,750. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University

The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $16,293. The University Of Texas At El Paso alumni report median earnings of $50,923 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile

University Of Nevada Reno placed #46 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile

#47

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University placed #47 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $29,156. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. That is a strong return on a $29,156 median debt. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Western Michigan University report

Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile

Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #49 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,765. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,470. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute profile

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #50 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Civil Engineering students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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

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