2026 Best Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Civil Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 334 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 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 Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, our #1 best-value Civil Engineering school in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. Students borrow a median of $9,053 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,370 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 334 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $22,275. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Youngstown State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $27,000. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Youngstown State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of Dayton placed #6 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. University Of Dayton Civil Engineering students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. See the full University Of Dayton profile
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. 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. 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
Villanova University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Villanova University report
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Jose State University report
Loyola Marymount University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More 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. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $20,424. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Lawrence Technological University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southfield, MI. Students from in state pay about $44,760 in tuition and fees. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $30,197. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,151 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,197 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lawrence Technological University
Manhattan College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $53,400. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,316 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Manhattan College
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #15 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Bradley University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,852 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bradley University report
South Dakota State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. South Dakota State University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University
Santa Clara University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. More on Santa Clara University
Saint Martins University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Saint Martins University Civil Engineering students take on a median of $23,616 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Martins University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Civil Engineering students take on a median of $21,030 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,030 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
California Baptist University placed #21 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,504 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about California Baptist University
Marquette University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Marquette University
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,388. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology alumni report median earnings of $72,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Ohio University Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Civil Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of New Haven ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Haven has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of New Haven
University Of North Dakota came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $26,600 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Set against $26,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Dakota
The University Of Texas At Tyler offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,512, compared with $24,512 for out-of-state students. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $22,670. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,053. That is a strong return on a $22,670 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Tyler profile
San Diego State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $19,832. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,832 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Diego State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Delaware ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. 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%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
California State University Long Beach landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $16,437 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $16,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
California State University Sacramento came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $19,124. 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. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Cornell University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $12,750. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,750 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. Set against $16,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
California State University Northridge placed #37 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,732 in student loans. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Northridge
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
California State University Fresno landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,267 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full California State University Fresno report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $14,903 in student loans. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $14,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of California Berkeley landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $14,392. 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%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,075. Graduates carry a median of $25,532 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,823 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about University Of Hartford
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Typical Civil Engineering student debt is $27,000. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. Read more about Lehigh University
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Civil Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Michigan Technological University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Civil Engineering program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Graduates carry a median of $22,845 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,845 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach profile
University Of California Los Angeles placed #48 among the best-value Civil Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. 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. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. California State University Fullerton Civil Engineering students take on a median of $13,548 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about California State University Fullerton
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Civil Engineering schools. This public school is set in Charleston, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,570, with out-of-state students paying around $38,508. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina alumni report median earnings of $72,085 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina admits about 23% of applicants. More on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Related Civil Engineering Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Civil Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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).
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