2026 Best Value Environmental Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Environmental Engineering programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 171 colleges 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 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 Environmental Engineering Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
California State University Fullerton earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $15,525. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Fullerton
A rank of #2 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $22,386. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
You'll get strong value at Lamar University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Students borrow a median of $26,988 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Lamar University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Dakota earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Bucknell University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,812. Students borrow a median of $25,951 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $93,807 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants. Read more about Bucknell University
University Of New Haven ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,332. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,244. University Of New Haven alumni report median earnings of $60,126 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,244 median debt. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of New Haven profile
Michigan Technological University placed #8 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,545 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Butte, MT, Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Graduates carry a median of $23,962 in student loans. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana alumni report median earnings of $54,329 a decade after entry. Set against $23,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana admits about 91% of applicants. More on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
Clemson University placed #10 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $16,316 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,316 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Georgia came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $22,143. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $22,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
University Of Houston ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,255. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of Hartford ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Hartford, CT. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,648 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,823. Set against $25,648 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full University Of Hartford report
Manhattan College placed #16 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $53,400. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,968. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,316 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,968 median debt. Manhattan College admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Manhattan College
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $105,584 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 26%. More on Lehigh University
Texas Tech University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Nevada Reno placed #20 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $25,060 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,060 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #21 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,004. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $26,004 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
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
University Of Florida placed #23 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Gannon University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Erie, PA. Students from in state pay about $40,656 in tuition and fees. Gannon University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,934 in debt. Gannon University alumni report median earnings of $58,845 a decade after entry. Set against $26,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gannon University admits about 74% of applicants. See the full Gannon University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,829. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #28 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Cuny City College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,389. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,039 ten years after entry. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Cuny City College report
University Of Kansas came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of California Riverside came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $18,068. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $18,068 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Rice University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. See the full Rice University profile
Mercer University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,565. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $32,463. Mercer University alumni report median earnings of $58,354 a decade after entry. Set against $32,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Mercer University report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #35 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,765. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,259. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of California Irvine placed #36 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $16,539. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
University Of Central Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $58,308 ten years out. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Iowa placed #39 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $24,463. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Michigan State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Michigan State University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $25,213 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Michigan State University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,331 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Maryland Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $69,960 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Northern Arizona University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Northern Arizona University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $19,103 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
The University Of Tennessee landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
West Virginia University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. West Virginia University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,772 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on West Virginia University
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,635 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,263 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,635 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montana State University report
Colorado School Of Mines placed #50 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,335 ten years after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Colorado School Of Mines
Best Value Environmental Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 171 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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