2026 Best Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Environmental Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 171 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 reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is University Of North Dakota, our #1 best-value Environmental Engineering school in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $16,316 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $16,316 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Michigan Technological University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set 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. Michigan Technological University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,545 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. Set against $26,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Michigan Technological University
A rank of #4 makes Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
A rank of #5 makes Clemson University one of the best values in the United States. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full Clemson University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,060. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,060 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
Lehigh University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lehigh University
University Of Houston placed #9 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Florida placed #12 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, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #13 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, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,829. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $13,516. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. 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. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Rice University placed #17 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $11,904. Rice University alumni report median earnings of $89,718 a decade after entry. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Read more about Rice University
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. University Of California Irvine Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $16,539 in debt. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
University Of Central Florida landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $24,596 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. That is a strong return on a $24,596 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Florida
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
Michigan State University placed #21 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Clarkson University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Clarkson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Potsdam, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $59,398. Clarkson University Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,696. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Clarkson University report
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. 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%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $20,836. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
Colorado School Of Mines offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Vanderbilt University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Vanderbilt University
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,774. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
Temple University placed #28 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,259. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Temple University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #29 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $19,028. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
University Of Arizona landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $21,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arizona profile
New Jersey Institute Of Technology placed #31 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. New Jersey Institute Of Technology Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $24,755 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,276. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Hoboken, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,462. Students borrow a median of $26,767 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $108,772. Set against $26,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read the full report on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Drexel University placed #33 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $30,983. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drexel University
Johns Hopkins University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,555 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. More on Johns Hopkins University
University Of Connecticut landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,738 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Set against $21,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants. More on University Of Southern California
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $23,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Graduates carry a median of $23,312 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio report
Oregon State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Oregon State University report
Indiana Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. More on Indiana Institute Of Technology
Portland State University placed #41 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Read the full report on Portland State University
University Of Miami came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Miami
Bucknell University placed #43 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Read more about Bucknell University
Elon University
Elon University placed #44 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Elon University report
Gannon University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Gannon University report
Southern Methodist University placed #46 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of California Davis came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Kansas State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Kansas State University report
Southwestern Oregon Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Southwestern Oregon Community College report
Related Environmental Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Environmental Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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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