2026 Best Value Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Environmental Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 171 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is California State University Fullerton, our #1 best-value Environmental Engineering school in the United States. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full California State University Fullerton profile
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $22,386. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based 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. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,275. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
A rank of #4 makes Lamar University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $26,988. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Lamar University
A rank of #5 makes Bucknell University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,812. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,951. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,807 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bucknell University
University Of New Haven came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $26,244 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,126. That is a strong return on a $26,244 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Get the full University Of New Haven report
Michigan Technological University landed the #7 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 run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $26,545 in student loans. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $26,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana is a public school based in Butte, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $23,962 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,329 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana report
University Of Georgia placed #9 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $22,143. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Clemson University placed #9 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,316 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Houston came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $21,255 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $27,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,075. Students borrow a median of $25,648 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $60,823 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Hartford
Manhattan College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $25,968. Median earnings reach $86,316 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,968 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Manhattan College
Texas Tech University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $19,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,004 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Lehigh University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. Get the full Lehigh University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,530. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. That is a strong return on a $25,531 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Florida landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Gannon University placed #23 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Erie, PA, Gannon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,656. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $26,934. Gannon University alumni report median earnings of $58,845 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,934 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full Gannon University report
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $25,060 in student loans. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Set against $25,060 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,393. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Environmental Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $21,829. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Cuny City College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $13,389. Cuny City College alumni report median earnings of $66,039 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,389 median debt. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny City College
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. 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. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
University Of Kansas landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,608. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kansas
University Of California Riverside offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. The median Environmental Engineering program debt is $18,068. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,699 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,068 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Mercer University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,565 in tuition and fees. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $32,463. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,354 ten years after entry. Set against $32,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mercer University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #33 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set 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. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $103,470 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Missouri University Of Science And Technology placed #34 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,957. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Central Florida came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Florida Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $24,596 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,308 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,596 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
University Of Iowa ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,331 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland Baltimore County has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County report
Northern Arizona University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
Arizona State University placed #40 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. 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. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Michigan State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. 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. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $25,213. 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. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
The University Of Tennessee landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete their Environmental Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At El Paso Environmental Engineering students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso
West Virginia University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Virginia University
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Environmental Engineering schools. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $20,836. Median earnings reach $69,738 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #46 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Montana State University placed #46 among the best-value Environmental Engineering schools in the United States. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,635 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Set against $23,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Montana State University
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $23,500. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado School Of Mines
The University Of Alabama came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Typical Environmental Engineering student debt is $24,496. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Related Environmental Engineering Value Rankings
Explore 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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