2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value General Engineering programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 790 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated schools to 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 General Engineering Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
West Texas A And M University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value General Engineering programs schools in the United States. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #2 spot. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #3 this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong General Engineering students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,627 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
A rank of #5 makes Louisiana Tech University one of the best values in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Graduates carry a median of $23,846 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Wisconsin Platteville ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public school based in Platteville, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Platteville General Engineering students take on a median of $23,677 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,760 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,677 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,347. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Grand Valley State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,378. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Villanova University placed #10 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about Villanova University
Purdue University Northwest came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,083. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Oklahoma Christian University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,180. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,721. Oklahoma Christian University alumni report median earnings of $49,203 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma Christian University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #13 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
San Jose State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Lamar University placed #16 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,988. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. That is a strong return on a $26,988 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Lamar University
University Of California Los Angeles placed #17 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Michigan Technological University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median General Engineering program debt is $25,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
South Dakota State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $24,488 to complete their General Engineering program here. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Rowan University profile
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus General Engineering students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Jackson State University is a public school based in Jackson, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Jackson State University General Engineering students take on a median of $32,944 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,060. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Jackson State University
University Of Arkansas came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public school based in Fort Wayne, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,119. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,872. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,668. Median earnings reach $72,257 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,668 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham General Engineering students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of California Berkeley ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley General Engineering students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus General Engineering students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median General Engineering program debt is $19,273. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. 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
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $17,226. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $17,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Tennessee Technological University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. The median General Engineering program debt is $17,580. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Tennessee Technological University
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set 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. The median General Engineering program debt is $19,844. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,315. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Typical General Engineering student debt is $27,093. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report
Northeastern University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Northeastern University General Engineering students take on a median of $25,611 in debt. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set 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. Typical General Engineering student debt is $22,845. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Graduates carry a median of $19,026 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full New Mexico State University Main Campus report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $30,518 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $30,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Portland landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Portland, OR, University Of Portland is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,169 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,804 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Portland admits about 89% of applicants. See the full University Of Portland profile
University Of Georgia placed #42 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia General Engineering students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. More on University Of Georgia
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,531. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
California State University Fresno came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. California State University Fresno General Engineering students take on a median of $15,598 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Texas Tech University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University General Engineering students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
Mcneese State University placed #46 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Mcneese State University is a public school based in Lake Charles, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,489, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,249 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,453 ten years out. Set against $27,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mcneese State University
Dartmouth College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Graduates carry a median of $16,989 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,989 median debt. Dartmouth College admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Dartmouth College report
Prairie View A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Prairie View, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,299, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. Prairie View A And M University General Engineering students take on a median of $29,824 in debt. Prairie View A And M University alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. Set against $29,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Prairie View A And M University profile
Milwaukee School Of Engineering ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Milwaukee School Of Engineering is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,480. Students borrow a median of $27,667 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Milwaukee School Of Engineering has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full Milwaukee School Of Engineering report
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Best Value General Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value General Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General 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 790 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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