2026 Best Value General Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 790 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 General Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Louisiana Tech University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,846. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Engineering ranking in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General Engineering students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Villanova University came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Engineering ranking in the United States. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Villanova University General Engineering students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full Villanova University profile
Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas A And M University College Station landed the #4 spot. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their General Engineering program here. 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. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Lamar University came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Students borrow a median of $26,988 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $49,652 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Lamar University
Jackson State University placed #6 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,965, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $32,944. Jackson State University alumni report median earnings of $39,060 a decade after entry. 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 ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their General Engineering program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Rowan University report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical General Engineering student debt is $14,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
Tennessee Technological University placed #10 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Tennessee Technological University profile
University Of Memphis landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of Memphis
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Typical General Engineering student debt is $27,093. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
New Mexico State University Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set 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, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,026 to complete their General Engineering program here. New Mexico State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about New Mexico State University Main Campus
University Of Georgia landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their General Engineering program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #15 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,531. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
Mississippi State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Mississippi State University General Engineering students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Mississippi State University
West Virginia University placed #17 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on West Virginia University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Students borrow a median of $19,738 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,792. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,611. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Northeastern University
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs placed #20 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. Students borrow a median of $23,559 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,659 ten years after entry. Set against $23,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs
Morgan State University placed #20 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $30,309 in student loans. Morgan State University alumni report median earnings of $50,698 a decade after entry. Set against $30,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Morgan State University
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,586. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
Cleveland State University placed #23 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cleveland State University profile
University Of Iowa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,463. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,529. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Carnegie Mellon University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Students borrow a median of $25,836 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wright State University Main Campus
Old Dominion University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Old Dominion University profile
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Students borrow a median of $23,635 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Montana State University
University Of Alaska Fairbanks landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete their General Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,866. Set against $23,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Alaska Fairbanks
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee General Engineering students take on a median of $26,657 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Virginia Commonwealth University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
Southern Methodist University placed #32 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Southern Methodist University alumni report median earnings of $78,354 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Brown University placed #33 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants. More on Brown University
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a public school based in Utica, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,625, with out-of-state students paying around $21,215. Graduates carry a median of $21,056 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,355. That is a strong return on a $21,056 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #36 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Johns Hopkins University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. The median General Engineering program debt is $13,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,555 ten years after entry. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University
Rochester Institute Of Technology ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Based in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Graduates carry a median of $27,491 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,571 ten years after entry. Set against $27,491 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Rochester Institute Of Technology profile
University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in North Dartmouth, MA, University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,612, with out-of-state students paying around $32,567. Students borrow a median of $27,106 to complete their General Engineering program here. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth alumni report median earnings of $68,804 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,106 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth
City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College
Dordt College
Dordt College placed #41 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Dordt College report
Mercer University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Mercer University profile
Miami University Oxford ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Southwestern Oregon Community College placed #44 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Get the full Southwestern Oregon Community College report
Barton County Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. More on Barton County Community College
California State University Northridge ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. More on California State University Northridge
Western Nebraska Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. More on Western Nebraska Community College
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
Isothermal Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Isothermal Community College profile
Southern Maine Community College placed #50 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Read the full report on Southern Maine Community College
Related General Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value General Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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