2026 Best Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is West Texas A And M University, our #1 best-value General Engineering school in the United States. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical General Engineering student debt is $22,333. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
You'll get strong value at Youngstown State University, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $26,373. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Out of the 790 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median General Engineering program debt is $23,742. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #4 this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,627. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
You'll get strong value at Louisiana Tech University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Students borrow a median of $23,846 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #6 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public school based in Platteville, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. Graduates carry a median of $23,677 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,760 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,378 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on Grand Valley State University
Purdue University Northwest ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Purdue University Northwest General Engineering students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $21,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Oklahoma Christian University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Edmond, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,180. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,721. Median earnings reach $49,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oklahoma Christian University profile
San Jose State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Lamar University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. The median General Engineering program debt is $26,988. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lamar University report
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles General Engineering students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Central Michigan University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their General Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
South Dakota State University placed #17 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical General Engineering student debt is $24,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Rowan University
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Jackson, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,965, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. Graduates carry a median of $32,944 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants. More on Jackson State University
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Graduates carry a median of $24,119 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,872 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
University Of Arkansas landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. The median General Engineering program debt is $24,019. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,273. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #25 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $17,226 in student loans. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Texas A And M University College Station placed #26 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Typical General Engineering student debt is $19,844. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Northeastern University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median General Engineering program debt is $25,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. See the full Northeastern University profile
Michigan Technological University placed #29 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Typical General Engineering student debt is $25,800. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. Typical General Engineering student debt is $22,845. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $30,518. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $30,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Portland landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Portland, OR, University Of Portland is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,169. University Of Portland alumni report median earnings of $82,804 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,169 median debt. University Of Portland admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Portland
University Of Georgia landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical General Engineering student debt is $21,792. 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. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. The median General Engineering program debt is $15,598. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University General Engineering students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Mcneese State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Lake Charles, LA, Mcneese State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,489 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. The median General Engineering program debt is $27,249. Median earnings reach $46,453 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcneese State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Mcneese State University
Dartmouth College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,019. The median General Engineering program debt is $16,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,434. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. More on Dartmouth College
Milwaukee School Of Engineering landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee School Of Engineering is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,480 in tuition and fees. Milwaukee School Of Engineering General Engineering students take on a median of $27,667 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,070 ten years after entry. Set against $27,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Milwaukee School Of Engineering has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full Milwaukee School Of Engineering report
Prairie View A And M University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Set in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,874. Prairie View A And M University General Engineering students take on a median of $29,824 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,411 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Prairie View A And M University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their General Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Butte, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,289, while out-of-state students pay about $26,094. Students borrow a median of $23,962 to complete their General Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,329. Set against $23,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Montana Tech Of The University Of Montana
San Francisco State University placed #42 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $17,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. University Of Colorado Boulder General Engineering students take on a median of $20,373 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical General Engineering student debt is $22,803. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Auburn University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #46 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. 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 Colorado At Colorado Springs landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public school based in Colorado Springs, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,906, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs General Engineering students take on a median of $23,559 in debt. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs alumni report median earnings of $54,659 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,559 median debt. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs report
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #48 among the best-value General Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Typical General Engineering student debt is $23,324. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants. See the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Engineering schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Southern University And A And M College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Southern University And A And M College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,922, with out-of-state students paying around $17,272. Typical General Engineering student debt is $33,288. Median earnings reach $43,371 ten years out. Set against $33,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 35% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern University And A And M College
Related General Engineering Value Rankings
Explore 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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