2026 Best Value Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1312 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build 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 Engineering Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, our #1 best-value Engineering school in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Engineering students take on a median of $9,280 in debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,280 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,742 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $10,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #3 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Engineering program debt is $26,236. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #4 spot. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,361 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Out of the 1312 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Engineering program debt is $23,817. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $23,142. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $23,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,467 to complete their Engineering program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Northern Illinois University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $24,698 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,484 to complete their Engineering program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $23,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Louisiana Tech University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located 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. Purdue University Northwest Engineering students take on a median of $27,656 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,656 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Dayton came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $26,009 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $26,009 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Dayton
San Jose State University placed #14 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #14 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Engineering program debt is $23,465. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Seattle University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,235. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Seattle University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #17 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,937 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,937 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Villanova University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,782. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,782 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University
Lawrence Technological University placed #19 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit school based in Southfield, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,760. Typical Engineering student debt is $30,029. Lawrence Technological University alumni report median earnings of $69,151 a decade after entry. Set against $30,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Lawrence Technological University
Santa Clara University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Santa Clara University Engineering students take on a median of $24,197 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. More on Santa Clara University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $21,400 to complete their Engineering program here. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $21,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Oklahoma Christian University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,180. Oklahoma Christian University Engineering students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,203. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Oklahoma Christian University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma Christian University
Lamar University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $19,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. That is a strong return on a $19,464 median debt. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Lamar University
Loyola Marymount University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $26,838 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola Marymount University
Bradley University placed #25 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Students borrow a median of $26,978 to complete their Engineering program here. Bradley University alumni report median earnings of $66,852 a decade after entry. Set against $26,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. More on Bradley University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
South Dakota State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
University Of Delaware ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Marquette University placed #28 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,427 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,427 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Marquette University report
University Of North Dakota came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,764. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Michigan Technological University placed #30 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $26,258 to complete their Engineering program here. 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. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
California Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full California Baptist University report
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $23,010 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. The median Engineering program debt is $23,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. Set against $23,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rowan University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $20,769. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Engineering students take on a median of $20,528 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
Fairfield University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,876 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,794 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants. See the full Fairfield University profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,951 in student loans. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,951 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Texas Tech University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,785. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #39 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of New Haven placed #39 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,332. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,126. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Haven has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of New Haven
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $26,262. Median earnings reach $72,257 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located 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 Engineering student debt is $25,859. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach admits about 65% of applicants. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of California Berkeley placed #42 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $14,930. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,930 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #44 among the best-value 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, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,230 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $17,938 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
San Diego State University placed #44 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Engineering program debt is $19,122. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $19,122 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University
University Of Arkansas placed #44 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,158 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $25,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. The median Engineering program debt is $25,607. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. Set against $25,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lehigh University
Wichita State University placed #48 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. The median Engineering program debt is $24,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Wichita State University report
Purdue University Main Campus placed #50 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $20,445 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Best Value Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value 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 1312 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).