2026 Best Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1312 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. Typical Engineering student debt is $9,280. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Engineering student debt is $10,742. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,742 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,817 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Akron Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,484 in student loans. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Louisiana Tech University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Engineering program debt is $20,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $20,937 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of Delaware placed #7 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $25,943. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Lawrence Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,760. Students borrow a median of $30,029 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,151 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lawrence Technological University
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Engineering students take on a median of $26,785 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,785 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Dayton landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. University Of Dayton Engineering students take on a median of $26,009 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,537. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Dayton
South Dakota State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Lamar University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $19,464. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. Set against $19,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Lamar University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #13 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Marquette University placed #14 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. The median Engineering program debt is $26,427. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $26,427 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Marquette University
Santa Clara University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Santa Clara University Engineering students take on a median of $24,197 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $24,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. More on Santa Clara University
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,258. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Michigan Technological University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Engineering program debt is $20,769. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,769 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of North Dakota ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,764. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Set against $26,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,010. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Houston landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Engineering students take on a median of $20,528 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,528 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of California Berkeley came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Engineering students take on a median of $14,930 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Arkansas placed #22 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $25,158 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $25,158 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $20,445 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Lehigh University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. The median Engineering program debt is $25,607. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $105,584. That is a strong return on a $25,607 median debt. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. See the full Lehigh University profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,500 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. The median Engineering program debt is $26,262. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology alumni report median earnings of $72,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,074. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Engineering students take on a median of $25,859 in debt. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report
Cornell University placed #27 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. The median Engineering program debt is $13,684. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $13,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cornell University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,493 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,493 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $15,838 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $15,838 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Engineering program debt is $25,951. 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%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Rowan University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Rowan University Engineering students take on a median of $23,242 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $23,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Rowan University profile
Clemson University placed #32 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $25,444 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Clemson University
Iowa State University placed #33 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,874. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,874 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Iowa State University
San Diego State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Engineering student debt is $19,122. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,122 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Wichita State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $24,399. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Set against $24,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on Wichita State University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. 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 $17,938 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,938 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,628 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $20,628 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Memphis placed #37 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $27,043 in student loans. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Engineering students take on a median of $25,739 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,572. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,572 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,639 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,639 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Wyoming came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $24,840. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $24,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wyoming
University Of Tulsa landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tulsa, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $49,546. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,408. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Tulsa
Kansas State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $24,859 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median Engineering program debt is $15,001. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $15,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara
North Carolina A And T State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Typical Engineering student debt is $29,926. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,440. That is a strong return on a $29,926 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina A And T State University
Oakland University placed #47 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Graduates carry a median of $26,140 in student loans. Oakland University alumni report median earnings of $58,612 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,140 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Oakland University
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Graduates carry a median of $17,301 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full New Mexico State University Main Campus profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Kingsville Engineering students take on a median of $25,201 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. That is a strong return on a $25,201 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of Georgia placed #50 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $23,894 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,894 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Related Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.