2026 Best Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1312 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated schools to 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 Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Arizona State University Skysong earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, 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%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
You'll get strong value at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,817 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #3 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Engineering students take on a median of $26,467 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,467 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Louisiana Tech University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Engineering program here. 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. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
San Jose State University placed #6 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on San Jose State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median Engineering program debt is $21,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,400 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Dayton placed #8 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. 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. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,009. A decade after starting, 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. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Seattle University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $24,235 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. Set against $24,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Seattle University report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Engineering students take on a median of $20,769 in debt. 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. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Lawrence Technological University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Southfield, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,760. Graduates carry a median of $30,029 in student loans. Lawrence Technological University alumni report median earnings of $69,151 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on Lawrence Technological University
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Villanova University Engineering students take on a median of $26,782 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Villanova University report
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Engineering student debt is $20,937. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. 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
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Michigan Technological University Engineering students take on a median of $26,258 in debt. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $26,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Loyola Marymount University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,838 to complete their Engineering program here. Loyola Marymount University alumni report median earnings of $78,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Saint Louis University Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $26,405 in debt. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,405 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
University Of New Orleans landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,172, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. The median Engineering program debt is $23,981. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,872. That is a strong return on a $23,981 median debt. University Of New Orleans has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of New Orleans
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Engineering program debt is $26,785. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #19 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. Typical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Lehigh University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,607 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lehigh University has an acceptance rate of 26%. More on Lehigh University
Auburn University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $23,167 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Auburn University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,951 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #23 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Engineering program debt is $23,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. 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
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #24 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rapid City, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Students borrow a median of $26,262 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. Set against $26,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Engineering program debt is $24,572. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $24,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Wichita State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Wichita State University Engineering students take on a median of $24,399 in debt. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,399 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wichita State University report
San Diego State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $19,122 to complete their Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $19,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #29 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $24,066. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,066 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,649. Set against $23,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about University Of Michigan Dearborn
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $25,808 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. Set against $25,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Florida placed #32 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,748 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering student debt is $21,991. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $21,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,570, while out-of-state students pay about $38,508. The median Engineering program debt is $25,160. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,085. Set against $25,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina report
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $20,445 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $20,445 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Iowa State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median Engineering program debt is $24,874. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,874 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #37 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,985. Median earnings reach $103,470 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,985 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Engineering program debt is $25,739. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of South Alabama came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Graduates carry a median of $26,581 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,379. Set against $26,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on University Of South Alabama
Harvard University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Typical Engineering student debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Harvard University profile
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. New Mexico State University Main Campus Engineering students take on a median of $17,301 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,301 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
North Carolina A And T State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,813, compared with $20,673 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,926 in student loans. North Carolina A And T State University alumni report median earnings of $44,440 a decade after entry. Set against $29,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina A And T State University has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on North Carolina A And T State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #43 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Engineering students take on a median of $23,414 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $23,414 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Clemson University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $25,444. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $25,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read more about Clemson University
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $25,201. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,201 median debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Engineering program debt is $24,390. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $24,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Arizona landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering program debt is $20,031. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Engineering students take on a median of $25,024 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,594 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. Set against $20,594 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
University Of North Texas ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median Engineering program debt is $25,169. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $25,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Texas
Related Engineering Value Rankings
Explore 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 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. The methodology weighs 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).
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