2026 Best Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1312 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez this year in the United States. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $9,280 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. Set against $9,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile
A rank of #2 makes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide one of the best values in the United States. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,097. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Engineering students take on a median of $26,995 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,131. That is a strong return on a $26,995 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering student debt is $10,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $10,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Youngstown State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering ranking in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Engineering student debt is $26,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,361 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #5 place in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,142 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $23,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $23,817 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,817 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #8 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,467 to complete their Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $26,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Northern Illinois University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Engineering program debt is $24,698. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #10 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Engineering program debt is $23,484. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $23,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Dayton landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. The median Engineering program debt is $26,009. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,537. Set against $26,009 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Dayton
Saint Cloud State University placed #12 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Engineering students take on a median of $28,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Purdue University Northwest ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. The median Engineering program debt is $27,656. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
San Jose State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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%. Read more about San Jose State University
Seattle University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,235 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,235 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Seattle University
Villanova University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. The median Engineering program debt is $26,782. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full Villanova University profile
Lawrence Technological University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Set in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,760. Lawrence Technological University Engineering students take on a median of $30,029 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,151. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lawrence Technological University report
Santa Clara University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clara, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,197 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $109,183 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,197 median debt. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. See the full Santa Clara University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Engineering students take on a median of $21,400 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $21,400 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
Oklahoma Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Edmond, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,180. Typical Engineering student debt is $23,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Oklahoma Christian University report
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #22 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,937 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $20,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Lamar University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Lamar University is a public school based in Beaumont, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. The median Engineering program debt is $19,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. Set against $19,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lamar University profile
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. The median Engineering program debt is $26,838. 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. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Bradley University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,978 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,978 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bradley University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Bucknell University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,812. Graduates carry a median of $26,837 in student loans. Bucknell University alumni report median earnings of $93,807 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,837 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bucknell University
South Dakota State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set 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. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Marquette University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $26,427 to complete their Engineering program here. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Marquette University report
California Baptist University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. California Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $61,504 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on California Baptist University
University Of North Dakota came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,764 to complete their Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Engineering program debt is $23,010. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $23,242 to complete their Engineering program here. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rowan University report
Michigan Technological University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Fairfield University placed #34 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fairfield, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $58,400. Fairfield University Engineering students take on a median of $26,876 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $88,794. That is a strong return on a $26,876 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. More on Fairfield University
University Of Delaware came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Engineering program debt is $25,943. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Engineering program debt is $25,951. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Houston landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Engineering program debt is $20,528. 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. See the full University Of Houston profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,769 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of New Haven offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,332. The median Engineering program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,126. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants. More on University Of New Haven
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,262 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology profile
Saint Martins University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lacey, WA. Students from in state pay about $45,510 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering program debt is $23,707. Saint Martins University alumni report median earnings of $62,092 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Martins University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Martins University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #42 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. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,739 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Thomas Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Engineering students take on a median of $17,938 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $17,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #44 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. Set 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. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Engineering students take on a median of $25,859 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. That is a strong return on a $25,859 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report
San Diego State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $19,122 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $19,230 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Set against $19,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of California Berkeley landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,930 to complete their Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,930 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Wichita State University placed #47 among the best-value Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. The median Engineering program debt is $24,399. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,399 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Hartford ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Hartford, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. University Of Hartford Engineering students take on a median of $25,890 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,823. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hartford has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about University Of Hartford
The University Of Texas At Tyler ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering schools. Located in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,512 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,512. The University Of Texas At Tyler Engineering students take on a median of $23,446 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,053 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,446 median debt. The University Of Texas At Tyler admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Tyler report
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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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