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2026 Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Construction Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 168 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.
To help you make your decision, Trade College 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 Construction Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Western Carolina University, our #1 best-value Construction Engineering Technology school in the United States. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Western Carolina University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Construction Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #3 makes California State University Long Beach one of the best values in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $17,866. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Purdue University Northwest came in at #4 on this year's best-value Construction Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,083 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,318. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
San Diego State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Construction Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $16,417. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $24,855 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
California State University Northridge landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $16,202. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #8 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $16,067. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
Seminole State College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,122 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,447. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $17,116. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,733. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Seminole State College Of Florida profile
California State University Chico landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. California State University Chico Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $21,104 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Set against $21,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Chico
Washington State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,550 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Set against $28,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
California State University Fresno placed #12 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $12,985. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,985 median debt. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on California State University Fresno
Georgia Southern University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $53,236 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
University Of North Florida landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. University Of North Florida Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $22,364 in debt. University Of North Florida alumni report median earnings of $56,343 a decade after entry. Set against $22,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Florida
University Of Florida ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,738 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $14,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
Florida International University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Florida International University report
Pittsburg State University placed #17 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $22,669. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,579. Set against $22,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pittsburg State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Pittsburg State University profile
University Of Houston placed #18 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $22,629. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $22,629 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $24,964 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Tarleton State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,222 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,040 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Sam Houston State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Sam Houston State University Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Sam Houston State University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #22 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $22,718. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,718 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Cuny New York City College Of Technology came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, while out-of-state students pay about $15,282. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $10,900. Cuny New York City College Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $49,365 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,900 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Cuny New York City College Of Technology profile
Farmingdale State College placed #23 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $17,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,781 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Farmingdale State College report
Louisiana Tech University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,279. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Construction Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Texas placed #25 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located 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. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $24,525 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Set against $24,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Arizona State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $22,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
Kansas State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Construction Engineering Technology student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, 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. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #31 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 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
Temple University placed #32 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Set against $28,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Temple University
Wayne State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Wayne State University alumni report median earnings of $53,493 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Wayne State University
Clemson University placed #34 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on Clemson University
University Of Toledo ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Based in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $24,225. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,632. Set against $24,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full University Of Toledo report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Construction Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred placed #37 among the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public school based in Alfred, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,892 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,837. Students borrow a median of $19,721 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,445 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Suny College Of Technology At Alfred
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $25,363. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $25,363 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Michigan State University profile
Montana State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Students borrow a median of $27,044 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Set against $27,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montana State University
Mesa State College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Grand Junction, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,927, compared with $25,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,310 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Mesa State College alumni report median earnings of $45,823 a decade after entry. Set against $22,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mesa State College admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Mesa State College
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Students borrow a median of $22,590 to complete their Construction Engineering Technology program here. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $45,872 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,590 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Orono, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,653. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full University Of Maine profile
Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Set in Melbourne, FL, Florida Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,900. Graduates carry a median of $32,114 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,114 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full Florida Institute Of Technology profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. The median Construction Engineering Technology program debt is $24,770. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
The University Of Texas At Tyler came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on The University Of Texas At Tyler
El Centro College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. More on El Centro College
Lakeland Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Lakeland Community College
Alabama A And M University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Construction Engineering Technology schools. Read more about Alabama A And M University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Related Construction Engineering Technology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Construction Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (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 168 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).