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2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 237 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, Trade College 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 Related Fields Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Grantham University, our #1 best-value Engineering Related Fields school in the United States. Grantham University is a public school based in LIttle Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,520. Graduates carry a median of $30,600 in student loans. Grantham University alumni report median earnings of $63,496 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grantham University report
Bemidji State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Related Fields ranking in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $25,819. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
You'll get strong value at Excelsior College, which ranked #4 this year. Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit school based in Albany, NY. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $19,311. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,493 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,311 median debt. See the full Excelsior College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Stout earned it the #5 place in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,000. University Of Wisconsin Stout alumni report median earnings of $58,084 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
Kennesaw State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,004 median debt. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Kennesaw State University
South Dakota State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $24,989. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Utah Valley University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $13,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Utah Valley University profile
Purdue University Northwest came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Northwest Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Richmond, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. Set against $25,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
California State University Northridge landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,202 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $26,378. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $26,378 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,990. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $31,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,122 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Morehead State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. This public school is set in Morehead, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $22,580. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Morehead State University profile
Western Michigan University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Iowa State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,236. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
California State University Chico offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $16,601 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full California State University Chico report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $26,404 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. That is a strong return on a $26,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Pittsburg State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $22,669. Pittsburg State University alumni report median earnings of $50,579 a decade after entry. Set against $22,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pittsburg State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University
East Carolina University placed #20 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $24,747 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full East Carolina University report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $16,625 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Southeast Missouri State University placed #22 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Missouri University Of Science And Technology Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,957 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
San Jose State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. 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. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on San Jose State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Stanford University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Stanford University profile
Texas State University San Marcos placed #27 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,659. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Texas State University San Marcos
University Of South Carolina Upstate landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spartanburg, SC, University Of South Carolina Upstate is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,588, with out-of-state students paying around $23,090. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $48,587 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Upstate admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Carolina Upstate
Arizona State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Clemson University
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Michigan State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $23,756 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $23,756 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Michigan State University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,151. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,625 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Set against $17,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Middle Tennessee State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school based in Murfreesboro, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $19,576. Median earnings reach $48,541 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,576 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. More on Middle Tennessee State University
Indiana State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Indiana State University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,582 in debt. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Indiana State University profile
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Miami University Oxford ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Miami University Oxford report
University Of Arizona landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,777 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Michigan Technological University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Students borrow a median of $27,875 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Clarkson University placed #41 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Potsdam, NY, Clarkson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,398 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Clarkson University
Rochester Institute Of Technology placed #42 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,750. Rochester Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $76,571 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. More on Rochester Institute Of Technology
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,462. Graduates carry a median of $26,975 in student loans. Stevens Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $108,772 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Art Center College Of Design placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Pasadena, CA, Art Center College Of Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,170. Students borrow a median of $37,250 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Art Center College Of Design alumni report median earnings of $71,958 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,250 median debt. Art Center College Of Design admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Art Center College Of Design
New York University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $20,500. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. More on New York University
New York Institute Of Technology ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. New York Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Old Westbury, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,560. Students borrow a median of $25,435 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,080 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York Institute Of Technology admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full New York Institute Of Technology report
Oakland University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. See the full Oakland University profile
Christian Brothers University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Christian Brothers University
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
Lawrence Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on Lawrence Technological University
Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 237 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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