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2026 Best Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Related Fields bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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 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 Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Grantham University this year in the United States. Based in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. Get the full Grantham University report
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bemidji State University landed the #2 spot. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,819. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bemidji State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #3 place in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Excelsior College landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $19,311. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Excelsior College
Out of the 237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. That is a strong return on a $27,004 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
South Dakota State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Utah Valley University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Utah Valley University is a public school based in Orem, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Utah Valley University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $13,850 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. Set against $13,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Utah Valley University profile
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Purdue University Northwest Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Eastern Kentucky University placed #10 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in Richmond, KY. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. Eastern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $45,795 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Eastern Kentucky University
California State University Northridge came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. California State University Northridge Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $16,202 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about California State University Northridge
Eastern Michigan University placed #12 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,122 in student loans. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,122 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Eastern Michigan University
Morehead State University placed #13 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $22,580. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,197. That is a strong return on a $22,580 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Morehead State University
Western Michigan University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $27,000. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Western Michigan University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $25,236 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $25,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
California State University Chico came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $16,601. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about California State University Chico
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $26,404. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Pittsburg State University placed #18 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Pittsburg State University is a public school based in Pittsburg, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,579. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Pittsburg State University
East Carolina University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $24,747. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about East Carolina University
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $16,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $23,289. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southeast Missouri State University profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Missouri University Of Science And Technology Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Missouri University Of Science And Technology
San Jose State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Jose State University
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Related Fields Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Texas State University San Marcos placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $23,659. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
University Of South Carolina Upstate came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Spartanburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,588, with out-of-state students paying around $23,090. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $48,587 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Carolina Upstate
Arizona State University placed #28 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
Clemson University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $25,000. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
Michigan State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $23,756. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan State University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga alumni report median earnings of $51,151 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga profile
Middle Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $19,576. Median earnings reach $48,541 ten years out. Set against $19,576 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
Indiana State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Indiana State University
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Miami University Oxford offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. The median Engineering Related Fields program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Miami University Oxford profile
University Of Arizona landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,777 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
Michigan Technological University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,875 in student loans. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. Median earnings reach $82,592 ten years out. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois Institute Of Technology
Clarkson University placed #39 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Located in Potsdam, NY, Clarkson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,398 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $27,000. Clarkson University alumni report median earnings of $89,696 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clarkson University
Rochester Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,210. Typical Engineering Related Fields student debt is $27,750. Rochester Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $76,571 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Rochester Institute Of Technology report
Stevens Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $63,462. Students borrow a median of $26,975 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $108,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stevens Institute Of Technology
Art Center College Of Design placed #43 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. Set in Pasadena, CA, Art Center College Of Design is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,170. Graduates carry a median of $37,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,958. Set against $37,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on Art Center College Of Design
New York University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. New York University Engineering Related Fields students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on New York University
New York Institute Of Technology placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools in the United States. New York Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Old Westbury, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $46,560. Students borrow a median of $25,435 to complete their Engineering Related Fields program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,080. Set against $25,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full New York Institute Of Technology report
Alvernia University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Alvernia University
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
Gannon University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Gannon University report
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full University Of Utah report
New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. See the full New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology profile
Georgia Southern University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Related Fields schools. More on Georgia Southern University
Related Engineering Related Fields Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Related Fields Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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