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Best Value Engineering Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Stanford's net price of $12,136 makes it one of the most affordable options for Engineering, Other programs, despite its private status and 3.68% acceptance rate. This unusual affordability stems from the university's generous financial aid, creating a stark contrast with schools like Massachusetts Maritime Academy where net costs reach $26,661. Engineering, Other graduates across these 15 programs earn between $44,170 and $75,130, reflecting the field's broad applications in aerospace, biomedical, environmental, and materials engineering sectors that drive innovation across the national economy. Public universities dominate this value market, with 14 of 15 schools offering in-state tuition advantages. The data reveals significant regional variations in both cost and career outcomes, from Indiana University-Indianapolis delivering strong $68,379 earnings at just $11,408 net cost to Western Michigan University's more modest $44,170 starting salaries.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$62,596
Avg. Program Earnings
64.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,408 $68,379 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
2 $12,136 $57,995 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
3 $12,948 $61,303 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
4 $15,590 $69,897 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
5 $14,838 $66,355 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
6 $11,750 $52,107 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
7 $13,945 $58,673 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
8 $18,292 $75,130 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
9 $16,391 $59,986 $12,687 59.1% 92.6%
10 $17,722 $64,493 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
11 $19,568 $64,493 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
12 $23,897 $74,157 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
13 $20,751 $57,318 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
14 $26,661 $73,035 $10,816 79.1% 89.4%
15 $18,701 $44,170 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
16 $43,273 $79,688 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
17 $30,799 $52,289 $22,480 34.9% 64.7%
18 $32,478 $47,260 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
19 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
20 $23,678 $48,602 73.3% 69.2%
21 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
22 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
23 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
24 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
25 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
26 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
27 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
28 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
29 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
30 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
31 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
32 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
33 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
34 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
35 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
36 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
37 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
38 $29,997 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
39 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
40 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
41 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
42 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
43 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
44 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
45 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
46 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
47 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
48 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
49 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
50 $20,566 $36,030 64.1% 45.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stanford such good value despite being private?

Stanford's need-based financial aid reduces the net price to $12,136, well below many public alternatives. The university's $57,995 median earnings and extremely low $7,500 debt burden create strong value. With a 92.80% graduation rate, students face minimal financial risk while accessing top-tier engineering education.

How do public university costs compare across states?

In-state tuition varies dramatically, from Colorado State Pueblo's $9,401 to Oregon State's $13,494. California State University-Chico offers the lowest at $8,064, while net prices after aid range from Indiana University-Indianapolis at $11,408 to Auburn University at $23,897. Geographic location significantly impacts both educational costs and regional job markets.

Is the graduation rate gap significant between schools?

Graduation rates span from Colorado State Pueblo's 38.00% to Stanford's 92.80%, a 54-point difference that affects career outcomes. Schools like University of Maryland-College Park achieve 88.60% rates while maintaining reasonable $15,590 net costs. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with stronger alumni networks and career placement support.

Does acceptance rate predict program quality or value?

Acceptance rates range from Stanford's selective 3.68% to Colorado State Pueblo's open 98.79%, yet both appear on this value list. Ohio State University balances selectivity at 52.72% acceptance with strong $75,130 earnings and reasonable $18,292 net cost. Selectivity often reflects institutional resources rather than pure program value.

Where do Engineering, Other graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

Ohio State University leads with $75,130 median earnings, followed closely by Auburn University at $74,157. Massachusetts Maritime Academy reaches $73,035, likely reflecting specialized marine engineering opportunities. These figures exceed the national average and reflect strong industry partnerships in automotive, aerospace, and maritime sectors.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.