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Best Value Engineering-Related Fields Colleges

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

Stanford University graduates earn $92,632 annually despite a $12,136 net cost that places it among the most expensive options on this list. The gap between Stanford's earnings and other programs reflects the technology sector's concentration in Silicon Valley, where engineering-related roles command premium salaries. West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers the lowest net cost at $3,613, though graduates earn $53,358, still exceeding the national median income. Public universities dominate this ranking, with net costs ranging from under $4,000 to nearly $18,000. Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates earn $67,101 with a $13,773 net cost, representing strong value in a state where aerospace and automotive manufacturers actively recruit engineers. The Southwest shows particularly strong earnings potential, with University of Arizona graduates earning $73,215 despite moderate costs.
50
Programs
$3,613 – $50,209
Net Price Range
$59,651
Avg. Program Earnings
63.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering-Related Fields Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,613 $53,358 $4,420 30.6%
2 $12,136 $92,632 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
3 $9,962 $63,749 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
4 $10,089 $57,318 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
5 $8,463 $42,682 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
6 $13,773 $67,101 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
7 $13,670 $65,797 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
8 $13,945 $66,653 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
9 $12,599 $58,943 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
10 $15,960 $73,215 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
11 $13,725 $59,124 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
12 $12,817 $52,941 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
13 $14,838 $57,318 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
14 $17,365 $63,302 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
15 $13,046 $46,087 $9,578 52.6%
16 $19,353 $63,005 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
17 $20,751 $67,429 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
18 $18,165 $58,040 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
19 $18,701 $59,576 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
20 $7,668 $23,579 $6,920 30.2%
21 $17,084 $51,857 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
22 $13,085 $39,369 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
23 $22,112 $66,206 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
24 $17,502 $50,856 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
25 $27,662 $74,576 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
26 $25,926 $69,338 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
27 $23,790 $63,005 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
28 $29,694 $65,131 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
29 $31,955 $63,749 $57,950 73.6% 78.4%
30 $40,468 $74,953 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
31 $35,035 $38,289 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
32 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
33 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
34 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
35 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
36 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
37 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
38 $20,318 $24,820 44.0% 92.0%
39 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
40 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
41 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
42 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
43 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
44 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
45 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
46 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
47 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
48 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
49 $50,209 $51,640 82.6% 71.0%
50 $21,976 $9,576 100.0% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $89,000 gap between highest and lowest graduate earnings?

Stanford graduates earn $92,632 compared to $23,579 at the lowest end, reflecting both program quality and regional job markets. Stanford's proximity to Silicon Valley creates access to high-paying technology positions. Geographic location significantly impacts engineering salaries, with coastal markets typically offering higher compensation than rural areas. The data shows earnings generally correlate with program selectivity and regional industry concentration.

How do public university costs compare across different states?

In-state tuition varies dramatically from $4,420 at West Virginia University at Parkersburg to $14,278 at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Net costs show even wider variation, ranging from $3,613 to $17,365 among public institutions. State funding levels and cost of living significantly influence these differences. Students can find quality engineering programs at various price points depending on their state of residence.

Is Stanford worth the higher net cost compared to public alternatives?

Stanford's $12,136 net cost produces graduates earning $92,632, the highest on this list. Purdue University-Main Campus costs $13,945 but graduates earn $66,653, a $26,000 annual difference. Stanford's 92.80% graduation rate far exceeds most alternatives. The return on investment depends on career goals, with Stanford providing stronger access to elite technology companies and venture capital firms.

Does acceptance rate correlate with post-graduation earnings?

Stanford's 3.68% acceptance rate corresponds with the highest earnings at $92,632, while Purdue's 52.70% rate still yields strong earnings of $66,653. However, California State University-Chico accepts 95% of applicants yet graduates earn $57,318. The correlation isn't absolute, as factors like location, industry partnerships, and program focus also influence earning potential. Selectivity often indicates resource concentration per student.

Where do graduates find the best debt-to-income ratios?

Purdue University-Main Campus graduates carry $16,153 in debt while earning $66,653, creating a favorable 24% debt-to-income ratio. Missouri University of Science and Technology shows $27,000 debt against $67,101 earnings, representing 40% of annual income. Arizona State University graduates face $28,125 debt with $65,797 earnings. Programs with lower debt loads relative to earnings provide better financial flexibility for recent graduates.

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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.