Skip to main content

Best Value Engineering Science Colleges

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

Engineering Science programs show dramatic cost variations, with California State University-Bakersfield offering a net price of just $5,825 while Hofstra University costs $35,129 annually. Despite this six-fold price difference, earnings outcomes cluster more tightly, ranging from $48,041 to $78,343 after graduation. Dartmouth College leads both categories with the highest earnings at $78,343 and a substantial net cost of $28,619, reflecting the premium private education market. Public institutions dominate the lower cost tier, with seven schools under $20,000 net price, yet graduates across all program types benefit from strong job markets in aerospace, automotive, and technology sectors. The field's interdisciplinary nature appeals to employers seeking versatile problem-solvers who can bridge traditional engineering boundaries. Regional factors play a significant role, as programs near major tech hubs and manufacturing centers often provide better internship opportunities and direct industry connections.
50
Programs
$5,825 – $35,949
Net Price Range
$61,310
Avg. Program Earnings
68.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,825 $48,041 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
2 $19,040 $66,169 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
3 $17,478 $56,415 $8,115 52.5% 96.1%
4 $28,619 $78,343 $65,739 96.0% 6.4%
5 $23,519 $63,005 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
6 $22,604 $58,221 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
7 $23,650 $60,320 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
8 $25,458 $58,866 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
9 $35,129 $62,409 $55,450 67.1% 69.3%
10 $33,139 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
11 $30,248 $64,348 84.5% 38.9%
12 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
13 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
14 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
15 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
16 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
17 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
18 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
19 $24,842 $40,352 66.3% 78.1%
20 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
21 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
22 $13,742 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
23 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
24 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
25 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
26 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
27 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
28 $12,391 $8,642 49.5% 95.9%
29 $19,040 $29,475 32.0% 72.7%
30 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
31 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
32 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
33 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
34 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
35 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
36 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
37 $27,818 $64,700 96.3% 4.6%
38 $35,949 $31,725 52.7% 60.0%
39 $20,893 $30,680 41.5% 64.4%
40 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
41 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
42 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
43 $21,826 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
44 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
45 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
46 $20,015 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
47 $23,774 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%
48 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
49 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
50 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $30,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities like California State University-Bakersfield leverage state funding to offer net prices around $5,825, while private institutions depend on tuition revenue. Hofstra University at $35,129 represents the high end of private costs, yet many private schools offer substantial aid packages. Geographic location also impacts costs, with schools in expensive metropolitan areas typically charging more for housing and living expenses.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Engineering Science?

The most expensive programs generally show higher completion rates, with Dartmouth achieving 96% graduation compared to 49.3% at the lowest-cost option. However, Trinity University demonstrates that mid-range costs around $23,650 can still produce strong 81.9% graduation rates. Public institutions show more variation, with Rutgers University-New Brunswick reaching 85% despite moderate costs of $23,519 net price.

Is the earnings premium worth the higher costs at selective private colleges?

Dartmouth graduates earn $78,343 annually, about $30,000 more than California State University-Bakersfield alumni who earn $48,041. With a net cost difference of roughly $23,000, the payback period spans less than one year for career-focused students. However, schools like University of New Mexico offer middle-ground earnings of $56,415 at just $17,478 net cost, providing solid returns without elite school debt burdens.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality or value in Engineering Science?

Highly selective programs like Dartmouth (6.38% acceptance) and Vanderbilt (6.67% acceptance) produce the highest-earning graduates at $78,343 and $66,169 respectively. However, more accessible programs still deliver strong outcomes, with University of New Mexico accepting 96.07% of applicants while graduates earn $56,415. The correlation suggests selectivity often reflects resource concentration rather than pure academic superiority.

Where do Engineering Science graduates find the best job markets after graduation?

Programs near major metropolitan areas and technology corridors typically offer superior career prospects, explaining higher earnings at schools like Dartmouth and Vanderbilt. The Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions show particularly strong demand for Engineering Science graduates in aerospace, energy, and defense industries. Schools like Trinity University in San Antonio benefit from proximity to military installations and growing tech sectors, resulting in $60,320 average earnings.

More Engineering Science Rankings

Cheapest Engineering Science Engineering Science Under $20,000

Related

All Engineering Science Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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