Pursuing an engineering degree doesn’t have to break the bank. While the field offers lucrative career prospects, plenty of universities provide an affordable path to joining this essential profession. 

For students seeking a top-notch engineering education without backbreaking costs, this ranking reveals the schools that deliver exceptional value. Explore the institutions that balance academic rigor, robust resources, and reasonable price tags to find your best-value engineering option.

28 Best Value Engineering Schools

Consistently ranked at the top, the best value engineering schools include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Stanford University, Stony Brook University, and Georgia Tech. 

These prestigious universities offer exceptional engineering programs, striking a balance between academic rigor, hands-on learning experiences, and affordable tuition rates.

Engineering degrees from in-state and out-of-state institutions have spectacularly high ROIs, and there’s a job market hungry for qualified engineers who graduate from the following schools.

School	Minimum In-State Tuition	Minimum Out-of-State Tuition
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$57,986	$60,156
Missouri University	$14,462	$39,618
Stanford University	$58,400	$62,000
Stony Brook University	$10,560	$30,350
Georgia Tech	$24,100	$45,200
University of Utah	$7,500	$27,000
Princeton University	$62,400	$76,000
Duke University	$43,000	$66,000
California Institute of Technology	$58,000	$63,402
University of Pennsylvania	$66,104	$78,650
Colorado School of Mines	$17,675	$39,618
University of Washington	$39,906	$41,000
Purdue University	$9,900	$28,700
Brigham Young University	$12,992	$16,336
University of California – Los Angeles	$13,752	$46,320
Lehigh University	$59,000	$63,900
University of Virginia	$26,150	$62,000
UC – Berkeley	$24,000	$34,200
University of Illinois	$15,714	$33,686
University of Michigan	$10,449	$28,500
Virginia Tech	$15,478	$36,090
Texas A&M University	$12,413	$40,607
Carnegie Mellon University	$54,244	$80,540
University of Florida	$12,740	$28,658
University of Texas at Austin	$29,758	$53,000
North Carolina State University	$9,105	$31,977
University of Minnesota	$16,488	$36,402
Ohio State University	$35,491	$36,691

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers open access to in-state and out-of-state students through its distance learning platform. The research specialties of the school include a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautics, Chemical, Computer Science, Materials, Biological, Civil, Nuclear, and Mechanical.

When asked about her top recommended engineering school, Kelsey Ludeman, an Academic Success Coach at the University of Houston-Downtown, shared that MIT is her school of choice: 

“MIT continually ranks highest amongst engineering schools. With its state-of-the-art technology, innovative programming, and worldwide reputation, MIT is a university that provides a sure springboard for success.”

Highlight: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is recognized among the global education leaders, along with Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and Berkeley.

Degree: 8 concentrations

2. Missouri University of Science & Technology

Missouri S&T is recognized as one of the best value schools for engineering, offering an excellent education at an affordable cost and reasonable out-of-state fees. It’s among the top public schools renowned for its innovative labs, entrepreneurial spirit, and hands-on learning opportunities, such as designing race cars and operating a nuclear reactor.

Highlight: Missouri University of Science & Technology was recognized in the U.S. News & World Report, with their College of Engineering and Computing ranked as one of the best grad schools in 2023.

Degree: 18 concentrations

3. Stanford University

Stanford University’s School of Engineering includes a Bachelor of Bioengineering, Astronautics, Chemistry, Computers, Management, Environment, Electricity, Mechanics, and Materials. Stanford’s interdepartmental engineering majors include research in energy, architecture, product design, biomedicine, physics, and biomechanics.

Highlight: Stanford University is recognized among the world’s most elite research universities. Stanford University’s engineering coursework has received accreditation by ABET. 

Degree: 16 concentrations

4. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University teaches students an exceptional engineering curriculum at a great value, especially for the Northeast region, where many other colleges are significantly more expensive for both in-state and out-of-state students. This young public research school is a leader in supercomputing and has strong ties to the federal government.

Highlight: In 2020, U.S. News & World Report reported that Stony Brook University was in the top 30% for engineering grad schools.

Degree: 7 concentrations

5. Georgia Tech

At Georgia Institute of Technology, engineering students can select from mechanical, materials, and systems/industrial. Georgia Tech also teaches students advanced classes and research on aerospace, radiological/nuclear, environmental/civil, and biomolecular/chemical engineering.

Highlight: Georgia Tech is recognized among the top universities in the country, with its undergraduate engineering program ranked 4th nationally.

Degree: 9 concentrations

6. University of Utah

The University of Utah provides a top-ranked engineering education at a remarkably low cost. This large school’s in-state and out-of-state fees are attractive options for students seeking an affordable yet high-quality program supported by the federal government.

Highlight: According to the Wall Street Journal, The University of Utah is the #1 public university in the west.

Degree: 10 concentrations

7. Princeton University

Princeton University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers bachelor’s degrees in Environmental/Civil, Biological/Chemical, Aerospace/Mechanical, Electrical, Finance, and Research/Operations.

Highlight: Princeton University holds the distinction of being the 4th oldest university in the nation.

Degree: BS in Engineering 6 concentrations

8. Duke University

Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering offers a BS in Computer/Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Biomedical, and Environmental. Duke University is recognized by US News & World Report as among the most selective institutions of higher education for in-state and out-of-state students. 

Highlight: Duke University is recognized by US News as among the most selective institutions of higher education in the nation. 

Degree: BS in Engineering 5 concentrations

9. California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology’s engineering options include a Bachelor of Bioengineering, Chemical, Mechanical, Computer, and Electrical Engineering, to name a few. The school also has a multi-option study abroad program for an in-state or out-of-state student’s junior or senior year of the engineering program.

Highlight: The California Institute of Technology is often recognized among the world’s most elite universities. 

Degree: 12 concentrations

10. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s Penn School of Engineering offers a BAS or a BSE with ten engineering specialties. It’s one of the few schools where in-state and out-of-state engineering students can access specialized research programs, dual degree options, and accelerated versions of standardized coursework.

Highlight: The University of Pennsylvania holds the distinction of being an Ivy League University. 

Degree: BES or BAS – 10 concentrations

11. Colorado School of Mines

The Colorado School of Mines’ engineering program options include a Bachelor of Engineering Major in Mining, Metallurgical, Geophysical, Petroleum, Environment, Mechanical, Geological, Biochemistry, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Physics, among others. Similar to Virginia Tech, the research curriculum teaches students the primary application of scientific principles, laws, and procedures.

Highlight: The Colorado School of Mines is consistently recognized among the world’s best academic universities in the areas of mining engineering. 

Degree: BS in Engineering 12 concentrations

12. University of Washington

The University of Washington’s College of Engineering consists of the following degrees – chemical, environmental/civil, bioengineering, aeronautics, and computer/electrical. This large school also provides research and advanced classes in human design, systems, and mechanical engineering.

Highlight: The University of Washington is recognized as a member of the public Ivy League school category. 

Degree: 11 concentrations

13. Purdue University

Purdue University’s College of Engineering offers a Bachelor of aeronautics, biomedicine, and agricultural/biological. The school is also known for its chemical, computer/electrical, ecological, materials, interdisciplinary, mechanical, and nuclear engineering options.

Highlight: Purdue University has the distinction of having one of the largest student bodies in the state of Indiana and alumni, including the first man to step on the moon, Neil Armstrong.  

Degree: 14 concentrations

14. Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University’s Fulton College of Engineering is considered among the best undergraduate engineering schools in Utah and in the country. It offers engineering concentrations in mechanical, computer and electrical, chemical, environment, civil, and manufacturing, to name a few.

Highlight: More than 65% of BYU students participate as LDS missionaries across the globe. 

Degree: 10 concentrations

15. University of California – Los Angeles

UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering offers ten undergraduate engineering degree programs that combine to create one of the best undergraduate engineering schools in the country. 

UCLA offers a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, as well as engineering concentrations in Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering, to name a few. 

UCLA offers students an engaging campus life, which is evidenced in 2017 when the school received more than 120,000 freshman/transfer applications for admission.

Highlight: US News recognizes the University of California at Los Angeles as among the best undergraduate engineering schools in the nation

Degree: 10 concentrations

16. Lehigh University

Lehigh University’s BS in Engineering concentrations include a Bachelor of Bioengineering, Mechanical, Biocomputational, Material Sciences, and Civil. Other accredited programs for in-state or out-of-state students include Systems/Industrial, Computer, Environmental, Mechanics, and Electrical.

Highlight: Lehigh University is only 80 miles from New York City and 75 miles from downtown Philadelphia 

Degree: BS in Engineering 11 concentrations

17. University of Virginia

About 84% of the University of Virginia’s engineering students graduate on time in four years, beating the national average of 33% for engineering schools. Program concentrations include biomedical, aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, systems, and mechanical.

Highlight: The Center for Engineering Career Development hosts an annual career fair where students can visit with representatives from Microsoft, Google, and other high-profile employers.

Degree: 10 concentrations

18. University of California – Berkeley

University of California – Berkeley’s engineering programs focus on civil and environmental, bioengineering, electrical, industrial, and operations research. Out-of-state and in-state students of the school can also study nuclear, materials, or mechanical engineering.

Highlight: All Berkeley Engineering students have access to the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation and the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, which help students design products and launch businesses.

Degree: 8 concentrations

19. University of Illinois

The University of Illinois’ Grainger Engineering commits to creating breakthroughs through research in sustainability, healthcare, curing and treating diseases, cybersecurity, nuclear energy, and clean water. The engineering school is advancing in robotic prosthetics, drone shipping, and flying to Mars.

Highlight: There are nine minors for engineering students who wish to pursue a major and a minor.

Degree: 14 concentrations

20. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan has 17 engineering majors, including aerospace, industrial and operations, naval, and marine engineering. The school also concentrates on engineering physics, chemistry, climate and meteorology, and data science.

Highlight: Michigan Engineering is committed to carbon neutrality.

Degree: 17 concentrations

21. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech teaches biological systems, aerospace, biomedical, ocean, and mining and minerals engineering. Virginia Tech was one of the first schools in the nation to earn a bronze award from the American Society for Engineering Education’s Diversity Recognition Program. The US News and World Report considers its engineering specialties in the top 20 nationally.

Highlight: The College of Engineering was one of the first schools in the nation to earn a bronze award from the American Society for Engineering Education’s Diversity Recognition Program.

Degree: 15 concentrations

22. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers more than 20 engineering majors focusing on aerospace, biomedical, biological and agricultural, civil and environmental, chemical, computer, industrial distribution, electronic systems, and manufacturing. The engineering school in Texas encourages students to participate in leadership and entrepreneurship programs, research, study abroad opportunities, and international internships.

Highlight: Texas A&M University consistently earns top rankings from US News & World Report.

Degree: 20+ concentrations

23. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s engineering majors concentrate on chemical, biomedical, civil and environmental, public policy, electrical and computer, mechanical, and materials engineering. The US News & World Report ranks Carnegie Mellon #6 for undergraduate engineering and #4 for master’s diploma.

Highlight: The school’s faculty has earned various awards, including two Nobel Prizes and three Turing awards.

Degree: 7 concentrations

24. University of Florida

Quite like Virginia Tech, the University of Florida’s engineering degrees focus on agricultural, biological, aerospace, chemical, coastal and oceanographic, electrical, and civil engineering. The school also concentrates on digital arts and sciences, human-centered computing, environmental, materials, industrial and systems, nuclear, and mechanical.

Highlight: The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering produces five times the national average of business startups and twice the average number of inventions.

Degree: 13 concentrations

25. University of Texas at Austin

There are more than 20 research centers at the University of Texas – Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering. The school offers engineering majors focusing on architectural, aerospace, biomedical, chemical, computation, and civil engineering. You can also study mechanical, environmental, electrical and computer, geosystems and hydrogeology, and petroleum engineering.

Highlight: The average starting salary for students who graduate from the Cockrell School of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree is $72,000.

Degree: 11 concentrations

26. North Carolina State University

NC State University’s engineering majors aim to find more efficient energy sources, develop better construction materials, and support the effort for clean energy in North Carolina. Close to Duke, Virginia Tech, and Chapel Hill, NC is one of the best public universities where you can master textile, materials, environmental, mechatronics, and paper science engineering.

Highlight: The College of Engineering at NCSU is #9 in the country for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded.

Degree: 18 concentrations

27. University of Minnesota

Students at the University of Minnesota can major in astrophysics, aerospace and mechanics, bioproducts and biosystems, biomedical, chemical, and earth sciences. The engineering school also teaches environmental geosciences, industrial and systems, and materials engineering to in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Highlight: Opportunities for study abroad are available for students as early as winter break of their freshman year.

Degree: 12 concentrations

28. Ohio State University

Ohio State University specializes in aviation, aeronautical and astronautical, biomedical, environmental, industrial and systems, food, agricultural, and biological, materials, and welding engineering. The school is a leader in engineering education in Ohio that seeks to improve the standard of living in the state through lifelong learning, continuous improvement, and creativity.

Highlight: Students can participate in project teams that provide experiential learning and encourage student collaboration.

Degree: 14 concentrations

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Methodology: Ranking the Best Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

To ensure you’ll be benefiting from those high ROIs, ensure you’re getting your degree from a reputable source that potential employers will respect (read more about our ranking methodology). Nothing sinks a resume faster than a disgraceful education section. The engineering schools on the Best Value ranking are all regionally-accredited, transparent, and proven. From a master list of engineering programs, we rank according to three criteria:

• Cost (IPEDS data)
• Salary Potential (College Scorecard)
• Reputation (U.S. News)

Our formula shows us the engineering schools with the best balance of quality and cost, so we steer you only to the programs most likely to pay off in the long run. Engineering is one of the most stimulating, challenging, and satisfying careers: start yours off right.

What Does an Engineer Do?

Engineers are, first and foremost, problem solvers. Engineer job requirements include using math and science and applying them to create and improve buildings, machines, chemicals, or other items. They’re often the individuals concerned with safety, cost, and adhering to regulations.

• Engineering as a career option can lead to jobs with manufacturing companies and through the government.
• There are various types of engineering careers in different areas, such as mechanics, chemicals, biomedical, aerospace, and more. 
• There are even non-traditional jobs and ones where a person monitors other engineers.

Promising Engineering Degrees for the Future

The best engineering degrees for jobs in the current and future markets vary based on your plans, as well as those associated with sustainability.

• Consider engineering jobs that work on sustainable technologies and improvements to energy efficiency.
• Focus on degree programs that relate to hard sciences, like chemical engineering.
• Try programs that emphasize improvements to electrical systems and the use of electricity.

Courses in an Engineering Bachelor’s Program

Whether you choose a private or public school, the requirements for engineering degree programs at the undergraduate level provide students with the fundamental skills they need to advance in a career. It provides the foundation you build through experience, training, and research.

Due to the focus on developing foundational skills, engineering college classes may offer students variable course materials.

• It is common for engineering bachelor’s degree requirements to focus on advanced mathematics, physics, and sciences.
• Aside from general studies courses, it may also be necessary for students to have writing and language skills to communicate effectively with employers, customers, or other parties. 
• A school may require students to study technology and computer science tools.
• Engineering classes may emphasize specific tools or technological advances as they apply to the design and building of new technologies.
• Students may also take courses that provide hands-on experience through lab work, computer simulations, or related strategies.

By focusing on applying theories and encouraging students to work on their own designs, a school program can help students prepare for the rigors of engineering careers.

Things to Consider When Choosing a School for Engineering Degrees

When considering schools for a bachelor’s in engineering, Ludeman recommends doing thorough research on the areas of focus that a university offers.

“Mechanical, electrical, and computer are just a few of the engineering degrees that can be considered, but the list doesn’t stop there. When searching for a budget-friendly program, don’t sacrifice your career goals just because you don’t see the specific engineering field you want at a school. Keep searching until both price and specialty meet.” 

Also, look at residential programs before going online. There are a lot of excellent financial reasons to go residential.

There are very few reputable online programs for undergraduate engineering, largely because engineering is such a hands-on field. Learning basic concepts from simulations and virtual models can be challenging. 

That’s something a residential engineering program can provide. Most universities have well-equipped laboratories for experimentation. Most universities also have master’s programs that you can step right into to further raise your credentials.

The best residential programs are usually located in cities or regions with lots of industry, business, and government agencies that employ engineers, whether it’s Silicon Valley, the Research Triangle, or the resurgent Rust Belt.

Engineering schools often have long-standing relationships with the corporations and industries in their area, providing a pipeline into the job market.

Related Questions

What Is the Best Affordable Engineering University?

Missouri University and Georgia Institute of Technology offer one of the best and most affordable engineering programs in the country. It has a low cost of attendance for both in-state and out-of-state tuition.

Which Engineering Colleges Have the Lowest Fees for In-State and Out-of-State Rates?

For this list, the University of Utah has the lowest in-state tuition. While students at Brigham Young University still need to pay room and board costs, they have among the lowest out-of-state rates in the country.

What Is the #1 Engineering School in the US?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is widely regarded as the #1 engineering school in the US for both undergraduate students and graduate programs. The school offers various engineering concentrations and research programs.

Is ABET Accreditation Important in an Engineering School?

ABET accreditation is an integral part of evaluating a program. Many programs are ABET-accredited, meeting or exceeding specific standards. It tells the employer that the student’s school can provide adequate education in engineering.

Conclusion

With the top value engineering school, aspiring engineers can make an informed decision about the future. These top-ranked programs offer high-quality education at affordable tuition, setting graduates up for successful careers in their chosen engineering fields. Prioritizing value and reputation for a rewarding educational journey that aligns with your goals and financial considerations.

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Related:

• Top 25 Best Value Online Engineering Bachelor’s
• Top 10 Most Affordable Online Applied Engineering Programs
• Top 10 Cheapest Online Engineering Technology Management Programs