2026 Best Value Engineering Design Schools

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Our analysis ranked Arizona State University the best value for a degree in engineering design in the United States. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the engineering design program here. Soon after graduation, engineering design degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $76,149. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.

2

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering design, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete the engineering design program here. Soon after graduation, engineering design degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $51,625. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

3

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harvard University earned it the #3 place for engineering design. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for engineering design graduates is $16,616. Early-career engineering design graduates make about $95,207. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwestern University earned it the #4 place for engineering design. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the engineering design program here. Early-career engineering design graduates make about $144,879. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

5

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering design, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the engineering design program here. Engineering Design graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.

6

University Of Dayton
Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton came in at #6 for value in engineering design this year. Set in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical student debt for engineering design graduates is $25,033. Engineering Design graduates of University Of Dayton earn a median of $56,077 early in their careers. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

7

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #7 spot for engineering design value this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Engineering Design graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Early-career engineering design graduates make about $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

8

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University landed the #8 spot for engineering design value this year. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the engineering design program here. Engineering Design graduates of Duke University earn a median of $110,977 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.

9

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology came in at #9 for value in engineering design this year. Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Melbourne. In-state tuition and fees average $45,900. Typical student debt for engineering design graduates is $32,114. Engineering Design graduates of Florida Institute Of Technology earn a median of $86,857 early in their careers. Set against $32,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Institute Of Technology admits about 58% of applicants.