2026 Best Value Engineering Design Master’s Degree Schools

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

For return on investment in engineering design, no school beat Arizona State University this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical student debt for engineering design graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, engineering design degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $76,149. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.

2

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering design schools. 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. Engineering Design graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Engineering Design graduates of Saint Cloud State University earn a median of $51,625 early in their careers. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

3

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering design schools. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Engineering Design graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Engineering Design graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

4

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering design, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Engineering Design graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering design degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #5 place for engineering design. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the engineering design program here. Early-career engineering design graduates make about $99,682. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.

6

University Of Dayton
Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton placed #6 among the best values for engineering design. Set in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete the engineering design program here. Soon after graduation, engineering design degree recipients from University Of Dayton generally make around $56,077. 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 came in at #7 for value in engineering design this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the engineering design program here. Soon after graduation, engineering design degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

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. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for engineering design graduates is $13,296. Early-career engineering design graduates make about $110,977. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%.

9

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering design schools. Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Melbourne. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,900. Students borrow a median of $32,114 to complete the engineering design program here. Engineering Design graduates of Florida Institute Of Technology earn a median of $86,857 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $32,114 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.