2026 Best Value Applied Engineering Technologies Schools

1

Wilkes Community College
Wilkesboro, NC

Leading the list is Wilkes Community College, our #1 best value for applied engineering technologies in the United States. Set in the town of Wilkesboro, Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,716. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete the applied engineering technologies program here. Soon after graduation, applied engineering technologies degree recipients from Wilkes Community College generally make around $36,341. Set against $9,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Johnston Community College
Smithfield, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Johnston Community College earned it the #2 place for applied engineering technologies. Located in the town of Smithfield, Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,756, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Typical student debt for applied engineering technologies graduates is $9,490. Applied Engineering Technologies graduates of Johnston Community College earn a median of $37,472 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,490 median debt.

3

Mayland Community College
Spruce Pine, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mayland Community College earned it the #3 place for applied engineering technologies. Set in the rural area of Spruce Pine, Mayland Community College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,626, with out-of-state students paying around $8,770. Applied Engineering Technologies graduates of Mayland Community College earn a median of $17,144 early in their careers.

4

Rogers State University
Claremore, OK

Students looking for strong value in applied engineering technologies will find it at Rogers State University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Claremore, Rogers State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Applied Engineering Technologies graduates carry a median of $22,936 in student loans. Applied Engineering Technologies graduates of Rogers State University earn a median of $45,644 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,936 median debt.

5

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in applied engineering technologies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the applied engineering technologies program here. Soon after graduation, applied engineering technologies degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%.