by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Computer Engineering](/majors/engineering/ce-computer-engineering/general-computer-engineering/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 18 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general computer engineering students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general computer engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Pennsylvania State University World Campus, our #1 best value for general computer engineering in Pennsylvania. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer engineering schools. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Erie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,972, while out-of-state students pay about $26,958. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 97%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for general computer engineering. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. General Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,837 in student loans. Early-career general computer engineering graduates make about $78,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Scranton earned it the #4 place for general computer engineering. Located in the city of Scranton, University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. General Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer engineering degree recipients from University Of Scranton generally make around $56,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer engineering schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. General Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. General Computer Engineering graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
4
5
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in general computer engineering this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Lehigh University earned the #7 position for value in general computer engineering this year. Located in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. General Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Early-career general computer engineering graduates make about $82,209. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted.
Drexel University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general computer engineering schools. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,166 to complete the general computer engineering program here. Early-career general computer engineering graduates make about $101,510. That is a strong return on a $28,166 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Bucknell University placed #9 among the best values for general computer engineering. Bucknell University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Lewisburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,812. Typical student debt for general computer engineering graduates is $25,951. Early-career general computer engineering graduates make about $90,171. Set against $25,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants.
Villanova University came in at #10 for value in general computer engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. General Computer Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. General Computer Engineering graduates of Villanova University earn a median of $108,248 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.