2026 Best Value Structural Engineering Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

Leading the list is California State University Northridge, our #1 best value for structural engineering in the Far Western Region. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Structural Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,732 in student loans. Early-career structural engineering graduates make about $74,430. Set against $18,732 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in structural engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the structural engineering program here. Structural Engineering graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $49,427 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.

3

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California San Diego one of the best values for structural engineering. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for structural engineering graduates is $16,400. Structural Engineering graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $77,511 early in their careers. Set against $16,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in structural engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Structural Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,444 in student loans. Soon after graduation, structural engineering degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $78,463. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

5

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Diego State University earned it the #5 place for structural engineering. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for structural engineering graduates is $19,832. Structural Engineering graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,832 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #6 for value in structural engineering this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $8,125 to complete the structural engineering program here. Early-career structural engineering graduates make about $88,144. Set against $8,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%.

7

Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value structural engineering schools. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Typical student debt for structural engineering graduates is $24,000. Structural Engineering graduates of Seattle University earn a median of $69,151 early in their careers. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.