2026 Best Value Electrical Engineering Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

For return on investment in electrical engineering, no school beat California State University Fullerton this year. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,054 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $63,468. That is a strong return on a $15,054 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

2

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in electrical engineering will find it at California State University Los Angeles, which ranked #2. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,676 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $83,169. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.

3

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Northridge earned it the #3 place for electrical engineering. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $17,440 in student loans. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $75,207. That is a strong return on a $17,440 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.

4

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fresno earned it the #4 place for electrical engineering. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Electrical Engineering graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $59,672 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,875 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

5

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Long Beach earned it the #5 place for electrical engineering. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $77,278. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

6

California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA

California State University Bakersfield came in at #6 for value in electrical engineering this year. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. Students from in state pay about $8,087 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,687 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. The acceptance rate is 94%.

7

Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, WA

Tacoma Community College landed the #7 spot for electrical engineering value this year. Set in the city of Tacoma, Tacoma Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,507, compared with $11,646 for out-of-state students. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $14,822 in student loans. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $41,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento placed #8 among the best values for electrical engineering. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical student debt for electrical engineering graduates is $19,430. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $74,450. That is a strong return on a $19,430 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value electrical engineering schools. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,168, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for electrical engineering graduates is $15,000. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $81,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus admits about 82% of applicants.

10

California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos came in at #10 for value in electrical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $17,527 in student loans. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $48,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK

University Of Alaska Fairbanks ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value electrical engineering schools. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,083, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,439 in student loans. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from University Of Alaska Fairbanks generally make around $50,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University landed the #12 spot for electrical engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $159,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

13

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #13 for value in electrical engineering this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $20,342 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $95,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA

University Of Washington Bothell Campus placed #14 among the best values for electrical engineering. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. Students from in state pay about $12,919 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $103,328. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

15

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #15 for value in electrical engineering this year. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $77,254. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants.

16

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value electrical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,812 in student loans. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $80,827. That is a strong return on a $18,812 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

17

Everett Community College
Everett, WA

Everett Community College came in at #17 for value in electrical engineering this year. Located in the city of Everett, Everett Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,171. Students borrow a median of $13,542 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $47,441. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine earned the #18 position for value in electrical engineering this year. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $80,412. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

19

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #19 for value in electrical engineering this year. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for electrical engineering graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $103,328. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

20

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University earned the #20 position for value in electrical engineering this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $16,125 in student loans. Electrical Engineering graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $67,345 early in their careers. Set against $16,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

21

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University came in at #21 for value in electrical engineering this year. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $29,593 in student loans. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $99,396. That is a strong return on a $29,593 median debt. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

22

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #22 for value in electrical engineering this year. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.

23

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value electrical engineering schools. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,954 to complete the electrical engineering program here. Electrical Engineering graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $66,430 early in their careers. Set against $19,954 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

24

University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI

University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #24 spot for electrical engineering value this year. Set in the city of Honolulu, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Electrical Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,539 in student loans. Early-career electrical engineering graduates make about $70,950. Set against $20,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.

25

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles placed #25 among the best values for electrical engineering. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical student debt for electrical engineering graduates is $17,877. Soon after graduation, electrical engineering degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $102,380. That is a strong return on a $17,877 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.