2026 Best Value Engineering & Applied Physics Master’s Degree Schools

1

California Institute Of Technology
Pasadena, CA

California Institute Of Technology tops our 2026 list of the best value engineering & applied physics schools in the United States. Set in the city of Pasadena, California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,898. Soon after graduation, engineering & applied physics degree recipients from California Institute Of Technology generally make around $173,344. California Institute Of Technology admits about 3% of applicants.

2

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering & applied physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete the engineering & applied physics program here. Early-career engineering & applied physics graduates make about $86,770. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

A rank of #3 makes University Of Oregon one of the best values for engineering & applied physics. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete the engineering & applied physics program here. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of University Of Oregon earn a median of $98,640 early in their careers. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.

4

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering & applied physics schools. Yale University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Haven. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Typical student debt for engineering & applied physics graduates is $14,357. Early-career engineering & applied physics graduates make about $74,578. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

5

Colorado School Of Mines
Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering & applied physics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of Colorado School Of Mines earn a median of $72,858 early in their careers. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

6

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering & applied physics schools. Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical student debt for engineering & applied physics graduates is $15,005. Engineering & Applied Physics graduates of Cornell University earn a median of $75,976 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.