2026 Best Value General Engineering Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Our analysis ranked University Of California Berkeley the best value for a degree in general engineering science in the United States. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. General Engineering Science graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. General Engineering Science graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $70,847 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%.

2

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering science, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete the general engineering science program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering science degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $61,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 31%.

3

Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Coastal Carolina University earned it the #3 place for general engineering science. Coastal Carolina University is a large public school located in the city of Conway. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,640, with out-of-state students paying around $29,628. Typical student debt for general engineering science graduates is $27,174. Soon after graduation, general engineering science degree recipients from Coastal Carolina University generally make around $38,272. That is a strong return on a $27,174 median debt. Coastal Carolina University admits about 75% of applicants.

4

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering science schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. General Engineering Science graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering science degree recipients from Vanderbilt University generally make around $81,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.

5

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Students looking for strong value in general engineering science will find it at Harvard University, which ranked #5. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. General Engineering Science graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. General Engineering Science graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.

6

Wartburg College
Waverly, IA

Wartburg College placed #6 among the best values for general engineering science. Set in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,250. Typical student debt for general engineering science graduates is $26,793. Soon after graduation, general engineering science degree recipients from Wartburg College generally make around $46,918. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

7

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #7 for value in general engineering science this year. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the general engineering science program here. General Engineering Science graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $69,336 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.

8

Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA

Sweet Briar College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering science schools. Sweet Briar College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Sweet Briar. In-state tuition and fees average $26,160. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,943. Sweet Briar College admits about 76% of applicants.

9

Trinity University
San Antonio, TX

Trinity University earned the #9 position for value in general engineering science this year. Trinity University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,676. Students borrow a median of $21,249 to complete the general engineering science program here. General Engineering Science graduates of Trinity University earn a median of $74,063 early in their careers. Set against $21,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 26%.

10

Smith College
Northampton, MA

Smith College came in at #10 for value in general engineering science this year. Set in the city of Northampton, Smith College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,178 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general engineering science graduates is $18,941. Early-career general engineering science graduates make about $40,436. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted.

11

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University placed #11 among the best values for general engineering science. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete the general engineering science program here. Early-career general engineering science graduates make about $73,378. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants.

12

Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College earned the #12 position for value in general engineering science this year. Dartmouth College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Hanover. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Students borrow a median of $17,083 to complete the general engineering science program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering science degree recipients from Dartmouth College generally make around $89,929. That is a strong return on a $17,083 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.

13

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #13 spot for general engineering science value this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.