by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/other-general-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for general engineering students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Arizona Western College the best value for a degree in general engineering in Arizona. Set in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,060 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates of Arizona Western College earn a median of $44,895 early in their careers.
Arizona State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,113 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $90,032. That is a strong return on a $26,113 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #3 place for general engineering. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $50,834. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
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This list is compiled 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.