by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Engineering](/majors/engineering/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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general engineering students.
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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 Essex County College the best value for a degree in general engineering in New Jersey. Located in the city of Newark, Essex County College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,415, with out-of-state students paying around $9,523. Students borrow a median of $12,472 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $37,915. That is a strong return on a $12,472 median debt.
Union County College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Cranford, Union County College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,280, compared with $9,500 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,508 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Union County College generally make around $27,813. That is a strong return on a $8,508 median debt.
Atlantic Cape Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Mays Landing, Atlantic Cape Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,594, while out-of-state students pay about $8,350. Students borrow a median of $12,002 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Atlantic Cape Community College generally make around $37,141. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brookdale Community College earned it the #4 place for general engineering. Located in the suburb of Lincroft, Brookdale Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $37,374. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in general engineering will find it at Ocean County College, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Toms River, Ocean County College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,906 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,970 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $13,792. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $41,306. Set against $13,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Gloucester County College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Sewell, Gloucester County College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,160, with out-of-state students paying around $6,000. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $13,236. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $38,274. That is a strong return on a $13,236 median debt.
Rowan University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $84,255 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.