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 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes 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 College Of Western Idaho the best value for a degree in general engineering in Idaho. Set in the rural area of Nampa, College Of Western Idaho is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $12,497 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of College Of Western Idaho earn a median of $40,963 early in their careers.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boise State University earned it the #2 place for general engineering. Set in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,048 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Students borrow a median of $24,311 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of Boise State University earn a median of $49,059 early in their careers. Set against $24,311 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Northwest Nazarene University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Nampa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,562 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $50,330. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants.
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The ranking above is published 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.