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.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general engineering schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in general engineering, no school beat Copiah Lincoln Community College this year. Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Wesson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,200, compared with $5,200 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $31,241 ten years out.
Students looking for strong value in general engineering will find it at East Mississippi Community College, which ranked #2. East Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Scooba. In-state tuition and fees average $4,095, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,422 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from East Mississippi Community College generally make around $34,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Itawamba Community College one of the best values for general engineering. Located in the rural area of Fulton, Itawamba Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $10,942. General Engineering graduates of Itawamba Community College earn a median of $40,832 early in their careers. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earned it the #4 place for general engineering. Set in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median of $34,214 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Mississippi Community College earned it the #5 place for general engineering. Located in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,740 in tuition and fees. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $35,001. Set against $9,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #6 spot for general engineering value this year. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Students borrow a median of $22,444 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $50,876 early in their careers. Set against $22,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Mississippi State University placed #7 among the best values for general engineering. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Students borrow a median of $23,969 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $47,383. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.