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2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools in Tennessee
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Engineering Schools
Our analysis ranked Chattanooga State Community College the best value for a degree in general engineering in Tennessee. Chattanooga State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chattanooga. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,756. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of Chattanooga State Community College earn a median of $37,252 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt.
Tennessee State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,489 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $45,060. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants.
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Located in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $23,324. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga generally make around $50,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Memphis one of the best values for general engineering. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $48,890 early in their careers. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Tennessee Technological University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Tennessee Technological University is a large public school located in the town of Cookeville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $17,580. General Engineering graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $46,981 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
ADBLOCK #101
Vanderbilt University landed the #6 spot for general engineering value this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $13,975. General Engineering graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $77,997 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.
[General Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
