2026 Best Value Ocean Engineering Schools

1

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

For return on investment in ocean engineering, no school beat Florida Atlantic University this year. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the ocean engineering program here. Soon after graduation, ocean engineering degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $67,941. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.

2

University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Hawaii At Manoa one of the best values for ocean engineering. Located in the city of Honolulu, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,186 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ocean engineering graduates is $20,577. Early-career ocean engineering graduates make about $48,181. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

University Of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI

A rank of #3 makes University Of Rhode Island one of the best values for ocean engineering. Located in the suburb of Kingston, University Of Rhode Island is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,942, while out-of-state students pay about $37,146. Typical student debt for ocean engineering graduates is $25,147. Early-career ocean engineering graduates make about $70,939. Set against $25,147 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

4

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value ocean engineering schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the ocean engineering program here. Early-career ocean engineering graduates make about $71,788. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants.

5

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ocean engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Melbourne, Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the ocean engineering program here. Soon after graduation, ocean engineering degree recipients from Florida Institute Of Technology generally make around $68,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.