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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Engineering Schools in Alabama

6 Colleges in the United States
$26,557 Avg Student Debt
$53,236 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Engineering Badge [Engineering](/majors/engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for engineering students.

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2026 Best Value Engineering Schools in Alabama

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Engineering Schools

1

University Of North Alabama earned the #1 spot for value among engineering schools in Alabama. Located in the city of Florence, University Of North Alabama is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Students borrow a median of $24,291 to complete the engineering program here. Engineering graduates of University Of North Alabama earn a median of $41,357 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,291 median debt. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants.

2

University Of South Alabama came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering schools. Located in the city of Mobile, University Of South Alabama is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,116, compared with $19,092 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,581 to complete the engineering program here. Engineering graduates of University Of South Alabama earn a median of $63,234 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,581 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Alabama A And M University earned it the #3 place for engineering. Set in the city of Normal, Alabama A And M University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,634. Students borrow a median of $34,735 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $73,482. Set against $34,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alabama A And M University admits about 58% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes University Of Alabama At Birmingham one of the best values for engineering. Set in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $26,639. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from University Of Alabama At Birmingham generally make around $73,156. Set against $26,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

University Of Alabama At Huntsville came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering schools. Located in the city of Huntsville, University Of Alabama At Huntsville is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,132, while out-of-state students pay about $26,408. Students borrow a median of $23,726 to complete the engineering program here. Engineering graduates of University Of Alabama At Huntsville earn a median of $73,896 early in their careers. Set against $23,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.

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6

The University Of Alabama ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering schools. The University Of Alabama is a very large public school located in the city of Tuscaloosa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,934 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $72,180. Set against $24,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants.

7
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University placed #7 among the best values for engineering. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,167 to complete the engineering program here. Engineering graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $73,710 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

8
Tuskegee University crest
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee University placed #8 among the best values for engineering. Set in the town of Tuskegee, Tuskegee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,386. Engineering graduates carry a median of $28,382 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Tuskegee University generally make around $68,484. That is a strong return on a $28,382 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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