by our College Data Analytics Team
[Engineering](/majors/engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Bossier Parish Community College the best value for a degree in engineering in Louisiana. Located in the city of Bossier City, Bossier Parish Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,268. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $20,593. Early-career engineering graduates make about $43,661. That is a strong return on a $20,593 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of New Orleans earned it the #2 place for engineering. University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of New Orleans. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $23,981. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from University Of New Orleans generally make around $70,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Mcneese State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,489 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,249 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Mcneese State University generally make around $75,566. Set against $27,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Students looking for strong value in engineering will find it at Louisiana Tech University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Ruston, Louisiana Tech University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the engineering program here. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Louisiana Tech University generally make around $67,107. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Louisiana Lafayette one of the best values for engineering. Set in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,418, with out-of-state students paying around $24,146. Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,111 in student loans. Engineering graduates of University Of Louisiana Lafayette earn a median of $69,719 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,111 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
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Southern University And A And M College placed #6 among the best values for engineering. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,922 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,272. Students borrow a median of $32,090 to complete the engineering program here. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Southern University And A And M College generally make around $60,740. Set against $32,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern University And A And M College admits about 35% of applicants.
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #7 for value in engineering this year. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public school located in the city of Baton Rouge. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Students borrow a median of $22,180 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $70,576. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
Tulane University Of Louisiana earned the #8 position for value in engineering this year. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,678. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $23,760. Early-career engineering graduates make about $54,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
