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 25 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 Arizona Western College the best value for a degree in engineering in Arizona. Arizona Western College is a large public school located in the city of Yuma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Early-career engineering graduates make about $44,895.
Students looking for strong value in engineering will find it at Phoenix College, which ranked #2. Phoenix College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $15,204. Early-career engineering graduates make about $51,053. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Glendale Community College Glendale Az one of the best values for engineering. Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glendale. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Engineering graduates carry a median of $15,996 in student loans. Engineering graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.
Chandler Gilbert Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $10,447. Engineering graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in engineering will find it at Estrella Mountain Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,752 in student loans. Early-career engineering graduates make about $78,359. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Mesa Community College landed the #6 spot for engineering value this year. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Arizona State University earned the #7 position for value in engineering this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $24,453. Engineering graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $84,082 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,453 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Arizona University earned the #8 position for value in engineering this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $25,693. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $67,492. That is a strong return on a $25,693 median debt. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Arizona landed the #9 spot for engineering value this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete the engineering program here. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $82,823. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Canyon University placed #10 among the best values for engineering. Located in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Engineering graduates carry a median of $30,317 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $73,127. That is a strong return on a $30,317 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott landed the #11 spot for engineering value this year. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,974. Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,912 in student loans. Engineering graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott earn a median of $76,503 early in their careers. Set against $25,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 25 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.