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2026 Best Value Systems Engineering Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the systems engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Systems Engineering Schools
University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value systems engineering schools in the United States. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete the systems engineering program here. Early-career systems engineering graduates make about $85,698. That is a strong return on a $19,250 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
United States Merchant Marine Academy came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value systems engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Kings Point, United States Merchant Marine Academy is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $895 in tuition and fees. Soon after graduation, systems engineering degree recipients from United States Merchant Marine Academy generally make around $69,847. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Texas A And M International University one of the best values for systems engineering. Set in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,894 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for systems engineering graduates is $10,243. Soon after graduation, systems engineering degree recipients from Texas A And M International University generally make around $49,755. That is a strong return on a $10,243 median debt. Texas A And M International University admits about 44% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for systems engineering. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete the systems engineering program here. Systems Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $81,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,800 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.
University Of Arizona came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value systems engineering schools. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete the systems engineering program here. Systems Engineering graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $76,660 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned the #6 position for value in systems engineering this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Typical student debt for systems engineering graduates is $26,000. Early-career systems engineering graduates make about $68,034. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
George Mason University landed the #7 spot for systems engineering value this year. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the systems engineering program here. Soon after graduation, systems engineering degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $84,942. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
Kennesaw State University placed #8 among the best values for systems engineering. Located in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the systems engineering program here. Systems Engineering graduates of Kennesaw State University earn a median of $62,015 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Washington University In St Louis placed #9 among the best values for systems engineering. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Systems Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Systems Engineering graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $83,874 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value systems engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical student debt for systems engineering graduates is $19,500. Early-career systems engineering graduates make about $91,178. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants.
[Systems Engineering](/majors/engineering/systems-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
