by our College Data Analytics Team
[Structural Engineering](/majors/engineering/civil-engineering/structural-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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for structural engineering students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the structural engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in structural engineering, no school beat Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg this year. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Middletown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,972, while out-of-state students pay about $26,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Lehigh University one of the best values for structural engineering. Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bethlehem. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the structural engineering program here. Soon after graduation, structural engineering degree recipients from Lehigh University generally make around $73,545. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants.
Villanova University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value structural engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical student debt for structural engineering graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, structural engineering degree recipients from Villanova University generally make around $80,278. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.