by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/other-general-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 47 schools to find the best return on investment for general engineering students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
California State University Bakersfield tops our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,087, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,009 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Cuyamaca College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the suburb of El Cajon, Cuyamaca College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,346, compared with $11,314 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,435 ten years after entry.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clackamas Community College earned it the #3 place for general engineering. Clackamas Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Oregon City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,345, while out-of-state students pay about $14,265. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $13,915 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Clackamas Community College earn a median of $31,280 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,915 median debt.
San Francisco State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $17,024. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $50,955. Set against $17,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Linn Benton Community College earned it the #5 place for general engineering. Located in the city of Albany, Linn Benton Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,317, while out-of-state students pay about $16,736. Students borrow a median of $17,959 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of Linn Benton Community College earn a median of $43,257 early in their careers. Set against $17,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #6 spot for general engineering value this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $16,097. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $135,373. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.
San Jose State University earned the #7 position for value in general engineering this year. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
University Of California Riverside came in at #8 for value in general engineering this year. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $19,187. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $102,364. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Cabrillo College came in at #9 for value in general engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Aptos, Cabrillo College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,270, compared with $9,862 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $10,425. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $47,750. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of The Pacific earned the #10 position for value in general engineering this year. Located in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $57,080 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $90,603. That is a strong return on a $23,514 median debt. University Of The Pacific admits about 71% of applicants.
University Of San Diego ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,486. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $23,795. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $68,281. Set against $23,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Harvey Mudd College earned the #12 position for value in general engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Claremont, Harvey Mudd College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,613. Students borrow a median of $22,240 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $92,491. Set against $22,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 13%.
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #13 for value in general engineering this year. Located in the city of San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,542 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $54,116. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants.
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 · 47 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.