College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools in Michigan

5 Colleges in the United States
$22,957 Avg Student Debt
$58,307 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Engineering Badge [General Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/other-general-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 24 schools to find the best return on investment for general engineering students.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools in Michigan

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Engineering Schools

1

For return on investment in general engineering, no school beat Washtenaw Community College this year. Set in the suburb of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,736, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $17,616 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Washtenaw Community College earn a median of $45,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt.

2

Students looking for strong value in general engineering will find it at Schoolcraft College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Livonia, Schoolcraft College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $8,949. General Engineering graduates of Schoolcraft College earn a median of $46,283 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Students looking for strong value in general engineering will find it at Michigan Technological University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Michigan Technological University earn a median of $64,652 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Detroit Mercy earned it the #4 place for general engineering. University Of Detroit Mercy is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Detroit. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,946. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $29,053 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from University Of Detroit Mercy generally make around $76,755. Set against $29,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Detroit Mercy admits about 75% of applicants.

5

Grand Valley State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $26,378. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $50,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.

6
Andrews University crest
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI

Andrews University came in at #6 for value in general engineering this year. Set in the town of Berrien Springs, Andrews University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,056. Students borrow a median of $26,314 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of Andrews University earn a median of $62,634 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

7
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $75,058. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

8
Calvin College crest
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $39,350. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Calvin College generally make around $68,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

9
Hope College crest
Hope College
Holland, MI

Hope College came in at #9 for value in general engineering this year. Hope College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Holland. Students from in state pay about $39,484 in tuition and fees. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Hope College earn a median of $67,410 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.

View All General Engineering Rankings >

Notes and References

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 · 24 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options