by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/other-general-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.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Red Rocks Community College the best value for a degree in general engineering in Colorado. Located in the suburb of Lakewood, Red Rocks Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,859, with out-of-state students paying around $17,459. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $76,340. That is a strong return on a $14,471 median debt.
Front Range Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Westminster, Front Range Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,663 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,263. Students borrow a median of $17,384 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Front Range Community College generally make around $40,414. Set against $17,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the city of Colorado Springs, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,906, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $23,559. General Engineering graduates of University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs earn a median of $114,220 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,559 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of University Of Colorado Denver earn a median of $66,022 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Fort Lewis College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Durango, Fort Lewis College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,958, compared with $21,526 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $28,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Fort Lewis College generally make around $50,985. Set against $28,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Lewis College admits about 77% of applicants.
Colorado State University Fort Collins earned the #6 position for value in general engineering this year. Located in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Colorado State University Fort Collins generally make around $93,602. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #7 spot for general engineering value this year. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of University Of Colorado Boulder earn a median of $115,924 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #8 spot for general engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Colorado School Of Mines generally make around $76,298. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.