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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general engineering students.
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.
Leading the list is College Of Western Idaho, our #1 best value for general engineering in Idaho. College Of Western Idaho is a very large public school located in the rural area of Nampa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. Students borrow a median of $12,497 to complete the general engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from College Of Western Idaho generally make around $40,963.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boise State University earned it the #2 place for general engineering. Set in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,311 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of Boise State University earn a median of $49,059 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,311 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value general engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Nampa, Northwest Nazarene University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $27,562. General Engineering graduates of Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of $50,330 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.