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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong general engineering education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 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.
For return on investment in general engineering, no school beat Copiah Lincoln Community College this year. Set in the rural area of Wesson, Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,241.
East Mississippi Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. East Mississippi Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Scooba. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,095, compared with $7,445 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,422 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $34,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Itawamba Community College one of the best values for general engineering. Located in the rural area of Fulton, Itawamba Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,942 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $40,832. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Mississippi Community College earned it the #4 place for general engineering. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a large public school located in the town of Senatobia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,740. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Northwest Mississippi Community College generally make around $35,001. That is a strong return on a $9,990 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Mississippi State University one of the best values for general engineering. Set in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $23,969. General Engineering graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $47,383 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.
Jackson State University placed #6 among the best values for general engineering. Located in the city of Jackson, Jackson State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $32,944 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $38,593. That is a strong return on a $32,944 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.