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 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find the best return on investment for general engineering students.
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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 Arizona Western College the best value for a degree in general engineering in Arizona. Located in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
Arizona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,113 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $90,032. Set against $26,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for general engineering. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $21,861. General Engineering graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.