by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 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.
College Of Western Idaho earned the #1 spot for value among general engineering schools in Idaho. Located in the rural area of Nampa, College Of Western Idaho is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,497 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $40,963.
Students looking for strong value in general engineering will find it at Boise State University, which ranked #2. Boise State University is a very large public school located in the city of Boise. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $24,311. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from Boise State University generally make around $49,059. Set against $24,311 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants.
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value general engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Nampa, Northwest Nazarene University is a large private not-for-profit institution. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.