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 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value general engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Copiah Lincoln Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value general engineering schools in Mississippi. Located in the rural area of Wesson, Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $5,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,241.
A rank of #2 makes East Mississippi Community College one of the best values for general engineering. 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. General Engineering graduates of East Mississippi Community College earn a median of $34,012 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,422 median debt.
Itawamba Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value general engineering schools. 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. General Engineering graduates of Itawamba Community College earn a median of $40,832 early in their careers. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $8,250. General Engineering graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median of $34,214 early in their careers. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northwest Mississippi Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,740 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $9,990 to complete the general engineering program here. 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.
Mississippi State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value general engineering schools. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $23,969. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $47,383. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Jackson State University came in at #7 for value in general engineering this year. Set in the city of Jackson, Jackson State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,965, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $32,944 in student loans. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $38,593. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.