2026 Best Value General Engineering Schools in Tennessee

1

Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga, TN

Our analysis ranked Chattanooga State Community College the best value for a degree in general engineering in Tennessee. Chattanooga State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chattanooga. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,756. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the general engineering program here. General Engineering graduates of Chattanooga State Community College earn a median of $37,252 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt.

2

Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN

Tennessee State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,489 to complete the general engineering program here. Early-career general engineering graduates make about $45,060. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants.

3

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general engineering schools. Located in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $23,324. Soon after graduation, general engineering degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga generally make around $50,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants.

4

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

A rank of #4 makes University Of Memphis one of the best values for general engineering. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. General Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. General Engineering graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $48,890 early in their careers. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

5

Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN

Tennessee Technological University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Tennessee Technological University is a large public school located in the town of Cookeville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $17,580. General Engineering graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $46,981 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

6

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #6 spot for general engineering value this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical student debt for general engineering graduates is $13,975. General Engineering graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $77,997 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.