2026 Best Value General Materials Engineering Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

For return on investment in general materials engineering, no school beat University Of Maryland College Park this year. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. General Materials Engineering graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. General Materials Engineering graduates of University Of Maryland College Park earn a median of $57,901 early in their careers. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.

2

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

A rank of #2 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the best values for general materials engineering. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. General Materials Engineering graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general materials engineering degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $84,850. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.

3

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

A rank of #3 makes Stony Brook University one of the best values for general materials engineering. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Typical student debt for general materials engineering graduates is $20,537. General Materials Engineering graduates of Stony Brook University earn a median of $60,047 early in their careers. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general materials engineering schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. General Materials Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general materials engineering degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $56,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.

5

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general materials engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. General Materials Engineering graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Early-career general materials engineering graduates make about $99,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.

6

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University earned the #6 position for value in general materials engineering this year. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. General Materials Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general materials engineering degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $75,976. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.

7

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #7 for value in general materials engineering this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

8

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earned the #8 position for value in general materials engineering this year. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Troy. Students from in state pay about $64,078 in tuition and fees. General Materials Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. General Materials Engineering graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of $66,927 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

9

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general materials engineering schools. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Typical student debt for general materials engineering graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, general materials engineering degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $82,063. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.