by our College Data Analytics Team
[Engineering](/majors/engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Copiah Lincoln Community College the best value for a degree in engineering in Mississippi. Set in the rural area of Wesson, Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,241.
Hinds Community College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value engineering schools. Located in the rural area of Raymond, Hinds Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, compared with $7,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $16,385. Engineering graduates of Hinds Community College earn a median of $34,003 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,385 median debt.
East Mississippi Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. East Mississippi Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Scooba. Students from in state pay about $4,095 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,445. Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,422 in student loans. Early-career engineering graduates make about $34,012. That is a strong return on a $9,422 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Itawamba Community College earned it the #4 place for engineering. Set in the rural area of Fulton, Itawamba Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $40,832. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes Holmes Community College one of the best values for engineering. Set in the rural area of Goodman, Holmes Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,710, while out-of-state students pay about $6,610. Students borrow a median of $13,191 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $32,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College landed the #6 spot for engineering value this year. Set in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Engineering graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College generally make around $34,214. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northwest Mississippi Community College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value engineering schools. Set in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,740. Engineering graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Early-career engineering graduates make about $35,001. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #8 spot for engineering value this year. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,454 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from University Of Mississippi Main Campus generally make around $62,362. Set against $26,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants.
Mississippi State University earned the #9 position for value in engineering this year. 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, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $21,850. Engineering graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $76,464 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,850 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value engineering schools. University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public school located in the city of Hattiesburg. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Engineering graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $52,338 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Jackson State University earned the #11 position for value in engineering this year. Located in the city of Jackson, Jackson State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,965, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,769 to complete the engineering program here. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Jackson State University generally make around $50,074. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants.
Mississippi College landed the #12 spot for engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Clinton, Mississippi College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. Students borrow a median of $25,510 to complete the engineering program here. Early-career engineering graduates make about $47,611. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.