by our College Data Analytics Team
[Engineering](/majors/engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value engineering schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Arizona Western College the best value for a degree in engineering in Arizona. Set in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,060, with out-of-state students paying around $9,870. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $15,996. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. Set against $15,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mesa Community College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value engineering schools. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $13,750. Engineering graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in engineering will find it at Phoenix College, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $15,204. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. Set against $15,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Estrella Mountain Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,752 to complete the engineering program here. Engineering graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Chandler Gilbert Community College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value engineering schools. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the engineering program here. Engineering graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northern Arizona University landed the #7 spot for engineering value this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,693 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $67,322. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Arizona State University came in at #8 for value in engineering this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,453 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $83,375. That is a strong return on a $24,453 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Arizona landed the #9 spot for engineering value this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $20,031. Engineering graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $81,059 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
Grand Canyon University earned the #10 position for value in engineering this year. Grand Canyon University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $30,317. Early-career engineering graduates make about $73,540. Set against $30,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Advancing Technology landed the #11 spot for engineering value this year. Located in the city of Tempe, University Of Advancing Technology is a small private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,800. Engineering graduates carry a median of $29,802 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from University Of Advancing Technology generally make around $40,489. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Advancing Technology admits about 98% of applicants.
Ashford University came in at #12 for value in engineering this year. Set in the city of Chandler, Ashford University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for engineering graduates is $39,515. Soon after graduation, engineering degree recipients from Ashford University generally make around $48,441. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott placed #13 among the best values for engineering. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,974. Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,912 in student loans. Early-career engineering graduates make about $75,955. That is a strong return on a $25,912 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott admits about 77% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 13 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.