by our College Data Analytics Team
[Civil Engineering](/majors/engineering/civil-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 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value civil engineering schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in civil engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Cuny Laguardia Community College earned the #1 spot for value among civil engineering schools in the United States. Set in the city of Long Island City, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Typical student debt for civil engineering graduates is $8,858. Early-career civil engineering graduates make about $31,437. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt.
Holmes Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in civil engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Holmes Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Goodman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,710, while out-of-state students pay about $6,610. Civil Engineering graduates carry a median of $13,191 in student loans. Soon after graduation, civil engineering degree recipients from Holmes Community College generally make around $32,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes El Paso Community College one of the best values for civil engineering. Located in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Students borrow a median of $8,542 to complete the civil engineering program here. Civil Engineering graduates of El Paso Community College earn a median of $29,086 early in their careers. Set against $8,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Explore the best-value civil engineering schools at other degree levels:
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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.