by our College Data Analytics Team
[Pre-Engineering](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/pre-engineering/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for pre-engineering students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in pre-engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in pre-engineering in Utah. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical student debt for pre-engineering graduates is $16,478. Early-career pre-engineering graduates make about $51,242. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Salt Lake Community College one of the best values for pre-engineering. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Students from in state pay about $4,426 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Pre-Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,855 in student loans. Early-career pre-engineering graduates make about $42,031. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Dixie State College Of Utah earned it the #3 place for pre-engineering. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. Students from in state pay about $6,306 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for pre-engineering graduates is $18,666. Early-career pre-engineering graduates make about $42,266. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The ranking above is published 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.