by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Systems Engineering](/majors/engineering/systems-engineering/general-systems-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. 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 general systems engineering students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general systems engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
United States Merchant Marine Academy earned the #1 spot for value among general systems engineering schools in New York. Located in the suburb of Kings Point, United States Merchant Marine Academy is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $895. Early-career general systems engineering graduates make about $69,847. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.
Cornell University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general systems engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. General Systems Engineering graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general systems engineering degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $117,455. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general systems engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Troy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,078 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,975 to complete the general systems engineering program here. General Systems Engineering graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of $77,378 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.