The Whitacre College of Engineering’s graduate program as a whole was ranked 17th in the nation.

The online graduate program in the Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering has been ranked best in the nation for 2016 by Value Colleges Best Value rankings.

In addition, Whitacre College of Engineering was ranked No. 17 in the nation in Best Value for Graduate Engineering Programs for 2016.

Value Colleges is a website that researches colleges and universities to offer straightforward and practical answers that potential college students and parents have when considering education. The website also publishes articles with information regarding costs and benefits as well as ranking degree programs to enhance the ability to make smart financial decisions when choosing colleges.

The rankings for best online graduate engineering programs were based on three factors: the U.S. News and World Report's 2016 Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs ranking, in which Texas Tech is valued 20th; PayScale's 2016 College Salary Report, where Texas Tech ranked 49th; and tuition as reported by institutional websites.

The Whitacre College of Engineering was praised for the master's of engineering degree offered through the Worldwide eLearning program, which is open to all students and is of particular benefit to working engineers seeking to further their education. Texas Tech also was recognized for its engineering reputation, particularly in the areas of alternative energies, wind and water.

The website also praised Texas Tech's relative low cost and its availability to residents outside the state. Texas residents pay about $2,100 per course, and that rate is available to residents of neighboring states, while non-residents pay about $3,100 per course.

Whitacre College of Engineering offers an interdisciplinary master's degree in engineering, a master's of science in bioengineering and master's degrees in chemical engineering; civil, environmental and construction engineering; computer science; electrical and computer engineering; industrial engineering; mechanical engineering,petroleum engineering and systems and engineering management. The college also offers a 150-hour dual bachelor's and master's degree program.

The list of Best Value Online Graduate Engineering Programs can be viewed here.

The list of Best Value Graduate Engineering Programs can be viewed here.