2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 332 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Lee College to be the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology school in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $10,941. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lee College
Out of the 332 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Springfield Technical Community College landed the #2 spot. Springfield Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,904, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $7,395. Median earnings reach $36,966 ten years out. Set against $7,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Springfield Technical Community College
A rank of #3 makes Cincinnati State Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Students borrow a median of $15,017 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,017 median debt. See the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Owens Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,275 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Owens Community College report
A rank of #5 makes Ivy Tech Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $14,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $18,442. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,709. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. Get the full Southeast Technical Institute report
Nunez Community College placed #8 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Chalmette, LA, Nunez Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,255. Students borrow a median of $21,296 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,343. Set against $21,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Nunez Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,772. Graduates carry a median of $7,230 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,748 ten years out. Set against $7,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Florence Darlington Technical College
Spokane Community College placed #10 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,984. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Spokane Community College profile
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #11 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Cuyahoga Community College District Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,636 in debt. Cuyahoga Community College District alumni report median earnings of $35,654 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cuyahoga Community College District report
Greenville Technical College placed #12 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Greenville Technical College is a public school based in Greenville, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,495, with out-of-state students paying around $10,775. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $16,411. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,473 ten years after entry. Set against $16,411 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Greenville Technical College profile
Stark State College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $17,349. Stark State College alumni report median earnings of $34,661 a decade after entry. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Stark State College
Youngstown State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $29,349 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,349 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Piedmont Technical College placed #15 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,775, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $17,652. Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,768 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Piedmont Technical College profile
Brookdale Community College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Brookdale Community College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,379 ten years after entry. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Eastern Florida State College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Melbourne, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,791 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. Eastern Florida State College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $18,123 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,195. That is a strong return on a $18,123 median debt. More on Eastern Florida State College
Ecpi University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This private for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,484. Ecpi University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $29,810 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,837 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,810 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ecpi University
Ferris State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Ferris State University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Ferris State University report
American Public University System landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $30,810. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Set against $30,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System
Miami University Hamilton offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $23,763. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Miami University Hamilton profile
Zane State College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Zanesville, OH, Zane State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,766. Students borrow a median of $9,405 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,006 ten years after entry. Set against $9,405 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Zane State College
Miami University Middletown ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Miami University Middletown is a public school based in Middletown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Miami University Middletown Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,575 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $23,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Miami University Middletown profile
Midlands Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in West Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $14,700. Students borrow a median of $17,611 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,701. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Midlands Technical College report
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $23,666. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $23,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Tidewater Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,858, compared with $12,296 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tidewater Community College
Sinclair Community College placed #28 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $12,525. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Sinclair Community College profile
Seminole State College Of Florida ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Sanford, FL. Students from in state pay about $3,122 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,447. Students borrow a median of $18,419 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,419 median debt. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
Weber State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Students borrow a median of $18,280 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Set against $18,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Weber State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Erie Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Buffalo, NY, Erie Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Graduates carry a median of $12,580 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,228. Set against $12,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Erie Community College report
Farmingdale State College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Farmingdale, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $17,409. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,781 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Farmingdale State College has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Farmingdale State College
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,892, with out-of-state students paying around $16,837. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,445 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Suny College Of Technology At Alfred profile
Wichita Area Technical College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $7,503. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,679. Set against $7,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wichita Area Technical College report
Indian River State College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Pierce, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,315. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. More on Indian River State College
Bridgevalley Community And Technical College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in South Charleston, WV, Bridgevalley Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,800, while out-of-state students pay about $12,428. Students borrow a median of $11,958 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,432 ten years after entry. Set against $11,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bridgevalley Community And Technical College profile
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #39 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne report
New England Institute Of Technology landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in East Greenwich, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,275. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,684. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about New England Institute Of Technology
Monroe Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Monroe Community College is a public school based in Rochester, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,006, with out-of-state students paying around $11,056. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $12,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,174 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Monroe Community College
Idaho State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Pocatello, ID, Idaho State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,610 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $24,640. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,608. Set against $24,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Idaho State University
Hudson Valley Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Hudson Valley Community College is a public school based in Troy, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,796 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,852. Students borrow a median of $12,868 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,460. Set against $12,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hudson Valley Community College
Kent State University At Tuscarawas offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in New Philadelphia, OH. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $15,387. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kent State University At Tuscarawas
University Of Massachusetts Lowell came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,574 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Massachusetts Lowell profile
Cuny New York City College Of Technology placed #46 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,332, compared with $15,282 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $11,652. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,365. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $27,093. Median earnings reach $45,265 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Mesa State College placed #48 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Junction, CO. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,124. Graduates carry a median of $22,310 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,823. That is a strong return on a $22,310 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Mesa State College
Pellissippi State Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Knoxville, TN, Pellissippi State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,786, compared with $17,770 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $8,951. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,440. Set against $8,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Pellissippi State Community College
Vermont Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Randolph, VT, Vermont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,952, compared with $22,296 for out-of-state students. Vermont Technical College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $24,208 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,331 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vermont Technical College admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Vermont Technical College profile
Bates Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Bates Technical College
Eastern Michigan University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Eastern Michigan University
Related Mechanical Engineering Technology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 332 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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