2023 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools
Identifying Quality Schools at More Affordable Prices
Finding the Best Mechanical Engineering School for You
In 2020-2021, 46,178 people earned a degree or certificate in mechanical engineering, making the major the #21 most popular in the United States.
With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools with offerings that you might find attractive.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools ranking. Our analysis looked at 319 schools in the United States to see which programs offered the best value experiences for ME students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.
Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.
In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.
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2023 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in the United States
The colleges and universities below are the best value schools for ME majors pursuing a .
Top 25 Best Schools for Affordable Quality in Mechanical Engineering
Our 2023 rankings named Brigham Young University - Idaho the best value school in the United States for mechanical engineering students. Located in the distant town of Rexburg, BYU - I is a private not-for-profit college with a very large student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at BYU - I are $4,416 per year. On average, ME graduates from BYU - I take out $16,880 in student loans while working on their degree.
Full Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University - Idaho Report
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. Located in the small city of Mayaguez, UPR Mayaguez is a public college with a fairly large student population.
UPR Mayaguez undergraduate students pay an average of $4,840 in tuition and fees each year. ME majors at UPR Mayaguez take out an average of $8,250 in student loans while working on their egree.
Full Mechanical Engineering at University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Report
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Brigham Young University - Provo. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. Located in the city of Provo, BYU is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at BYU are $6,120 a year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from BYU carry an average student debtload of $10,544.
BYU excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Mechanical Engineering Schools list.
Full Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University - Provo Report
The excellent programs at California State University Maritime Academy helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best mechanical engineering schools in the United States. Cal Maritime is a small public school located in the midsize city of Vallejo.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Cal Maritime are $18,996 a year. While working on their degree, ME majors at Cal Maritime accumulate an average of around $27,000 in student debt.
Full Mechanical Engineering at California State University Maritime Academy Report
Out of the 319 schools in the United States that were part of this year’s ranking, Austin Community College District landed the # 5 spot on the list. Austin Community College District is a fairly large public school located in the city of Austin.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Austin Community College District are $10,590 a year.
Full Mechanical Engineering at Austin Community College District Report
University of Wisconsin - Stout ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. UW - Stout is a medium-sized public school located in the distant town of Menomonie.
UW - Stout undergraduate students pay an average of $17,820 in tuition and fees each year. While working on their degree, ME majors at UW - Stout accumulate an average of around $27,123 in student debt.
As a testament to the quality of education it offers, UW - Stout also is in the top 10% of our Best Mechanical Engineering Schools ranking.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of Wisconsin - Stout
West Texas A&M University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. Located in the town of Canyon, West Texas A&M University is a public school with a medium-sized student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at West Texas A&M University are $11,208 a year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from West Texas A&M University carry an average student debtload of $19,042.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at West Texas A&M University
University of Akron Main Campus ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. Located in the medium-sized city of Akron, University of Akron Main Campus is a public school with a fairly large student population.
University of Akron Main Campus undergraduate students pay an average of $11,880 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from University of Akron Main Campus carry an average student debtload of $27,000. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $228.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of Akron Main Campus
Central Michigan University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Central Michigan is a fairly large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant.
Central Michigan undergraduate students pay an average of $13,094 in tuition and fees each year. On average, ME graduates from Central Michigan take out $27,000 in student loans while working on their degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $274.
Full Mechanical Engineering at Central Michigan University Report
South Dakota State University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Located in the remote town of Brookings, South Dakota State is a public school with a fairly large student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at South Dakota State are $12,809 per year. ME majors at South Dakota State take out an average of $26,750 in student loans while working on their egree.
South Dakota State also claimed a spot on our Best Mechanical Engineering Schools list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools in this category.
Full Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University Report
North Dakota State University - Main Campus ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. North Dakota State University is a fairly large public school located in the city of Fargo.
North Dakota State University undergraduate students pay an average of $14,876 in tuition and fees each year. While working on their degree, ME majors at North Dakota State University accumulate an average of around $27,000 in student debt.
As a testament to the quality of education it offers, North Dakota State University also is in the top 15% of our Best Mechanical Engineering Schools ranking.
Full Mechanical Engineering at North Dakota State University - Main Campus Report
With a ranking of #12, University of Wisconsin - Platteville did quite well on this year’s best value schools for mechanical engineering students. Located in the town of Platteville, UW - Platteville is a public college with a medium-sized student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at UW - Platteville are $16,483 a year. On average, ME graduates from UW - Platteville take out $26,319 in student loans while working on their degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $180.
In addition to its great value ranking, UW - Platteville is in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Mechanical Engineering Schools list.
Youngstown State University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a public college with a large student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Youngstown State University are $9,732 per year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from Youngstown State University carry an average student debtload of $23,000.
Full Mechanical Engineering at Youngstown State University Report
University of North Dakota landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Located in the small city of Grand Forks, UND is a public college with a large student population.
UND undergraduate students pay an average of $15,037 in tuition and fees each year. On average, ME graduates from UND take out $27,000 in student loans while working on their degree.
As a testament to the quality of education it offers, UND also is in the top 15% of our Best Mechanical Engineering Schools ranking.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value schools for mechanical engineering students. It came in at #15 on the list. SIUE is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville.
SIUE undergraduate students pay an average of $11,496 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from SIUE carry an average student debtload of $21,500. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $231.
Lake Superior State University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Located in the remote town of Sault Ste Marie, Lake Superior State University is a public school with a small student population.
Lake Superior State University undergraduate students pay an average of $13,200 in tuition and fees each year.
Northern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value schools for mechanical engineering students. It came in at #17 on the list. NIU is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb.
NIU undergraduate students pay an average of $14,738 in tuition and fees each year. ME majors at NIU take out an average of $26,871 in student loans while working on their egree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $192.
Full Mechanical Engineering at Northern Illinois University Report
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. Located in the small city of Rapid City, SD Mines is a public school with a small student population.
SD Mines undergraduate students pay an average of $16,530 in tuition and fees each year. The average amount in student loans that ME majors at SD Mines take out is $27,825. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $251.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Grand Valley State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value schools for mechanical engineering students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in the large suburb of Allendale, GVSU is a public college with a fairly large student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at GVSU are $19,628 per year. While working on their degree, ME majors at GVSU accumulate an average of around $28,407 in student debt.
Baker College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools list. Baker College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Owosso.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Baker College are $12,420 a year. On average, ME graduates from Baker College take out $25,970 in student loans while working on their degree.
Wright State University - Lake Campus landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Wright State University - Lake Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Celina.
Wright State University - Lake Campus undergraduate students pay an average of $16,015 in tuition and fees each year. On average, ME graduates from Wright State University - Lake Campus take out $23,945 in student loans while working on their degree.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Wright State University - Lake Campus
Purdue University Northwest landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Located in the large suburb of Hammond, Purdue Northwest is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Purdue Northwest are $14,349 per year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from Purdue Northwest carry an average student debtload of $24,500.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University Northwest
SUNY Maritime College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value schools for mechanical engineering students. It came in at #22 on the list. SUNY Maritime College is a small public school located in the large city of Throggs Neck.
SUNY Maritime College undergraduate students pay an average of $18,432 in tuition and fees each year. After completing their degree, ME graduates from SUNY Maritime College carry an average student debtload of $26,000. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $334.
Louisiana Tech University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value schools for mechanical engineering students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in the town of Ruston, Louisiana Tech is a public college with a large student population.
The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate student at Louisiana Tech are $16,806 a year. While working on their degree, ME majors at Louisiana Tech accumulate an average of around $26,705 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $191.
Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value mechanical engineering programs. Ship is a moderately-sized public school located in the fringe town of Shippensburg.
Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Ship are $14,122 per year.
Rest of the Top Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools
Additional Noteworthy Schools
Here are some additional great value schools for Mechanical Engineering students seeking value that almost earned our Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools award.
| Rank | College | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | Minnesota State University - Mankato | Mankato, MN |
| 49 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA |
| 50 | Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale, IL |
| 51 | The College of New Jersey | Ewing, NJ |
| 52 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX |
| 53 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI |
| 54 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus | Atlanta, GA |
| 55 | Lawrence Technological University | Southfield, MI |
| 56 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln | Lincoln, NE |
| 57 | Florida International University | Miami, FL |
| 58 | Montana Technological University | Butte, MT |
| 59 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY |
| 59 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL |
| 61 | University of Wisconsin - Madison | Madison, WI |
| 61 | Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR |
| 63 | University of New Orleans | New Orleans, LA |
| 63 | University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown | Johnstown, PA |
Mechanical Engineering by Region
View the Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools for a specific region near you.
| Region |
|---|
| Southeast |
| New England |
| Rocky Mountains |
| Plains States |
| Middle Atlantic |
| Far Western US |
| Southwest |
| Great Lakes |
More Mechanical Engineering Rankings
Mechanical Engineering Related Majors for ME
One of 40 majors within the area of study, mechanical engineering has other similar majors worth exploring.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | 28,844 |
| Civil Engineering | 21,388 |
| Computer Engineering | 17,987 |
| Chemical Engineering | 12,917 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 12,811 |
Notes and References
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Michel Villeneuve.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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