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2026 Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 451 colleges 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.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Me Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

Brigham Young University Idaho tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $17,613 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,613 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #2 on this year's best-value Me Mechanical Engineering ranking in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Students borrow a median of $7,625 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $7,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

Out of the 451 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #3 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $10,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo

Out of the 451 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, California Maritime Academy landed the #4 spot. Based in Vallejo, CA, California Maritime Academy is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,559, while out-of-state students pay about $22,159. Students borrow a median of $19,690 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $94,784 ten years out. Set against $19,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about California Maritime Academy

A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Stout one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Stout Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout

West Texas A And M University placed #6 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $21,125. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University

South Dakota State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University

University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus

#9

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University

North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report

University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Platteville, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $26,000. University Of Wisconsin Platteville alumni report median earnings of $61,760 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on University Of Wisconsin Platteville

#12

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University placed #12 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $24,817 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

#13

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $23,110 in debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile

#15

Lake Superior State University

Sault Ste Marie, MI

Lake Superior State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sault Ste Marie, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,890. Lake Superior State University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $26,901 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,045 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lake Superior State University report

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology

Grand Valley State University placed #17 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $28,000. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University

Northern Illinois University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile

Wright State University Lake Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Celina, OH, Wright State University Lake Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,372, compared with $17,072 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,000. Wright State University Lake Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Wright State University Lake Campus

#21

Suny Maritime College

Throggs Neck, NY

Suny Maritime College placed #21 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Suny Maritime College is a public school based in Throggs Neck, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,589, with out-of-state students paying around $19,159. Suny Maritime College Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $95,951 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny Maritime College has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Suny Maritime College

Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Louisiana Tech University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $26,400 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Set against $26,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $26,307 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #25 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Purdue University Northwest came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Purdue University Northwest

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Me Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

#27

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Michigan University report

#28

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $19,937. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $17,455 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $17,455 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona

West Virginia University Institute Of Technology landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. West Virginia University Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Beckley, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Graduates carry a median of $26,242 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,939. Set against $26,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Virginia University Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 37%. Read more about West Virginia University Institute Of Technology

York College Pennsylvania came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about York College Pennsylvania

Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $24,250. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale

California State University Chico ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Students borrow a median of $24,354 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $64,172 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about California State University Chico

#33

Dunwoody College Of Technology

Minneapolis, MN

Dunwoody College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,477. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $18,973. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Dunwoody College Of Technology

#35

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Lamar University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Lamar University is a public school based in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $29,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lamar University

#35

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,090. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $27,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University

Southern University And A And M College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Southern University And A And M College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,922, while out-of-state students pay about $17,272. Graduates carry a median of $29,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 35% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern University And A And M College

Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,501. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Tennessee Technological University

Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $23,399. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report

#40

University Of Toledo

Toledo, OH

University Of Toledo placed #40 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $17,900. University Of Toledo alumni report median earnings of $50,632 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Toledo has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on University Of Toledo

#41

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,396. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University

#42

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full San Jose State University profile

#42

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $19,994 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $19,994 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University

#42

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,000. Oakland University alumni report median earnings of $58,612 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oakland University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Oakland University report

#45

Olin College

Needham, MA

Olin College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Needham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,742. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $14,512. Median earnings reach $129,455 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,512 median debt. The acceptance rate is 25%. Read the full report on Olin College

Iowa State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #47 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,886. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,886 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile

#47

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile

#49

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $53,236 ten years out. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University

The College Of New Jersey came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $22,875. The College Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $73,323 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on The College Of New Jersey

Florida International University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Florida International University report

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 451 ranked schools only.

References

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