2026 Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 451 schools 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 analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Me Mechanical Engineering school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Me Mechanical Engineering ranking in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
You'll get strong value at University Of Akron Main Campus, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,125. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #4 on this year's best-value Me Mechanical Engineering ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
A rank of #5 makes Michigan Technological University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Texas Tech University placed #6 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $25,396 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,396 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Lawrence Technological University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,760. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $69,151 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Lawrence Technological University
University Of Dayton ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $24,250. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Dayton profile
University Of Delaware ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,962 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Marquette University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $26,602. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Set against $26,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
Santa Clara University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,293. Santa Clara University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $109,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #15 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Set against $19,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston
University Of California Berkeley landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $13,200. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,200 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
Cornell University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $15,500. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
University Of North Dakota landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Lehigh University placed #20 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Students borrow a median of $24,950 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $105,584 ten years out. Set against $24,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 26%. Get the full Lehigh University report
Clemson University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $24,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clemson University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #23 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $84,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $21,658. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $21,658 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wichita State University
University Of California Los Angeles placed #25 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Me Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Oakland University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Oakland University is a public school based in Rochester Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,612. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Oakland University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,908 in student loans. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,908 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
University Of Wyoming ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $22,000. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $12,455. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,455 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Kansas State University placed #32 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $11,334. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of Florida landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $18,131 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $18,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #36 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Tulsa offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,546. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,408 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Tulsa
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #40 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $22,077. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. North Carolina A And T State University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $29,822 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,440 ten years after entry. Set against $29,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina A And T State University has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read the full report on North Carolina A And T State University
University Of California Davis placed #42 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $22,786. Missouri University Of Science And Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,957 a decade after entry. Set against $22,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of California San Diego came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,000. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Arizona State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Kansas placed #47 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Northeastern University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $25,893 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full Northeastern University profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $21,821. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $21,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of North Texas landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,974 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Related Me Mechanical Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 451 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).