2026 Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 451 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $7,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,625 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report 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 #2 spot. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Youngstown State University, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $24,817. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,817 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Me Mechanical Engineering ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #6 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,110 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,110 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Lawrence Technological University placed #9 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit school based in Southfield, MI. Students from in state pay about $44,760 in tuition and fees. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Lawrence Technological University alumni report median earnings of $69,151 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lawrence Technological University
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,995. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Set against $25,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Villanova University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
University Of Dayton ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,140. University Of Dayton Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. 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. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Dayton
Seattle University placed #13 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,467. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,467 median debt. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on Seattle University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Bradley University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,160. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bradley University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. 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. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Loyola Marymount University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
California Baptist University placed #18 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,228. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Baptist University
San Jose State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on San Jose State University
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Santa Clara University placed #21 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $109,183 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48%. Read the full report on Santa Clara University
Marquette University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $26,602. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Marquette University profile
South Dakota State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #23 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,500. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Delaware came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Me Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of North Dakota placed #26 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Fairfield University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fairfield, CT. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $26,876. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $88,794. That is a strong return on a $26,876 median debt. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants. Read the full report on Fairfield University
University Of Houston placed #27 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit school based in West Hartford, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. University Of Hartford alumni report median earnings of $60,823 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Hartford has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on University Of Hartford
Texas A And M University College Station placed #30 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clemson University
Cornell University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Cornell University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of St Thomas Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Texas Tech University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,396. 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. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of California Berkeley landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $13,200 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,937 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $17,455. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $17,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Oakland University placed #40 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $58,612 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Oakland University
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,994 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Diego State University report
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. 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
University Of New Haven ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,126 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of New Haven
Lehigh University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Lehigh University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $24,950 in debt. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Lehigh University
Wichita State University placed #45 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $21,658. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Set against $21,658 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. More on Wichita State University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Manhattan College placed #47 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $53,400. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,316. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Manhattan College has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Manhattan College profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $21,678. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Set against $21,678 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public school based in Dearborn, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,950 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $59,649 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,950 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn
Related Me Mechanical Engineering Value Rankings
Explore 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 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 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).
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