2026 Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree 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 Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez this year in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $7,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $7,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #2 this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. 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. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 451 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $24,817. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $24,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Youngstown State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,110 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,110 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #7 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,125. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Purdue University Northwest landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $25,250. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Northwest
Lawrence Technological University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,760. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,151. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lawrence Technological University admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Lawrence Technological University profile
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,995. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,995 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on Villanova University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. 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. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Dayton
Seattle University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $20,467. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. Set against $20,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Seattle University report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. 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. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Bradley University placed #15 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Peoria, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Bradley University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #16 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Loyola Marymount University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
California Baptist University placed #18 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,504. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full California Baptist University report
Michigan Technological University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
San Jose State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Jose State University
Santa Clara University placed #21 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Santa Clara University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $109,183 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. More on Santa Clara University
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Marquette University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $26,602 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $26,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Marquette University
University Of Delaware placed #23 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $25,962 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
South Dakota State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, 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 the full report on South Dakota State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Me Mechanical Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Texas Tech University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,396 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of North Dakota came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. 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. Texas A And M University College Station Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Houston placed #29 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Houston
Fairfield University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,400. Students borrow a median of $26,876 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $88,794. Set against $26,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairfield University has an acceptance rate of 33%. Read more about Fairfield University
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. University Of Hartford Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,823 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Hartford admits about 96% of applicants. See the full University Of Hartford profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $19,937 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,937 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Cornell University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $15,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
Clemson University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about Clemson University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,739. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota report
University Of California Berkeley placed #37 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,200 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $13,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. 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. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $17,455 in debt. A decade after starting, 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%. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Oakland University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Oakland University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oakland University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Oakland University
San Diego State University placed #41 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $19,994. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,994 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. Students from in state pay about $44,074 in tuition and fees. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Lehigh University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $24,950 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 26% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lehigh University profile
University Of New Haven offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,332 in tuition and fees. University Of New Haven Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,126 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of New Haven profile
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $21,658. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wichita State University profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. 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. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Manhattan College
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $15,908. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $15,908 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
University Of Michigan Dearborn offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $23,950. University Of Michigan Dearborn alumni report median earnings of $59,649 a decade after entry. Set against $23,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Dearborn
Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- 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
- Best Value Me Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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