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? This list ranks 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, Grad Degree reviewed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering master's degree schools in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $7,625. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,625 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about 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. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. 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. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 451 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #3 spot. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $24,817 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $24,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Out of the 451 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #4 spot. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. 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. The acceptance rate is 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. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. 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 admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,110 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Purdue University Northwest came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. 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
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Lawrence Technological University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about Lawrence Technological University
Villanova University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $25,995 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $25,995 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. 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. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full University Of Dayton profile
Seattle University placed #13 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Students borrow a median of $20,467 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Set against $20,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #14 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Bradley University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Bradley University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,852 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bradley University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Bradley University
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola Marymount University
California Baptist University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on California Baptist University
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full San Jose State University profile
Michigan Technological University placed #20 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
Santa Clara University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Santa Clara, CA, Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,293. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $109,183 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants. Get the full Santa Clara University report
Marquette University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Marquette University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
South Dakota State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
University Of Delaware placed #25 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $25,962. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
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 offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Fairfield University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,876 in student loans. Fairfield University alumni report median earnings of $88,794 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fairfield University
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set 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. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Houston
University Of Hartford ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,075. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program 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 admits about 96% of applicants. See the full University Of Hartford profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on 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 run about $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $24,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
Cornell University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. 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. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Ohio University Main Campus placed #34 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Texas Tech University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $25,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #34 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of California Berkeley placed #37 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $13,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $19,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,937 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $17,455 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,455 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Oakland University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Oakland University is a public school based in Rochester Hills, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Oakland University alumni report median earnings of $58,612 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oakland University report
San Diego State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $19,994 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $19,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,074. The median Me Mechanical Engineering program debt is $27,000. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of New Haven placed #43 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of New Haven alumni report median earnings of $60,126 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of New Haven profile
Lehigh University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. 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%. Read more about Lehigh University
Wichita State University placed #45 among the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Wichita State University Me Mechanical Engineering students take on a median of $21,658 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $21,658 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Wichita State University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
Manhattan College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Set in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,400. Typical Me Mechanical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Manhattan College alumni report median earnings of $86,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Manhattan College
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,678 to complete their Me Mechanical Engineering program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Me Mechanical Engineering schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
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. 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. That is a strong return on a $23,950 median debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn
Related Me Mechanical Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 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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