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2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 332 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, Trade College analyzed 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Lee College, our #1 best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology school in the United States. Located in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Lee College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $10,941 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lee College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Springfield Technical Community College earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $7,395. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,966. Set against $7,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Springfield Technical Community College
Out of the 332 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College landed the #3 spot. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $15,017. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. Set against $15,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Out of the 332 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Owens Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Perrysburg, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,870, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,275 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Owens Community College
Out of the 332 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ivy Tech Community College landed the #5 spot. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $11,889. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $7,650. Students borrow a median of $18,442 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $46,709 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southeast Technical Institute
Nunez Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chalmette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,255. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $21,296. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,343. That is a strong return on a $21,296 median debt. Read more about Nunez Community College
Florence Darlington Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Florence Darlington Technical College is a public school based in Florence, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,636, compared with $6,772 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,230 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,748 ten years out. Set against $7,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Florence Darlington Technical College
Spokane Community College placed #10 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $16,486 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,984 ten years out. Set against $16,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Spokane Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #11 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Cuyahoga Community College District Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $14,636 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,654. That is a strong return on a $14,636 median debt. See the full Cuyahoga Community College District profile
Greenville Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Greenville, SC, Greenville Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,495, compared with $10,775 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,411 in student loans. Greenville Technical College alumni report median earnings of $39,473 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,411 median debt. Read the full report on Greenville Technical College
Stark State College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $17,349. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Stark State College
Youngstown State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $29,349 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $29,349 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Piedmont Technical College placed #15 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Greenwood, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,775, compared with $6,923 for out-of-state students. Piedmont Technical College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $17,652 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,768 ten years out. Set against $17,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Piedmont Technical College report
Brookdale Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $12,651. Brookdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Eastern Florida State College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Eastern Florida State College is a public school based in Melbourne, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,791, with out-of-state students paying around $10,976. Students borrow a median of $18,123 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Eastern Florida State College alumni report median earnings of $37,195 a decade after entry. Set against $18,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Eastern Florida State College
Ecpi University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Ecpi University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,484. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $29,810. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ecpi University admits about 74% of applicants. See the full Ecpi University profile
Ferris State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $23,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Ferris State University profile
American Public University System ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. American Public University System Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $30,810 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Set against $30,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on American Public University System
Miami University Hamilton placed #21 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hamilton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. Miami University Hamilton Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,763 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
Zane State College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Zane State College is a public school based in Zanesville, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, with out-of-state students paying around $11,766. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $9,405. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,006. Set against $9,405 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Zane State College
Miami University Middletown landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Middletown, OH, Miami University Middletown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Graduates carry a median of $23,575 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. That is a strong return on a $23,575 median debt. Read more about Miami University Middletown
Midlands Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in West Columbia, SC, Midlands Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $14,700. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $17,611. Median earnings reach $38,701 ten years out. Set against $17,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Midlands Technical College
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $23,666. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $23,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Tidewater Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Tidewater Community College is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,858 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $11,250. Median earnings reach $38,349 ten years out. Set against $11,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Tidewater Community College
Sinclair Community College placed #28 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Sinclair Community College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,525 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Sinclair Community College
Seminole State College Of Florida placed #29 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Students borrow a median of $18,419 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Seminole State College Of Florida
Weber State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,280 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Set against $18,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Weber State University
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Erie Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Erie Community College is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $12,580. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,228 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Erie Community College
Farmingdale State College placed #34 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Farmingdale, NY, Farmingdale State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Students borrow a median of $17,409 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Farmingdale State College alumni report median earnings of $69,781 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Farmingdale State College profile
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred placed #35 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public school based in Alfred, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,892 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,445. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny College Of Technology At Alfred
Wichita Area Technical College placed #36 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $7,503 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,679. That is a strong return on a $7,503 median debt. See the full Wichita Area Technical College profile
Indian River State College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Pierce, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,315. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Indian River State College report
Bridgevalley Community And Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Bridgevalley Community And Technical College is a public school based in South Charleston, WV. Students from in state pay about $5,800 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,428. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $11,958. Bridgevalley Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,432 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bridgevalley Community And Technical College
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,872 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne report
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Located in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,275. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New England Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants. More on New England Institute Of Technology
Idaho State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Idaho State University is a public school based in Pocatello, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $8,610, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $24,640 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,608. Set against $24,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Idaho State University report
Monroe Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Rochester, NY, Monroe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,006, with out-of-state students paying around $11,056. Monroe Community College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $12,921 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,174 ten years out. Set against $12,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Monroe Community College
Hudson Valley Community College placed #43 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Troy, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Students borrow a median of $12,868 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $45,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hudson Valley Community College report
Kent State University At Tuscarawas placed #44 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in New Philadelphia, OH, Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,211, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,387 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Kent State University At Tuscarawas
University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Based in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $25,574. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,874. Set against $25,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Cuny New York City College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,332, while out-of-state students pay about $15,282. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $11,652. Cuny New York City College Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $49,365 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,652 median debt. Cuny New York City College Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,093 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Mesa State College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. Students borrow a median of $22,310 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Mesa State College alumni report median earnings of $45,823 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,310 median debt. Mesa State College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Mesa State College
Pellissippi State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Knoxville, TN, Pellissippi State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,786, compared with $17,770 for out-of-state students. Pellissippi State Community College Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $8,951 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,440 ten years out. Set against $8,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pellissippi State Community College
Vermont Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Randolph, VT, Vermont Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,952 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,296. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $24,208. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,331 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,208 median debt. Vermont Technical College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Vermont Technical College
New Mexico State University Dona Ana landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Columbus State Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. More on Columbus State Community College
Related Mechanical Engineering Technology Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Trade College (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 332 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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