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2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 332 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology school in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $16,214 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $16,214 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
You'll get strong value at California Maritime Academy, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Vallejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,559, with out-of-state students paying around $22,159. California Maritime Academy Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $25,359 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $94,784. That is a strong return on a $25,359 median debt. California Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California Maritime Academy
American Public University System came in at #3 on this year's best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology ranking in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,810 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Out of the 332 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ferris State University landed the #4 spot. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Ferris State University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report
A rank of #5 makes Youngstown State University one of the best values in the United States. 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. Graduates carry a median of $29,349 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $29,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,097. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,787 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,131. That is a strong return on a $20,787 median debt. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Central Michigan University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $30,000. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Purdue University Northwest came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Northwest Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #9 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $23,666. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $24,304. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,560. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read the full report on University Of Central Missouri
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Eastern Michigan University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $28,909. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Eastern Michigan University
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Cleveland State University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $26,336 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Cleveland State University profile
Weber State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Students borrow a median of $18,280 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $56,287 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,280 median debt. See the full Weber State University profile
Pittsburg State University placed #16 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,579. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pittsburg State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Pittsburg State University profile
Kennesaw State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,354 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set 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. Purdue University Main Campus Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Utah Valley University placed #20 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $16,478. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt. See the full Utah Valley University profile
Indiana State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Indiana State University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $26,990 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Set against $26,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Indiana State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $24,240 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
Ecpi University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Ecpi University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,484. Ecpi University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $29,810 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,837. Set against $29,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ecpi University report
University Of Houston landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $27,000. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Farmingdale State College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Farmingdale, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $17,409. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,781. Set against $17,409 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read the full report on Farmingdale State College
University Of Toledo offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Students borrow a median of $26,875 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. University Of Toledo alumni report median earnings of $50,632 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Toledo
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,892, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred alumni report median earnings of $50,445 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College Of Technology At Alfred profile
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $21,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,040. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tarleton State University
Sam Houston State University placed #31 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $24,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Sam Houston State University
Colorado State University Pueblo ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. Students from in state pay about $9,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,944. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $25,325. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,563. That is a strong return on a $25,325 median debt. Colorado State University Pueblo has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Pueblo
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #33 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $45,872 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Utica, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,625, compared with $21,215 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $22,108. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,355. Set against $22,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $23,302. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $23,302 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Central Washington University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $22,380. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Washington University profile
Eastern Washington University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $21,754. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,897. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Eastern Washington University profile
Suny College At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,533, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $24,436. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,334. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Suny College At Buffalo report
Wayne State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. This public school is set in Detroit, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,493. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. Wayne State University admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Wayne State University report
Michigan Technological University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $29,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Set against $29,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Pennsylvania College Of Technology ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Pennsylvania College Of Technology is a public school based in Williamsport, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,940, with out-of-state students paying around $25,680. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,567. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pennsylvania College Of Technology
New England Institute Of Technology placed #42 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in East Greenwich, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,275. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $31,000. 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 has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on New England Institute Of Technology
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $25,319. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Set against $25,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Fairmont State University placed #43 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Fairmont, WV, Fairmont State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,708, while out-of-state students pay about $18,924. Fairmont State University Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,857 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Fairmont State University
Montana State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bozeman, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Typical Mechanical Engineering Technology student debt is $27,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. Montana State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Montana State University profile
Central Connecticut State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Set in New Britain, CT, Central Connecticut State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,050, with out-of-state students paying around $16,550. The median Mechanical Engineering Technology program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,562. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Central Connecticut State University
Oregon Institute Of Technology ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. Oregon Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Klamath Falls, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $13,260, compared with $37,196 for out-of-state students. Oregon Institute Of Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology students take on a median of $27,551 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oregon Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Oregon Institute Of Technology
Cuny New York City College Of Technology landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, while out-of-state students pay about $15,282. Graduates carry a median of $11,652 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,365. That is a strong return on a $11,652 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Cuny New York City College Of Technology report
University Of Dayton ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full University Of Dayton report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell placed #50 among the best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology schools in the United States. Located in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Students borrow a median of $25,574 to complete their Mechanical Engineering Technology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,874. Set against $25,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Related Mechanical Engineering Technology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Associate’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
This list is compiled by Trade College (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 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).