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Manufacturing Engineering Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Manufacturing Engineering graduates command median salaries reaching $69,338 at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, yet students pay just $11,580 annually after aid. This field connects classroom theory to America's $2.3 trillion manufacturing sector, where engineers optimize production processes for everything from automotive assembly to aerospace components. The most affordable option comes from Navajo Technical University at $3,307 net cost, creating an extraordinary $66,031 cost difference within this specialized engineering discipline. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with 14 of the 15 lowest-cost programs operating under state funding. Manufacturing engineers work directly with companies like General Motors, Boeing, and Caterpillar to streamline operations and reduce waste. Cal State Long Beach achieves a remarkable 69.90% graduation rate while maintaining costs under $9,000, proving that quality manufacturing education doesn't require premium pricing. The field offers stability in regions with strong industrial bases, particularly the Midwest and California.
28
Programs
$3,307 – $19,568
Net Price Range
$66,215
Avg. Program Earnings
57.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Manufacturing Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
2 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
3 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
4 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
6 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
7 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
9 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
10 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
11 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
12 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
13 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
14 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
15 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
16 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
17 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
18 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
19 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
20 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
21 $16,531 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
22 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
23 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
24 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
25 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
26 $18,680 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
27 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
28 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Navajo Technical University's $3,307 cost so much lower than other programs?

Navajo Technical University operates as a tribal college with significant federal funding support, allowing them to offer Manufacturing Engineering at $3,307 annually. The 19.70% graduation rate reflects the institution's mission to serve a specific population with unique challenges. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and culturally relevant education approaches. The program focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices relevant to tribal economic development.

How do California schools manage to offer strong Manufacturing Engineering programs under $12,000?

California's solid state funding system keeps in-state tuition low, with Cal State Northridge charging just $7,095 before aid. The state's proximity to aerospace, automotive, and technology manufacturers creates strong industry partnerships that reduce program costs. Cal Poly Pomona graduates earn $69,338 median salary, the highest in this price range, thanks to hands-on learning with local employers. California's 91.23% acceptance rate at Northridge makes these quality programs accessible to most applicants.

Is the $23,352 debt level at Arizona State University worth the investment?

Arizona State's debt figure represents the highest among affordable Manufacturing Engineering programs, but the 67.80% graduation rate suggests strong completion support. The Tempe location provides access to Intel, Boeing, and other major manufacturers seeking entry-level engineers. Manufacturing engineers typically see rapid salary growth after graduation, making moderate debt manageable. The program's size and resources at ASU often translate to better job placement assistance than smaller institutions.

Does Brigham Young University offer the best value despite being private?

BYU's $14,487 net cost places it competitively with public options while delivering an 82.20% graduation rate, the highest among these programs. Private status allows more flexible curriculum design and smaller professor-to-student ratios in engineering labs. The $11,000 median debt load stays well below the national average for engineering degrees. BYU's religious affiliation creates a tight alumni network in manufacturing companies across the Mountain West region.

Where do Manufacturing Engineering graduates from these programs typically find employment?

Graduates enter roles at automotive plants, aerospace manufacturers, and consumer goods companies with starting salaries between $57,318 and $69,338. The Midwest schools like Youngstown State feed talent to the Great Lakes manufacturing corridor, while Western programs serve technology and defense contractors. Manufacturing engineers work in quality control, process improvement, and production management across industries. Many graduates advance to plant manager or operations director positions within 10-15 years of experience.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.