Skip to main content

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $20,000

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

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers the nation's most affordable mechanical engineering technology program at just $1,113 net cost annually. This remarkable value stands in sharp contrast to programs elsewhere that can reach $12,529, creating a cost spread of over $11,000 between the cheapest and most expensive options. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of American industry, with mechanical engineering technicians supporting everything from automotive production in Detroit to aerospace development across the Sun Belt. Graduates from these programs typically earn between $31,423 and $70,176, with several schools producing median salaries above $60,000. North Carolina A&T State University maintains a selective 56% acceptance rate while achieving a strong 55% graduation rate, proving that quality programs exist at various price points. Community colleges like North Central State College offer pathways starting around $4,300, while full universities provide broader educational experiences. The field bridges hands-on technical skills with engineering principles, preparing students for roles in quality control, product testing, and manufacturing support across industries that form the backbone of American production.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $16,041
Net Price Range
$56,410
Avg. Program Earnings
49.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $4,304 $4,624 34.2%
3 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
4 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
5 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
6 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
7 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
8 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
9 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
10 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
11 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
12 $10,733 $5,118 39.6%
13 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
14 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
15 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
16 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
17 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
18 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
19 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
20 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
21 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
22 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
23 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
24 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
25 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
26 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
27 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
28 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
29 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
30 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
31 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
32 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
33 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
34 $14,488 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
35 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
36 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
37 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
38 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
39 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
40 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
41 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
42 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
43 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
44 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
45 $15,266 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
46 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
47 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
48 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
49 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
50 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M University-Central Texas so affordable for mechanical engineering technology students?

The university offers the lowest net cost nationally at $1,113 annually while maintaining a 95.71% acceptance rate. As a public institution serving the Killeen area near Fort Hood, the school benefits from state funding and regional partnerships. The program provides access to mechanical engineering technology education without the financial burden common at other institutions. Students can complete their degree with minimal debt while gaining skills needed for Texas's large manufacturing and defense sectors.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable mechanical engineering technology programs?

Graduation rates range from 19.40% at CUNY New York City College of Technology to 57.10% at Farmingdale State College. Private institutions like Brigham Young University-Idaho achieve 55.10% graduation rates while maintaining affordability through church subsidies. North Carolina A&T State University combines a competitive 56% acceptance rate with a strong 55% graduation rate. Community colleges typically show lower graduation rates around 34-40% but serve different student populations with varying educational goals.

Is the earning potential worth the investment in mechanical engineering technology programs?

Graduates typically earn between $31,423 and $70,176, with many schools producing median salaries above $54,000. Weber State University graduates earn $61,728 annually while carrying just $12,250 in debt, creating an excellent return on investment. Brigham Young University-Idaho produces the highest earners at $63,005 despite moderate debt levels of $16,813. Even lower-earning programs like CUNY New York City College of Technology at $31,423 offer positive returns given minimal debt of $7,000.

Where do students find the best balance of cost and career outcomes?

Weber State University in Utah offers strong value with graduates earning $61,728 while students pay $10,722 net cost and graduate with $12,250 debt. Fairmont State University provides strong earning potential of $54,153 at $9,055 annual cost with reasonable debt levels. Brigham Young University-Idaho delivers the highest graduate earnings at $63,005 for $7,131 net cost, though debt reaches $16,813. These programs demonstrate that quality mechanical engineering technology education exists without excessive financial burden.

Does program selectivity indicate quality in mechanical engineering technology education?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from 56% at North Carolina A&T State University to 98% at Fairmont State University. More selective programs don't always correlate with better outcomes, as Fairmont State achieves 48% graduation rates and $54,153 graduate earnings despite high acceptance. North Carolina A&T combines selectivity with strong graduation rates of 55%, while Texas A&M-Central Texas maintains 95% acceptance with the nation's lowest costs. Quality programs exist across the selectivity spectrum, focusing more on industry partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities.

More Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Rankings

Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Best Value Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

Related

All Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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