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Mechanical Engineering Colleges Under $20,000

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

CUNY City College delivers the nation's most affordable mechanical engineering education at just $3,486 net cost, yet its graduates earn $68,618 annually,the highest among programs under $20,000. This remarkable return contrasts sharply with Ohio University's regional campuses, where net costs reach $6,483 but graduation rates hover around 20%. The American manufacturing sector's recent reshoring initiatives have created over 350,000 new mechanical engineering positions nationwide, making these accessible programs particularly valuable. California State universities dominate the affordable market, with Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Fresno campuses all maintaining net costs under $6,500. University of Florida stands out with a 91.5% graduation rate at $6,351 net cost, while Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the only private option under $8,000. The earnings spread ranges from $50,856 to $68,618, with debt loads varying dramatically from $12,500 at Cal State LA to over $26,000 at Ohio campuses.
50
Programs
$3,486 – $10,916
Net Price Range
$62,107
Avg. Program Earnings
50.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
6 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
7 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
10 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
11 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
12 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
13 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
14 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
15 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
16 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
17 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
18 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
19 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
20 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
21 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
22 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
23 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
24 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
25 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
26 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
27 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
28 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
29 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
30 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
31 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
32 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
33 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
34 $9,957 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
35 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
36 $10,017 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
37 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
38 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
39 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
40 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
41 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
42 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
43 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
44 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
45 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
46 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
47 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
48 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
49 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
50 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $3,000 cost difference between CUNY City College and other affordable programs?

CUNY City College's $3,486 net cost reflects New York's substantial state funding for engineering education and the college's urban location reducing infrastructure costs. The next closest option, Cal State LA at $4,113, still costs 18% more despite California's similar public funding model. Most other programs cluster between $5,000-$6,500, making CUNY an strong value. This cost advantage doesn't compromise quality, as evidenced by graduates earning $68,618 annually.

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

Graduation rates span a dramatic 79-point range, from Ohio University-Chillicothe's 12.1% to University of Florida's 91.5%. The Ohio regional campuses consistently struggle with completion rates under 21%, while California State universities maintain steady 52-69% rates. University of Florida's online program achieves 77.7% despite distance learning challenges. Most programs with graduation rates above 50% also show stronger earnings outcomes for graduates.

Is there a regional pattern in mechanical engineering program costs and outcomes?

California dominates with four programs under $6,500, all showing strong earnings between $50,856-$62,792 and manageable debt under $19,000. Ohio's regional campuses offer similar net costs but struggle with extremely low graduation rates and high debt loads of $26,216. Texas and New Mexico programs fall in the middle range at $6,500-$6,747 with solid earning potential. The geographic distribution reflects state funding priorities and regional economic conditions.

Does student debt correlate with program cost in mechanical engineering?

Student debt patterns don't always follow net cost trends among these programs. CUNY City College combines the lowest net cost with moderate debt of $13,232, while Ohio campuses show high debt of $26,216 despite mid-range costs. Cal State universities consistently maintain low debt loads between $12,500-$18,874. University of Florida achieves both low cost and reasonable debt at $18,131, making it particularly attractive for debt-conscious students.

Where can students find the best earnings potential among affordable programs?

CUNY City College leads with $68,618 annual earnings despite having the lowest program cost, followed closely by University of Florida at $67,427. Brigham Young University-Idaho offers strong earnings of $64,493 as the only private option under $8,000. California State Fullerton rounds out the top tier at $62,792 annually. These top-earning programs cluster in major metropolitan areas or states with significant manufacturing and aerospace industries.

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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.