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Best Value Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY New York City College of Technology delivers the lowest net cost at $4,783 while Youngstown State University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $70,176, creating a fascinating cost-benefit spectrum in mechanical engineering technology programs. This 15-fold earnings difference reflects varying program focuses, from hands-on technician training to engineering-adjacent roles in manufacturing and design. The field connects directly to America's $2.3 trillion manufacturing sector, where technicians support everything from automotive assembly lines to aerospace component testing. Graduation rates vary dramatically, with SUNY Polytechnic Institute achieving 59.2% compared to Metropolitan State's 29.9%. Public institutions dominate this list, offering in-state tuition advantages that private alternatives struggle to match. Debt loads range from CUNY's manageable $7,000 to American Public University's concerning $26,612, making careful program selection essential. Geographic clusters emerge around traditional manufacturing regions, where local industry partnerships drive both curriculum design and job placement rates.
50
Programs
$4,783 – $24,791
Net Price Range
$57,665
Avg. Program Earnings
52.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,131 $63,005 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
2 $8,463 $58,221 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
3 $4,783 $31,423 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
4 $9,104 $54,644 $8,400 53.2%
5 $9,055 $54,153 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
6 $9,173 $54,463 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
7 $11,877 $70,176 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $10,722 $61,728 $6,391 43.0%
9 $12,202 $69,535 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
10 $11,408 $63,005 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
11 $11,513 $62,508 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
12 $12,188 $61,350 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
13 $10,026 $47,260 $8,568 33.0%
14 $14,294 $61,516 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
15 $13,882 $59,711 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
16 $13,945 $59,756 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
17 $16,041 $68,499 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
18 $15,729 $65,170 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
19 $14,229 $58,522 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
20 $13,670 $55,512 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
21 $17,084 $69,338 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
22 $13,091 $52,107 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
23 $14,981 $58,673 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
24 $14,352 $55,964 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
25 $14,488 $56,302 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
26 $13,853 $53,671 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
27 $14,715 $56,979 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
28 $14,745 $56,716 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
29 $17,555 $66,171 $7,672 66.8% 95.5%
30 $16,435 $61,303 $12,460 49.3% 76.7%
31 $16,391 $60,839 $12,687 59.1% 92.6%
32 $16,065 $58,673 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
33 $17,460 $62,211 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
34 $16,972 $59,756 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
35 $16,177 $55,211 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
36 $15,266 $51,273 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
37 $16,378 $54,435 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
38 $17,485 $56,415 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
39 $15,001 $47,260 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
40 $18,045 $55,964 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
41 $24,021 $74,200 $48,421 71.5% 63.5%
42 $14,559 $44,971 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
43 $15,331 $47,260 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
44 $18,609 $56,544 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
45 $18,952 $54,585 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
46 $15,336 $43,798 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
47 $20,261 $56,776 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
48 $20,593 $57,318 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
49 $18,889 $51,273 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
50 $24,791 $67,101 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Youngstown State graduates earn $70,176 while CUNY graduates start at $31,423, reflecting different program orientations and regional job markets. Higher-earning programs often emphasize engineering support roles in manufacturing and design, while lower-earning tracks focus on maintenance and repair technician positions. Regional factors matter significantly, as Ohio's manufacturing base supports higher salaries than New York's more service-oriented economy. Program length and certification requirements also influence starting wages.

How do public and private costs compare in mechanical engineering technology programs?

Public institutions dominate the value equation, with costs ranging from CUNY's $4,783 to Metropolitan State's $14,294. The single private option, American Public University, charges $9,104 but carries concerning debt levels of $26,612. In-state public tuition provides the clearest advantage, with Weber State offering $6,391 in-state versus much higher out-of-state rates. Private institutions struggle to compete on pure cost metrics in this technical field.

Is the low graduation rate at some schools a red flag for prospective students?

Graduation rates vary from SUNY Polytechnic's solid 59.2% to CUNY's concerning 19.4%, often reflecting student demographics rather than program quality. Many mechanical engineering technology students attend part-time while working, extending completion timelines beyond traditional metrics. Metropolitan State's 29.9% rate reflects its role serving working adults in Denver's competitive job market. Students should investigate program structure and support services rather than dismissing schools based solely on graduation statistics.

Does geographic location significantly impact earnings potential for graduates?

Regional job markets create substantial earnings variations, with Midwest manufacturing centers offering higher starting salaries than coastal urban areas. Youngstown State graduates earn $70,176 in Ohio's industrial corridor, while CUNY graduates start at $31,423 in New York's expensive but competitive market. Ferris State's Michigan location yields $69,535 earnings, reflecting automotive industry demand. Local cost of living partially offsets salary differences, but manufacturing regions consistently show stronger technician wages.

Where can students find the best debt-to-earnings ratio in these programs?

Weber State University offers the most favorable debt-to-earnings profile, with $12,250 debt leading to $61,728 starting salaries. CUNY provides another strong option with minimal $7,000 debt despite lower $31,423 earnings, creating manageable monthly payments. Brigham Young University-Idaho balances moderate $16,813 debt with strong $63,005 earnings for excellent long-term value. Students should avoid American Public University's $26,612 debt load unless specific circumstances justify the investment.

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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.