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Best Value Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Colorado

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

Colorado's mechanical engineering programs show remarkable value consistency, with five of six schools producing graduates earning $61,000 or more within six years. The University of Colorado Boulder leads with a 75% graduation rate while maintaining reasonable debt levels at $18,958, making it particularly attractive given Colorado's aerospace sector employs thousands of mechanical engineers at companies like Ball Aerospace and Lockheed Martin.
6
Programs
$16,431 – $36,037
Net Price Range
$63,033
Avg. Program Earnings
65.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,431 $56,544 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
2 $19,133 $64,899 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
3 $20,332 $65,807 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
4 $21,480 $61,580 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
5 $29,240 $63,463 $21,186 79.4% 58.0%
6 $36,037 $65,905 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000 cost difference between public and private options?

The University of Denver charges $36,037 net compared to public schools ranging from $16,431 to $29,240. However, Denver graduates earn $65,905, the highest among all programs, potentially justifying the premium through stronger industry connections and smaller class sizes.

How does Colorado School of Mines justify its higher public school cost?

At $29,240 net cost, Mines charges significantly more than other public options but delivers a 79.4% graduation rate and selective 58% acceptance rate. The specialized engineering focus and industry reputation in Colorado's mining and energy sectors often translate to premium starting salaries.

Does the Colorado Opportunity Fund significantly impact affordability?

In-state students pay $9,712 to $21,186 across public programs, with the fund providing tuition stipends that make programs like UC Colorado Springs particularly affordable at just $9,712. This creates substantial savings compared to the $59,340 sticker price at private University of Denver.

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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.