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Best Value Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Minnesota

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

Saint Cloud State University offers Minnesota's most affordable Mechanical Engineering education at just $14,485 net cost, yet graduates earn $63,377 annually. The earnings gap between Minnesota's most affordable and expensive programs spans only $4,724, while cost differences reach $16,040. Minnesota's strong manufacturing base, including companies like 3M and Medtronic, provides solid career opportunities for mechanical engineers across the state's public university system.
6
Programs
$14,485 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$65,792
Avg. Program Earnings
64.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,485 $63,377 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
2 $17,139 $68,047 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
3 $18,464 $64,940 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
4 $18,609 $64,493 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
5 $30,525 $68,101 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
6 $27,023 $25,659 62.7% 98.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Cloud State's Mechanical Engineering program such a strong value?

Saint Cloud State delivers the state's lowest net cost at $14,485 while maintaining solid earning potential of $63,377 for graduates. The program accepts 95.28% of applicants, making it accessible to most students seeking affordable engineering education.

How do public versus private Mechanical Engineering costs compare in Minnesota?

Public universities range from $14,485 to $18,609 in net costs, while private options like University of St Thomas reach $30,525. Despite the higher cost, St Thomas graduates earn the most at $68,101, just $4,724 more than the lowest-earning program.

Does the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities justify its costs for Mechanical Engineering?

At $17,139 net cost, the Twin Cities campus offers the highest graduation rate at 84.80% and strong earnings of $68,047. Students graduate with relatively low debt of $17,132, the smallest burden among all programs listed.

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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.