Best Value Mechanical Engineering Colleges in New Jersey

Princeton's financial aid transforms mechanical engineering education with net costs as low as $10,555, while Stevens graduates command the state's highest salaries at $68,778. New Jersey's proximity to major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck creates strong demand for mechanical engineers skilled in manufacturing processes and equipment design. The state's six programs span from highly selective options with 5.7% acceptance rates to more accessible paths with 77% acceptance, offering multiple routes into this field that supports the region's $50 billion manufacturing sector.

Programs

$10,555 – $40,468

Net Price Range

$61,478

Avg. Program Earnings

83.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, New Jersey	$16,496	$60,019	$19,022	73.1%	66.0%
2	Rowan University Glassboro, New Jersey	$22,185	$58,673	$15,700	68.3%	76.9%
3	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$61,516	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
4	The College of New Jersey Ewing, New Jersey	$25,458	$58,402	$18,685	85.2%	64.4%
5	Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, New Jersey	$40,468	$68,778	$60,952	89.9%	46.2%
6	Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey	$10,555		$59,710	97.1%	5.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stevens Institute of Technology worth its higher cost?

Stevens graduates earn $68,778 annually, about $10,000 more than other state programs, with a 90% graduation rate. The school's Hoboken location provides direct access to New York City engineering firms and financial companies that hire mechanical engineers for trading floor systems and building infrastructure.

How do public university costs compare for in-state students?

In-state tuition ranges from $15,700 at Rowan to $19,022 at NJIT, with net costs after aid spanning $16,496 to $25,458. Rutgers offers the middle ground with $17,239 tuition and strong industry connections, while NJIT provides the lowest net cost among public options.

Does graduation rate correlate with program selectivity?

The most selective programs show higher completion rates, with Princeton at 97% graduation and 5.7% acceptance, followed by Stevens at 90% graduation and 46% acceptance. Even less selective options like Rowan maintain solid 68% graduation rates while accepting 77% of applicants.

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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.