Best Value Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee mechanical engineering programs show a striking cost-performance gap, with net prices ranging from $10,026 at Tennessee State University to $26,815 at Union University. While automotive manufacturing plants from Nissan to General Motors anchor the state's engineering job market, earnings for mechanical engineering graduates remain surprisingly consistent across programs, varying only $9,194 between the highest and lowest. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their starting salaries, which average between $60,623 and $69,817. The state's growing healthcare technology sector, led by companies like HCA Healthcare, creates additional opportunities beyond traditional manufacturing roles.

Programs

$10,026 – $26,815

Net Price Range

$65,094

Avg. Program Earnings

60.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$64,990	$8,568	33.0%
2	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$64,493	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
3	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$63,005	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
4	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$14,207	$66,355	$10,084	54.2%	78.1%
5	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$60,623	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
6	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$69,817	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
7	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$66,377	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
8	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610		$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
9	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299		$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
10	Union University Jackson, Tennessee	$26,815		$38,450	70.9%	52.6%
11	Milligan University Milligan, Tennessee	$21,131		$39,350	60.3%	66.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vanderbilt University worth its $19,040 net cost for mechanical engineering?

Vanderbilt delivers the highest graduate earnings at $69,817 and maintains a 92.70% graduation rate, the best among Tennessee programs. The university's low debt burden of $14,000 and strong alumni network in engineering consulting firms help justify the premium price.

How do Tennessee's public universities compare for mechanical engineering value?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026, while UT-Knoxville provides the best balance of affordability and outcomes with a $18,109 net price and $66,377 average earnings. Tennessee Tech falls in between at $14,207 net cost with competitive $66,355 earnings.

Is the mechanical engineering job market strong in Tennessee?

Tennessee hosts major automotive manufacturers including Nissan's North American headquarters and General Motors' Spring Hill plant, creating consistent demand for mechanical engineers. The state's healthcare technology sector and aerospace components industry provide additional career paths beyond traditional manufacturing.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Tennessee mechanical engineering?

Higher-priced private programs generally show better graduation rates, with Vanderbilt at 92.70% and Union University at 70.90%. However, Tennessee Tech breaks this pattern by achieving a solid 54.20% graduation rate at just $14,207 net cost, proving affordable options can deliver results.

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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.