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Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Iowa

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Iowa State University stands out among Iowa's mechanical engineering programs with a $18,165 net cost that's $4,000 below the next cheapest option. Graduates earn $67,221 annually, reflecting strong connections to Iowa's manufacturing sector where companies like John Deere rely heavily on mechanical engineers. The state's five programs span a wide cost range from $18,165 to $25,383, with public universities offering significantly better value than private alternatives.
5
Programs
$18,165 – $25,383
Net Price Range
$63,191
Avg. Program Earnings
61.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
2 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
3 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
4 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
5 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Iowa State University's mechanical engineering program such a financial standout?

Iowa State charges just $18,165 in net costs while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $67,221 annually. The 90.22% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, and the 75.50% graduation rate shows strong program completion.

How do private mechanical engineering programs in Iowa compare cost-wise?

Private programs cost $22,115 to $25,383 in net expenses, roughly $4,000 to $7,200 more than Iowa State. Saint Ambrose and Dordt show reasonable outcomes, but William Penn's 29.20% graduation rate raises completion concerns despite similar pricing.

Where do Iowa mechanical engineering graduates typically find employment?

Iowa's manufacturing sector, anchored by John Deere and other machinery companies, creates strong demand for mechanical engineers. The state's agriculture and insurance industries also employ engineers, with starting salaries ranging from $57,770 to $67,221.

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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.