Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Louisiana

University of New Orleans delivers the state's most affordable Mechanical Engineering education at just $11,147 net cost, while graduates earn $62,012 annually. This price advantage matters in Louisiana, where mechanical engineers find opportunities across the state's massive petrochemical corridor stretching from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. The $32,792 gap between UNO and private Tulane reflects how Louisiana's public universities make engineering accessible to working-class families.

Programs

$11,147 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$61,321

Avg. Program Earnings

56.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
2	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
3	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209	$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
4	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
5	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
6	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
7	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of New Orleans such a bargain for Mechanical Engineering?

UNO charges just $11,147 net cost while producing graduates who earn $62,012 annually, creating strong return on investment. The university also maintains relatively low student debt at $13,375, well below the state average for engineering programs.

How much do graduation rates vary between Louisiana's cheapest and most expensive programs?

Tulane leads with an 88.9% graduation rate compared to Southern University's 28.5%, a 60-point spread that reflects resource differences. However, mid-tier options like Louisiana Tech achieve solid 57.6% graduation rates at just $12,209 net cost.

Does Louisiana's TOPS scholarship program help with Mechanical Engineering costs?

TOPS covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying Louisiana residents, making programs like McNeese State even more affordable. With in-state tuition at $8,460, TOPS recipients could attend McNeese for primarily room, board, and fees.

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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.