Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Massachusetts

Harvard's Mechanical Engineering program costs just $16,816 net despite its $59,076 sticker price, making it the most affordable option among Massachusetts' 13 programs. This creates an unusual pricing market where elite private institutions can cost less than some mid-tier colleges through generous aid packages. MIT follows closely at $19,813 net cost while offering graduates the state's highest median earnings of $79,647. Massachusetts mechanical engineers benefit from the state's concentration of aerospace companies like Raytheon and General Electric, plus medical device manufacturers that drive strong job demand in the Boston area.

Programs

$16,816 – $43,273

Net Price Range

$69,033

Avg. Program Earnings

81.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816	$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
2	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
3	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts	$19,813	$60,156	96.1%	4.0%
4	Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Needham, Massachusetts	$20,575	$64,458	92.2%	19.1%
5	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, Massachusetts	$20,605	$15,208	49.0%	95.5%
6	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
7	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
8	Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts	$31,170	$46,430	63.9%	88.0%
9	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
10	Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, Massachusetts	$34,170	$41,010	68.6%	92.3%
11	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435	$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
12	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899	$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
13	Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts	$43,273	$59,070	88.4%	57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can Harvard's aid packages reduce mechanical engineering costs?

Harvard's net cost of $16,816 represents a 71% reduction from its $59,076 published tuition. Students from families earning under $85,000 typically pay nothing, while those from middle-income households see substantial reductions that make Harvard more affordable than many state schools.

What explains the $26,457 gap between cheapest and most expensive programs?

The cost spread from $16,816 to $43,273 reflects varying financial aid strategies rather than program quality. Elite schools like Harvard and MIT offer the lowest net costs through large endowments, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute costs $43,273 despite strong job placement rates.

Do Massachusetts mechanical engineers earn enough to justify program costs?

MIT graduates earn $79,647 median salary, nearly double the $43,273 maximum program cost. Even UMass Dartmouth graduates earning $62,260 can manage the $20,605 net cost, especially with typical student debt loads under $27,000.

Where do most mechanical engineering graduates find work in Massachusetts?

The state's 96.1% MIT graduation rate and strong earnings reflect abundant opportunities in aerospace, medical devices, and robotics around Boston. Companies like Boston Dynamics, Moderna's manufacturing operations, and defense contractors provide varied career paths for new graduates.

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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.