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Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers the state's most affordable mechanical engineering education at just $10,904 net cost while producing graduates who earn $80,486 annually. This represents the highest starting salary among Michigan's 17 programs, creating an strong return on investment for students entering the state's automotive and manufacturing sectors. The $22,596 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Michigan's mix of accessible public universities and higher-cost private institutions. With General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis headquartered in the state, Michigan mechanical engineers find ready employment in traditional automotive roles plus emerging electric vehicle development. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with 13 of the 15 cheapest programs offered by state institutions that benefit from Michigan Achievement Scholarship funding.
17
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$74,762
Avg. Program Earnings
60.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
3 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
4 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
5 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
6 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
7 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
8 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
9 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
10 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
12 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
13 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
14 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
15 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
16 $33,092 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
17 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn such good value for mechanical engineering?

At $10,904 net cost, UM-Dearborn offers the lowest price among Michigan's 17 mechanical engineering programs while delivering the highest graduate earnings at $80,486 annually. Students graduate with just $22,500 in debt compared to the state average of $25,000. The 56.6% graduation rate reflects solid program completion, and the Detroit-area location provides direct access to automotive industry employers.

How do public and private mechanical engineering costs compare in Michigan?

Public universities dominate the affordable options, with all programs under $21,000 net cost coming from state institutions. University of Detroit Mercy represents the lone private option in the lower half at $16,179 net cost but charges $32,300 in tuition before aid. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students at public universities, further reducing costs.

Does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor justify its higher cost for mechanical engineering?

Despite costing $14,832 net, UM-Ann Arbor delivers a 93.2% graduation rate that far exceeds other Michigan programs. However, graduates earn $76,070 annually, which trails UM-Dearborn's $80,486 despite the higher cost and prestige. The 17.69% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive, while most other state programs accept 75% or more of applicants.

Where do Michigan mechanical engineering graduates find the best job opportunities?

Michigan's automotive corridor from Detroit to Grand Rapids provides abundant opportunities with GM, Ford, and Stellantis leading traditional manufacturing roles. Graduate earnings range from $69,338 to $80,486 across programs, reflecting strong regional demand. The state's growing electric vehicle sector and aerospace industry around Grand Rapids expand career paths beyond traditional automotive assembly and design work.

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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.