Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee State University stands out as the most affordable Mechanical Engineering program in Tennessee at just $10,026 net cost, significantly undercutting even other public options like UT-Martin at $10,299. The $16,789 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects the wide spectrum of institutional types across the state. Tennessee's automotive manufacturing sector, anchored by companies like Nissan and General Motors, creates strong demand for mechanical engineers who can work on everything from vehicle design to production systems. Mid-career earnings range from $60,623 to $69,817, with Vanderbilt graduates commanding the highest salaries despite the program's $19,040 net cost.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University's Mechanical Engineering program so affordable?

As a public historically black university, TSU offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 and an in-state tuition of just $8,568. The 33% graduation rate is lower than other programs, but the $64,990 median earnings show strong earning potential for graduates.

How do private universities compare to public options for cost?

Private schools like Christian Brothers University cost $10,896 net despite a $37,300 sticker price, making them competitive with public options. Vanderbilt at $19,040 net offers the highest earnings at $69,817 and a 92.7% graduation rate.

Where do Tennessee Mechanical Engineering graduates find the best job prospects?

Tennessee's automotive corridor provides opportunities at Nissan's Smyrna plant and GM's Spring Hill facility. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their $60,623 to $69,817 median earnings compared to other states.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt's 6.67% acceptance rate produces the highest-earning graduates at $69,817, while more accessible programs like University of Memphis (94.6% acceptance) still deliver solid $60,623 median earnings. Tennessee Tech balances selectivity at 78.1% with strong $66,355 earnings.

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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.