Cheapest Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers the state's most affordable mechanical engineering education at just $12,878 net cost annually, nearly $3,000 less than the next cheapest option. Wisconsin's manufacturing sector, anchored by companies like GE Healthcare and Kimberly-Clark, creates strong demand for mechanical engineers who earn between $65,585 and $71,633 after graduation. The cost gap between public and private programs spans $16,359, with UW-Madison graduates commanding the highest starting salaries at $71,633 despite modest net costs of $16,928.

Programs

$12,878 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$67,045

Avg. Program Earnings

65.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Mechanical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
2	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
3	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
4	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
6	Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$24,021	$48,421	71.5%	63.5%
7	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Madison worth $4,050 more than UW-Platteville for mechanical engineering?

UW-Madison graduates earn $6,048 more annually than UW-Platteville alumni, starting at $71,633 versus $65,585. Madison also boasts an 89.30% graduation rate compared to Platteville's 61.50%, though admission proves more competitive at 49.06% acceptance.

How do private mechanical engineering programs compare financially to public options?

Milwaukee School of Engineering costs $24,021 net versus $12,878 at UW-Green Bay, yet produces similar earnings at $66,062. Private programs carry higher debt loads averaging $26,750 compared to $23,600 at public universities with available debt data.

Does Wisconsin offer need-based aid for mechanical engineering students?

The Wisconsin Grant provides up to $3,090 annually for eligible in-state students at public universities. This aid helps explain why schools like UW-Platteville charge just $8,315 in-state tuition while maintaining quality programs that prepare graduates for Wisconsin's $2.1 billion machinery manufacturing industry.

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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.