[Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/mechanical-engineering-mechanical-technology-technician/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 247 schools to find the best return on investment for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician students.
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Finding the Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician School for You
Where you study mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built our Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
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ADBLOCK #171
2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Schools
Our analysis ranked Pensacola State College the best value for a degree in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician in the United States. Located in the city of Pensacola, Pensacola State College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,463. Students borrow a median of $9,191 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Pensacola State College earn a median of $45,811 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Central Piedmont Community College one of the best values for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician. Set in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $40,629. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Cuny New York City College Of Technology one of the best values for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician. Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,332, with out-of-state students paying around $15,282. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $11,652 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Cuny New York City College Of Technology earn a median of $48,372 early in their careers. Set against $11,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Wayne Community College one of the best values for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician. Wayne Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Goldsboro. Students from in state pay about $2,566 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,710 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $33,116. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
North Central State College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Set in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,374. Students borrow a median of $12,236 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of North Central State College earn a median of $47,458 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,236 median debt.
Cuny Queensborough Community College landed the #6 spot for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of Bayside, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,210, while out-of-state students pay about $8,090. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,052 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Cuny Queensborough Community College generally make around $23,674. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cuyahoga Community College District earned the #7 position for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $14,636 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Cuyahoga Community College District earn a median of $39,394 early in their careers. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Sinclair Community College came in at #8 for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $48,312. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Camden County College placed #9 among the best values for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Blackwood, Camden County College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $12,999. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Camden County College generally make around $39,549. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt.
Beaufort County Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Located in the rural area of Washington, Beaufort County Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,540, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,947 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Beaufort County Community College earn a median of $38,009 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $40,734. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute earned the #12 position for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Caldwell Community College And Technical Institute is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Hudson. Students from in state pay about $2,528 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,528 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $8,750. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $44,734. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College landed the #13 spot for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,517 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $15,017. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Cincinnati State Technical And Community College generally make around $45,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Erie Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Buffalo, Erie Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,580 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Erie Community College generally make around $37,069. That is a strong return on a $12,580 median debt.
Forsyth Technical Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Forsyth Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Winston-Salem. In-state tuition and fees average $2,276, while out-of-state students pay about $6,884. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $16,374 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $38,094. Set against $16,374 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Raritan Valley Community College earned the #16 position for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Branchburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,664, compared with $7,584 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $9,668. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $47,248. Set against $9,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Monroe Community College came in at #17 for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Rochester, Monroe Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Students borrow a median of $12,921 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Monroe Community College earn a median of $38,757 early in their careers. Set against $12,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hudson Valley Community College landed the #18 spot for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of Troy, Hudson Valley Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,796 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Students borrow a median of $12,868 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Hudson Valley Community College earn a median of $43,989 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Stark State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Stark State College is a large public school located in the suburb of North Canton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $17,349 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Stark State College earn a median of $35,362 early in their careers. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Columbus State Community College landed the #20 spot for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician value this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Columbus State Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,488, while out-of-state students pay about $11,224. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,041 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,435 ten years after entry. Set against $9,041 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Wake Technical Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Set in the suburb of Raleigh, Wake Technical Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $17,900. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Wake Technical Community College generally make around $38,673. Set against $17,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Onondaga Community College came in at #22 for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of Syracuse, Onondaga Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,392 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,623 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $35,781. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Springfield Technical Community College placed #23 among the best values for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician. Springfield Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,904, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $7,395. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $54,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Isothermal Community College came in at #24 for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Set in the town of Spindale, Isothermal Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,030 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,638. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $6,625. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $47,389. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pitt Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Pitt Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Winterville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,871, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $19,741 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Pitt Community College earn a median of $43,022 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,741 median debt.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician:
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Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Related Rankings by Major
Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 247 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 54 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
[Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/mechanical-engineering-mechanical-technology-technician/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician education at a price that pays off.
