2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician Schools in the Southwest Region

1

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

University Of Houston earned the #1 spot for value among mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $61,163. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.

2

University Of North Texas
Denton, TX

University Of North Texas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $24,240 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from University Of North Texas generally make around $59,941. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants.

3

Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Located in the town of Huntsville, Sam Houston State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $24,850. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Sam Houston State University earn a median of $46,365 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $23,302. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $61,141. Set against $23,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

5

Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX

A rank of #5 makes Tarleton State University one of the best values for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician. Set in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates is $21,000. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates of Tarleton State University earn a median of $51,917 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

6

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician schools. Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete the mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $56,285. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.

7

Letourneau University
Longview, TX

Letourneau University earned the #7 position for value in mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Longview, Letourneau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $37,160 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering/mechanical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $32,086 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering/mechanical technology/technician graduates make about $52,625. That is a strong return on a $32,086 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.