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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools

54 Colleges in the United States
$25,563 Avg Student Debt
$57,209 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Bachelor's Degree Badge [Mechanical Engineering Technology](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mechanical engineering technology education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 332 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for mechanical engineering technology students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mechanical engineering technology, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools

1

For return on investment in mechanical engineering technology, no school beat Cuny New York City College Of Technology this year. Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,332, compared with $15,282 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,652 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology 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. Cuny New York City College Of Technology admits about 80% of applicants.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Central State College earned it the #2 place for mechanical engineering technology. Set in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,786, compared with $11,374 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $12,236. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $47,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $16,214 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $62,440. That is a strong return on a $16,214 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Purdue University Northwest one of the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Set in the suburb of Hammond, Purdue University Northwest is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from Purdue University Northwest generally make around $65,059. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

5

Farmingdale State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering technology, landing the #5 spot this year. Farmingdale State College is a large public school located in the suburb of Farmingdale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,626, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $17,409. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $62,223. Set against $17,409 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%.

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6

Weber State University came in at #6 for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Students borrow a median of $18,280 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $64,828. That is a strong return on a $18,280 median debt.

7

Fairmont State University earned the #7 position for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Fairmont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,708, compared with $18,924 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from Fairmont State University generally make around $54,410. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairmont State University admits about 99% of applicants.

8

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #8 position for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $25,319 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $66,816 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

9

California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #9 among the best values for mechanical engineering technology. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $24,354 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $64,243. That is a strong return on a $24,354 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

10
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering technology schools. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $27,000. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Ferris State University earn a median of $66,747 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

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American Public University System came in at #11 for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Located in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $30,810. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $48,094. That is a strong return on a $30,810 median debt.

12

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering technology schools. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public school located in the city of Fort Wayne. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $27,000. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne earn a median of $65,385 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

13
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University landed the #13 spot for mechanical engineering technology value this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $26,990. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

14
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #14 among the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $67,093 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

15

Utah State University placed #15 among the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $50,348. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

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16

Youngstown State University placed #16 among the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $35,947. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $56,656. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of Houston ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering technology schools. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $61,163. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of New Hampshire At Manchester earned the #18 position for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. University Of New Hampshire At Manchester is a small public school located in the city of Manchester. In-state tuition and fees average $15,838, while out-of-state students pay about $36,418. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $26,277 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of University Of New Hampshire At Manchester earn a median of $64,826 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,277 median debt. University Of New Hampshire At Manchester admits about 81% of applicants.

19

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome earned the #19 position for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Set in the suburb of Utica, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,625, with out-of-state students paying around $21,215. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $22,108. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome earn a median of $62,681 early in their careers. Set against $22,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

20

Central Washington University came in at #20 for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $22,380. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $65,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

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21

University Of North Texas came in at #21 for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $24,240 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering technology graduates make about $59,941. That is a strong return on a $24,240 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants.

22

Suny College At Buffalo landed the #22 spot for mechanical engineering technology value this year. Located in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,533 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Suny College At Buffalo earn a median of $57,431 early in their careers. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.

23

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earned the #23 position for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $24,619. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh generally make around $50,590. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

24

Metropolitan State College Of Denver landed the #24 spot for mechanical engineering technology value this year. Located in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $32,000 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Metropolitan State College Of Denver earn a median of $72,334 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $32,000 median debt. Metropolitan State College Of Denver admits about 99% of applicants.

25

Suny College Of Technology At Alfred placed #25 among the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Located in the rural area of Alfred, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,892, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from Suny College Of Technology At Alfred generally make around $60,968. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s mechanical engineering technology value ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Mesa State College crest
Mesa State College
Grand Junction, CO
34
35
36
37
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Other Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Mechanical Engineering Technology rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Associate's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology
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View All Mechanical Engineering Technology Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 332 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 54 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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