2026 Best Value General Mechanical Engineering Schools in Indiana

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Our analysis ranked Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis the best value for a degree in general mechanical engineering in Indiana. 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, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,450 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $80,192 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,450 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

2

Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Northwest earned it the #2 place for general mechanical engineering. Purdue University Northwest is a large public school located in the suburb of Hammond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general mechanical engineering graduates is $25,250. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $68,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

3

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general mechanical engineering schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,937 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $101,895 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,937 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

4

University Of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN

A rank of #4 makes University Of Southern Indiana one of the best values for general mechanical engineering. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $47,216. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants.

5

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general mechanical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $64,534. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants.

6

Indiana Institute Of Technology
Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana Institute Of Technology landed the #6 spot for general mechanical engineering value this year. Indiana Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Students from in state pay about $31,361 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,380 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Indiana Institute Of Technology earn a median of $56,185 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.

7

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University placed #7 among the best values for general mechanical engineering. Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valparaiso. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Valparaiso University earn a median of $68,265 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants.

8

Trine University
Angola, IN

Trine University placed #8 among the best values for general mechanical engineering. Located in the town of Angola, Trine University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,560. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $66,816. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Trine University admits about 86% of applicants.

9

University Of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame landed the #9 spot for general mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Notre Dame generally make around $84,999. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

10

Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology
Terre Haute, IN

Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology came in at #10 for value in general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $56,046 in tuition and fees. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,612 in student loans. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology earn a median of $78,732 early in their careers. Set against $25,612 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology admits about 77% of applicants.