2026 Best Value General Mechanical Engineering Schools in Louisiana

1

University Of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

University Of New Orleans tops our 2026 list of the best value general mechanical engineering schools in Louisiana. Located in the city of New Orleans, University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,172, with out-of-state students paying around $14,008. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of New Orleans generally make around $68,968. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

2

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mcneese State University earned it the #2 place for general mechanical engineering. Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Lake Charles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,489, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. General Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,433 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Mcneese State University generally make around $46,529. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

3

Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA

A rank of #3 makes Louisiana Tech University one of the best values for general mechanical engineering. Louisiana Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Ruston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Typical student debt for general mechanical engineering graduates is $26,400. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $70,372. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants.

4

University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

Students looking for strong value in general mechanical engineering will find it at University Of Louisiana Lafayette, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,418, while out-of-state students pay about $24,146. Students borrow a median of $22,175 to complete the general mechanical engineering program here. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Louisiana Lafayette earn a median of $63,812 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

5

Southern University And A And M College
Baton Rouge, LA

Southern University And A And M College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,922 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,272. Typical student debt for general mechanical engineering graduates is $29,500. Early-career general mechanical engineering graduates make about $75,001. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted.

6

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #6 spot for general mechanical engineering value this year. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public school located in the city of Baton Rouge. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general mechanical engineering graduates is $18,500. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College earn a median of $75,311 early in their careers. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.