2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Washington

1

Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, WA

Our analysis ranked Tacoma Community College the best value for a degree in mechanical engineering in Washington. Located in the city of Tacoma, Tacoma Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,507, while out-of-state students pay about $11,646. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $14,822. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Tacoma Community College earn a median of $41,732 early in their careers. Set against $14,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Olympic College
Bremerton, WA

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Olympic College, which ranked #2. Olympic College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Bremerton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,472, while out-of-state students pay about $9,740. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $11,497. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Olympic College generally make around $57,593. Set against $11,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Spokane Falls Community College
Spokane, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Spokane Falls Community College earned it the #3 place for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Spokane, Spokane Falls Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $17,031 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $34,901. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Clark College
Vancouver, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clark College earned it the #4 place for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Vancouver, Clark College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,233, while out-of-state students pay about $11,183. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $15,432 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $43,768. That is a strong return on a $15,432 median debt.

5

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Tacoma Campus one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $16,151 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Washington Tacoma Campus generally make around $66,947. Set against $16,151 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

6

Everett Community College
Everett, WA

Everett Community College came in at #6 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Everett Community College is a large public school located in the city of Everett. Students from in state pay about $5,032 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,171 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,542 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Everett Community College earn a median of $47,441 early in their careers. Set against $13,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA

University Of Washington Bothell Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $66,947. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Bothell Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

8

Green River Community College
Auburn, WA

Green River Community College earned the #8 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Auburn, Green River Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,711, with out-of-state students paying around $5,263. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,712.

9

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $84,226 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%.

10

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University landed the #10 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,038 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $62,497 early in their careers. Set against $26,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

11

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $72,690. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

12

Saint Martins University
Lacey, WA

Saint Martins University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Lacey, Saint Martins University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $69,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

13

Walla Walla University
College Place, WA

Walla Walla University landed the #13 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the suburb of College Place, Walla Walla University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,227. Students borrow a median of $27,635 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Walla Walla University generally make around $56,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Students borrow a median of $26,949 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University generally make around $71,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.

15

Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University landed the #15 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Students borrow a median of $20,467 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Seattle University earn a median of $67,851 early in their careers. Set against $20,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

16

Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Spokane, Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,664 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Gonzaga University earn a median of $70,819 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.