2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

For return on investment in mechanical engineering, no school beat Princeton University this year. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $10,888. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Princeton University generally make around $85,328. That is a strong return on a $10,888 median debt. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants.

2

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

A rank of #2 makes University Of Maryland College Park one of the best values for mechanical engineering. University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public school located in the suburb of College Park. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $76,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cuny City College
New York, NY

A rank of #3 makes Cuny City College one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Students borrow a median of $13,232 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $65,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

4

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $114,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.

5

Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, PA

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Montgomery County Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,690, compared with $17,250 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,219 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $39,025. Set against $15,219 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Cuny Laguardia Community College
Long Island City, NY

Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #6 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Long Island City, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $8,858. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Cuny Laguardia Community College generally make around $31,437. Set against $8,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art
New York, NY

Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $46,820. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $16,805 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art generally make around $16,678. That is a strong return on a $16,805 median debt. Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art admits about 21% of applicants.

8

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

University Of Delaware placed #8 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,962 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $74,313. Set against $25,962 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

9

New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Newark, NJ

New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Newark, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,974 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,334 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from New Jersey Institute Of Technology generally make around $73,164. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County earned the #10 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public school located in the suburb of Baltimore. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Maryland Baltimore County generally make around $71,519. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

11

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University earned the #11 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Students borrow a median of $20,008 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Stony Brook University generally make around $75,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.

12

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #12 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $16,960 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $88,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

13

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome
Utica, NY

Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome placed #13 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the suburb of Utica, Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,625, with out-of-state students paying around $21,215. Students borrow a median of $26,471 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome earn a median of $60,249 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny Institute Of Technology At Utica Rome admits about 81% of applicants.

14

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

University Of The District Of Columbia ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,662, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Students borrow a median of $32,304 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $57,060. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earned the #15 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $44,294. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

16

York College Pennsylvania
York, PA

York College Pennsylvania placed #16 among the best values for mechanical engineering. York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from York College Pennsylvania generally make around $74,445. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants.

17

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo came in at #17 for value in mechanical engineering this year. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,944 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $71,540 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,944 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown
Johnstown, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown earned the #18 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Johnstown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,906, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown generally make around $71,406. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants.

19

Suny At Binghamton
Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton landed the #19 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Vestal, Suny At Binghamton is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Suny At Binghamton generally make around $74,159. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

20

Suny Maritime College
Throggs Neck, NY

Suny Maritime College placed #20 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Suny Maritime College is a small public school located in the city of Throggs Neck. Students from in state pay about $8,589 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,159 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Suny Maritime College generally make around $77,895. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Suny Maritime College admits about 72% of applicants.

21

State University Of New York At New Paltz
New Paltz, NY

State University Of New York At New Paltz earned the #21 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of New Paltz. In-state tuition and fees average $8,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,822. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from State University Of New York At New Paltz generally make around $66,274. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

22

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College
Erie, PA

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Erie, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,972 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College admits about 97% of applicants.

23

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $66,909. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.

24

New York Institute Of Technology
Old Westbury, NY

New York Institute Of Technology earned the #24 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the rural area of Old Westbury, New York Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,560 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,225 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $56,254. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

25

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #25 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public school located in the city of New Brunswick. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $77,917. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.