2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in District of Columbia

1

University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC

Our analysis ranked University Of The District Of Columbia the best value for a degree in mechanical engineering in District of Columbia. University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $5,662 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,514. Students borrow a median of $32,304 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of The District Of Columbia earn a median of $57,060 early in their careers. Set against $32,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Catholic University Of America
Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Catholic University Of America generally make around $76,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants.

3

George Washington University
Washington, DC

A rank of #3 makes George Washington University one of the best values for mechanical engineering. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $82,361. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%.

4

Howard University
Washington, DC

A rank of #4 makes Howard University one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,810. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $25,498. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $58,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.