2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in New Jersey

1

Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Leading the list is Princeton University, our #1 best value for mechanical engineering in New Jersey. Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Princeton University generally make around $85,328. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants.

2

New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Newark, NJ

New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Newark, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,974, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,334 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $73,164. Set against $23,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants.

3

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

A rank of #3 makes Rowan University one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $66,909 early in their careers. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rutgers University New Brunswick earned it the #4 place for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. 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. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $77,917 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.

5

The College Of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ

The College Of New Jersey is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,875. Mechanical Engineering graduates of The College Of New Jersey earn a median of $65,761 early in their careers. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

6

Stevens Institute Of Technology
Hoboken, NJ

Stevens Institute Of Technology ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Stevens Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Hoboken. Students from in state pay about $63,462 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $26,520. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $83,493. Set against $26,520 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.