2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Montgomery County Community College
Blue Bell, PA

For return on investment in mechanical engineering, no school beat Montgomery County Community College this year. Set in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,690, with out-of-state students paying around $17,250. Students borrow a median of $15,219 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Montgomery County Community College earn a median of $39,025 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,219 median debt.

2

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $44,294 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

3

University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown
Johnstown, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Johnstown, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. The acceptance rate is 95%.

4

York College Pennsylvania
York, PA

A rank of #4 makes York College Pennsylvania one of the best values for mechanical engineering. York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. The acceptance rate is 74%.

5

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College
Erie, PA

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Erie, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,972, with out-of-state students paying around $26,958. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 97%.

6

Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA

Saint Vincent College came in at #6 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Latrobe, Saint Vincent College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $42,396 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,986 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $54,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.

7

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg
Middletown, PA

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg came in at #7 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Middletown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,972, with out-of-state students paying around $26,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Harrisburg admits about 98% of applicants.

8

Gannon University
Erie, PA

Gannon University landed the #8 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Gannon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Erie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,656. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Gannon University earn a median of $65,796 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

9

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks
Reading, PA

Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks landed the #9 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the suburb of Reading, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Berks is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,972, while out-of-state students pay about $26,958. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 99%.

10

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Shippensburg, PA

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #10 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,307 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $46,912. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

11

Messiah College
Mechanicsburg, PA

Messiah College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Mechanicsburg, Messiah College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,240. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,195 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Messiah College earn a median of $48,957 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.

12

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

Thomas Jefferson University placed #12 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,355. Students borrow a median of $32,256 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of $64,243 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.

13

Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Wilkes University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wilkes-Barre. Students from in state pay about $43,496 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Wilkes University generally make around $63,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

14

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned the #14 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $85,170. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.

15

Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,843 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $66,161. Set against $26,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.

16

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #16 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $12,455 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $80,493 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.

17

Widener University Main Campus
Chester, PA

Widener University Main Campus came in at #17 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the suburb of Chester, Widener University Main Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,730. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Widener University Main Campus generally make around $65,515. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

18

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #18 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,777 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $85,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

19

Lafayette College
Easton, PA

Lafayette College earned the #19 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Easton, Lafayette College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,648. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Lafayette College generally make around $72,481. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

20

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #20 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

21

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $24,950 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Lehigh University generally make around $87,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants.

22

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $83,964. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants.

23

Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA

Bucknell University earned the #23 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Bucknell University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Lewisburg. In-state tuition and fees average $67,812. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Bucknell University generally make around $79,391. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

24

Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University came in at #24 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $25,995. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Villanova University earn a median of $89,620 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.