2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Colorado

1

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO

For return on investment in mechanical engineering, no school beat University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs this year. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public school located in the city of Colorado Springs. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,906, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs generally make around $70,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Colorado Denver earned it the #2 place for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $30,907 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Colorado Denver earn a median of $70,763 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.

3

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

A rank of #3 makes Colorado State University Fort Collins one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $77,053. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

4

University Of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at University Of Colorado Boulder, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $20,500. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $75,355. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants.

5

Colorado School Of Mines
Golden, CO

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Colorado School Of Mines, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Colorado School Of Mines earn a median of $81,619 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Denver earned the #6 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. Students borrow a median of $26,248 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Denver generally make around $65,014. That is a strong return on a $26,248 median debt. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants.