2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in the Southeast Region

1

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

For return on investment in mechanical engineering, no school beat University Of Florida this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $18,131. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $84,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

2

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Florida International University, which ranked #2. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $71,335. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.

3

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Florida Atlantic University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,025. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $68,451. That is a strong return on a $22,025 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.

4

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

A rank of #4 makes University Of South Florida Main Campus one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $23,783. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $70,046. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

5

East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at East Mississippi Community College, which ranked #5. East Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Scooba. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,095, compared with $7,445 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,422 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of East Mississippi Community College earn a median of $34,012 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida placed #6 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,025. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $75,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

7

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The University Of West Florida placed #7 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $18,500. Mechanical Engineering graduates of The University Of West Florida earn a median of $58,548 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

8

Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS

Hinds Community College placed #8 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Hinds Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Raymond. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,300. Students borrow a median of $16,385 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Hinds Community College earn a median of $34,003 early in their careers. Set against $16,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL

Florida Polytechnic University landed the #9 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Florida Polytechnic University is a small public school located in the rural area of Lakeland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,940, compared with $21,004 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Florida Polytechnic University generally make around $62,595. The acceptance rate is 58%.

10

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #10 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $24,085. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $75,519 early in their careers. Set against $24,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%.

11

University Of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL

University Of North Florida came in at #11 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,039 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $66,743. That is a strong return on a $18,039 median debt. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.

12

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #12 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus generally make around $88,431. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%.

13

Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN

Christian Brothers University earned the #13 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Memphis, Christian Brothers University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,420. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Christian Brothers University earn a median of $71,112 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Christian Brothers University admits about 87% of applicants.

14

West Virginia University Institute Of Technology
Beckley, WV

West Virginia University Institute Of Technology earned the #14 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Beckley, West Virginia University Institute Of Technology is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,242 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of West Virginia University Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,504 early in their careers. Set against $26,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

University Of New Orleans ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of New Orleans. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,172, with out-of-state students paying around $14,008. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of New Orleans generally make around $68,968. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

16

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University earned the #16 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $70,722. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

17

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University placed #17 among the best values for mechanical engineering. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $26,242. Mechanical Engineering graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $71,504 early in their careers. Set against $26,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants.

18

Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University placed #18 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Marshall University is a large public school located in the city of Huntington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,162, with out-of-state students paying around $20,342. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Marshall University generally make around $61,020. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Marshall University admits about 96% of applicants.

19

Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the town of Ruston, Louisiana Tech University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Students borrow a median of $26,400 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Louisiana Tech University generally make around $70,372. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants.

20

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $22,814 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $73,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

21

North Carolina A And T State University
Greensboro, NC

North Carolina A And T State University earned the #21 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina A And T State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $29,822 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $72,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.

22

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Mcneese State University landed the #22 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,489, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $24,433. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Mcneese State University earn a median of $46,529 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,433 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

23

The University Of Tennessee Martin
Martin, TN

The University Of Tennessee Martin placed #23 among the best values for mechanical engineering. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Martin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $23,770. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee Martin generally make around $40,400. That is a strong return on a $23,770 median debt. The University Of Tennessee Martin admits about 88% of applicants.

24

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #24 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, compared with $18,512 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $24,904. Mechanical Engineering graduates of The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga earn a median of $66,517 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

25

Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Arkansas Tech University earned the #25 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,970 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $68,765. That is a strong return on a $22,970 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.