2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Florida

1

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

For return on investment in mechanical engineering, no school beat University Of Florida this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $18,131 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $84,811. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

A rank of #2 makes Florida Atlantic University one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,025 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $68,451 early in their careers. Set against $22,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.

3

Florida International University
Miami, FL

A rank of #3 makes Florida International University one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $19,750. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $71,335 early in their careers. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

4

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The University Of West Florida came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of The University Of West Florida earn a median of $58,548 early in their careers. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Florida Main Campus earned it the #5 place for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $70,046. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

6

Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, FL

Florida Polytechnic University landed the #6 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the rural area of Lakeland, Florida Polytechnic University is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $4,940 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,004. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Florida Polytechnic University generally make around $62,595. The acceptance rate is 58%.

7

University Of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL

University Of North Florida landed the #7 spot for mechanical engineering value 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, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $18,039. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $66,743 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.

8

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida landed the #8 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,025 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $75,664. Set against $22,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.

9

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $24,085 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $75,519 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,085 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.

10

Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL

Florida Institute Of Technology placed #10 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Florida Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Melbourne. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,900. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $69,533. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

11

University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,616. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Miami generally make around $66,843. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 19%.

12

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach earned the #12 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $73,433. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.