2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Rolla, MO

Leading the list is Missouri University Of Science And Technology, our #1 best value for mechanical engineering in the The Plains States Region. Located in the town of Rolla, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Students borrow a median of $22,786 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Missouri University Of Science And Technology earn a median of $89,596 early in their careers. Set against $22,786 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology admits about 72% of applicants.

2

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

University Of Missouri Kansas City is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. Students borrow a median of $26,068 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $71,072. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.

3

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $81,813. That is a strong return on a $22,077 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

4

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Wichita State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $21,658 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $68,018. That is a strong return on a $21,658 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Missouri St Louis earned it the #5 place for mechanical engineering. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $32,274 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $69,638. That is a strong return on a $32,274 median debt. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants.

6

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $72,158 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

7

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #7 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $70,726. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

8

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University came in at #8 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,090 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $70,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants.

9

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University earned the #9 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $23,500. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $85,726. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #10 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of $71,318 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

11

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University landed the #11 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $72,627. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

12

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University landed the #12 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $67,791. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.

13

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth earned the #13 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public school located in the city of Duluth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $67,764 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

14

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #14 for value in mechanical engineering this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $71,800. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $73,603. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.

16

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #16 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $27,886 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $68,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

17

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology earned the #17 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Rapid City, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology earn a median of $69,667 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants.

18

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $23,109. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $71,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

19

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $79,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.

20

Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University earned the #20 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,658. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,996 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Saint Ambrose University earn a median of $73,622 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,996 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

21

Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA

Dordt College came in at #21 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Located in the town of Sioux Center, Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,050. Students borrow a median of $21,812 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $54,926. That is a strong return on a $21,812 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

22

Saint Louis University Main Campus
Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #22 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Louis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Students borrow a median of $25,665 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Saint Louis University Main Campus earn a median of $74,209 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,665 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

23

Benedictine College
Atchison, KS

Benedictine College earned the #23 position for value in mechanical engineering this year. Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Atchison. In-state tuition and fees average $36,350. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $24,990. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $71,539. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

24

Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $25,639. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Bethel University Minnesota earn a median of $61,465 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

25

University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #25 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of St Thomas Minnesota generally make around $84,990. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants.