Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering Cost

Last Updated on December 14, 2022

What is a Mechanical Engineer

The engineering field covers a wide range of jobs and roles. Mechanical engineers in particular carry out research, and are involved in designing, developing and testing mechanical devices and machinery, continue reading to find out how to become a mechanical engineer.

It’s hard to narrow down this job role to a particular industry. Anything that is mechanical, moves, uses force, or carry out automated tasks probably falls under the umbrella of a mechanical engineer at some point in its life cycle.

Robotics and intelligent mechanical devices are being designed to help everyone in everyday life. So the demand for engineers is always on the increase. It’s a fast-paced industry in respect to the development of new tools and devices, presenting new opportunities all the time.

What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?

Mechanical engineers are heavily involved in designing and developing new products. This can include mechanical devices, new software systems to improve the manufacturing process, small tool and large industrial equipment.

It’s a broad role within the engineering job scope. Developing ideas, manufacturing items, building and testing are all aspects of the role. Some engineers will only focus on one area, like designing, or just testing.

Important Qualities of a Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are responsible for some of the greatest inventions ever made. We live in a world that now relies on technological advancements and the ongoing reliability of technology and devices.

From bridges, computers, buildings, planes, the list is endless. Every product, device, and process likely had some form of engineering involved to design, refine, and test it. It’s a job with an incredibly wide scope of opportunity and satisfaction.

Good Attention to Detail

This is key to the role of a mechanical engineer. Designing products requires micro adjustments and measurements. Small details can be the difference between success and failure. So a good eye for detail and a making few errors is important.

Excellent Communication Skills

In line with the previous point about attention to detail, being able to communicate effectively can be the difference between success and failure. Mechanical engineers often work as part of a larger team. With an individual’s part of the process being once small link in a larger chain.

Good Problem Solving Skills

Designing and manufacturing products will always present problems. Being able to solve the problems effectively and efficiently is a key part to the role. Testing products, looking for faults and ways to improve products and processes we already use.

Willing to Self-Improve

A role such as a mechanical engineer is requires keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology, and being aware of new invention and processes. Self-development and always learning is key to staying ahead of the curve and being successful in the role.

Excellent Technical Knowledge

Engineers require vast amounts of technical knowledge. They don’t just know how to carry out the processes of their job role, they understand the technical reasons behind them. There is a deeper layer of understanding that mechanical engineers peruse, and it’s a defining factor in their skill-set.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Mechanical Engineer and How Much Does it Cost?

Option 1: Associate’s Degree

Option 2: Bachelor’s Degree

Option 3: Master’s Degree

Option 4: Phd

Ranking the 15 Best Affordable Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs

15. Northern Illinois University

DEKALB, IL

Total Points: 3 
Program Website

Northern Illinois University is a public, land-grant URA member founded in 1895. It has 3,344 faculty and enrolls 17,169 students from 77 countries. In 2017, Northern Illinois received the UEDA Award of Excellence for Talent Development. It’s funded by the Motorola Foundation for its Enhancing Engineering Pathway. The Mechanical Engineering Department had the 2015 Illinois Professor of the Year finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked NIU the 33rd best engineering school. NIU was named:

• America’s 221st best Greek life on Niche
• 237th most impactful research in Forbes
• 426th top value on WalletHub.

In DeKalb or Rockford, the College of Engineering & Technology has an inexpensive Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) for practice solving technical problems. The low-cost 120-credit, ABET-accredited plan has three emphases:

• Advanced Computing and Simulation
• Sustainable Energy
• Robotics and Control

Undergrads can also:

• Conduct Fluid Dynamics Lab projects
• Secure Fermi National Accelerator internships
• Join the Mars Rover Team
• Pledge Pi Tau Sigma 

Northern Illinois University offers an accelerated, 5-year BS/MS mechanical engineering degree program. This high-value program allows you to earn your master’s degree while earning your bachelor’s.

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $14,617
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,617
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1

14. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

EDWARDSVILLE, IL

Total Points: 3
Program Website

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is a public, doctoral-granting OVC member. It enrolls 14,265 students from 51 countries. In 2019, Southern Illinois accepted the CASE District V Global Impact Circle of Excellence Award. Minority Engineer included the university among its top 50 fostering diversity. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville the 72nd best Midwest value. The university was deemed America’s 259th best public school on Niche and 218th top engineering department by College Factual. 

Founded in 1982, the School of Engineering utilizes its 129,000-square-foot building to provide a low-cost Mechanical Engineering BS or Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering BS. Both are 120-credit, ABET-accredited programs. Courses range from Thermodynamics to Electrical Circuits. Students may also:

• intern at Lockheed Martin
• join the ASME Chapter
• participate in Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
• innovate in the Fowler Design Center,
• transfer from Lewis & Clark Community College. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering
In-State Tuition: $12,132
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,132
Student: Faculty Ratio: 19:1

13. Lake Superior State University

SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI

Total Points: 3 

Lake Superior State University is a small, state-funded WCHA member opened in 1946. It enrolls 2,435 undergraduates. It has a Fundamentals of Engineering Exam pass rate above 90 percent. In 2018, LSSU had the Engineering Society of Detroit’s Outstanding Student of the Year finalist. It received the Tau Kappa Epsilon 2011 Top Philanthropy Dollars Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the university 168th for engineering bachelor’s degrees. LSSU was named America’s 99th best baccalaureate school in Washington Monthly and 227th top value on College Factual. 

The School of Engineering & Technology offers a high-value B.S. in Mechanical Engineering for undergrads intrigued by machinery process design. The inexpensive 129-credit, ABET-approved culminates with senior projects. Concentrations include:

• General
• Vehicle Systems
• Robotics and Automation

Students might also:

• compete with LEGO Mindstorms
• program Motoman
• intern at Ford Motors
• apply for the Andersen Family Scholarship
• live in Engineering House
• join Lambda Epsilon Eta. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $11,895
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,895
Student:Faculty Ratio: 17:1

12. Cleveland State University

CLEVELAND, OH

Total Points: 3
Program Website

Cleveland State University is a public, land-grant Urban 13 member. It has 511 faculty and 1,007 staff serving 17,730 students. It was gifted $20 million by Parker Hannifin CEO Donald Washkewicz in 2017. In 2013, Cleveland State earned the NCEES Engineering Award for Connecting Professional Practice. The won the First Place Award at the 2014 AIChE Student Design Competition. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Cleveland State the 167th best undergraduate engineering college. CSU was proclaimed America’s 189th best location by Niche and 252nd top research institution in Forbes.

At Fenn Hall, the Washkewicz College of Engineering offers the economical Mechanical Engineering B.M.E. for students called to design diverse, innovative apparatus. The top-value program is 128-credits and ABET-accredited. It integrates a Cooperative Education Program into classes from Vibrations to Kinematics. Other opportunities include:

• entering the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge
• practicing in the Center for Rotating Machinery
• joining the Order of the Engineer
• utilizing the Angie Langford Textbook Fund
• venturing abroad to Hong Kong. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $10,457
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,824
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

11. North Dakota State University

FARGO, ND

Total Points: 3 
Program Website

North Dakota State University is a public, tech-driven RU/VH flagship founded in 1890. It employs 6,010 staff serving 13,796 students from 79 countries. It hosts the annual International Symposium on Materials from Renewables. In 2018, North Dakota State received the 3M Disruptive Engineering Design Challenge’s Top Prize. It won a 2017 AIA Design Merit Award for A. Glen Hill Center. The U.S. News & World Report ranked North Dakota State the 148th best engineering school. The university was ranked:

• America’s 342nd best campus by Niche
• 190th top value by Forbes
• 457th best institution by Times Higher Education.

The College of Engineering has graduated over 3,200 Mechanical Engineering B.S. majors capable of building complex industrial equipment. This is an affordable 131-credit, ABET-accredited program. It requires minimum 2.8 GPAs throughout courses like Alternative Energy Systems and Nanotechnology. Students might also:

• join the Society of Women Engineers
• compete for Bison Robotics Club
• secure John Deere co-ops
• research in the Mechatronics Lab
• continue for the Master of Engineering.

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering 
In-State Tuition: $9,414
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,393
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1

10. Midwestern State University

WICHITA FALLS, TX

Total Points: 3
Program Website

Midwestern State University is a public, independent COPLAC member started in 1922. It enrolls 2,351 male and 3,751 female students from 54 countries. It is known for its 3,000-acre Dalquest Desert Research Station. In 2019, Midwestern State received the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence. It also earned the 2016 SPE Student Chapter Engineering Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report featured the university among the top 205 engineering bachelor’s degree schools. MSU was named:

• America’s 270th most diverse university by Niche
• 274th best engineering choice by College Factual
• 77th top value in Washington Monthly.

The McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering offers an inexpensive Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E. Students learn how to build dynamic, moving contraptions. The 129-credit, ABET-accredited major offers courses from Technical Writing to Machine Control Programming. Students can also:

• participate in Thermofluid Lab projects
• enter the Pathways Mentor Program
• semester in London
• join Engineers for a Sustainable World
• intern at Raytheon. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $9,233
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,183
Student: Faculty Ratio: 18:1

9. Youngstown State University

YOUNGSTOWN, OH

Total Points: 3 
Program Website

Youngstown State University is a public, doctoral-granting university. It enrolls 11,386 undergraduates. It is home to the Center for Innovation in Additive Manufacturing. In 2014, Youngstown State earned the Institute of Industrial Engineer’s Gold Chapter Award. The university earned a 2016 NSF Grant for Software Engineering. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Youngstown State the 82nd best engineering bachelor’s program. The university was ranked:

• America’s 295th highest paid engineering grads by College Factual
• 170th best social mobility in Washington Monthly

The Rayen School of Engineering & Technology offers an affordable Mechanical Engineering B.E. dedicated to making and fixing machines. The 129-credit, ABET-accredited path has a 100 percent job placement at General Electric, Aerotec, Caterpillar, Quaker Manufacturing, and more. Students often:

• join the ASME Chapter
• enter the Supermileage Vehicle Competition
• apply for the First Robotics Scholarship
• exchange to Lund University
• add the Industrial Systems Certificate. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Studen: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

8. West Texas A&M University

CANYON, TX

Total Points: 3

West Texas A&M University is the Lone Star State’s northernmost public, doctoral-level institution. It enrolls that attracts nearly 8,000 undergraduates. It is funded by the National Science Foundation for its $125,000 TEAMS Scholars Program. In 2018, the university won the Building Design Construction Network’s Silver Award. The West Texas A&M Steel Bridge Team won the 2014 Keith McBridge Spirit of Competition Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked West Texas A&M the 168th best engineering programs. The university was chosen America’s fifth best online school by Best College Reviews and 179th top value on College Factual. 

The School of Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics houses offers an affordable Mechanical Engineering B.S. Students learn practical solutions for manufacturability problems. The 122-credit, ABET-accredited major includes courses like Material Science and Heat Transfer. Undergrads can also:

• visit Guatemala with Engineers Without Borders
• gain ASME membership
• research at the Pantex Plant
• intern with Kforce Technology
• learn with the Distinguished Lecture Series.  

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $7,935
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,304
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1

7. Western Illinois University

MOLINE, IL

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Western Illinois University has a 20-acre Quad Cities campus in Moline that provides public, four-year commuter education for nearly 800 students from eight countries. It grants the $2,000 Lavern & Nola McEntire Engineering Scholarship each Fall. In 2019, Western Illinois had two MVFC President’s Council Academic Excellence Award winners. The Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society Chapter received a 2016 Hiser Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Illinois 32nd for veteran education. It was also ranked:

• America’s 617th best value in Money
• 224th best faculty by Niche
• 263rd most popular engineering school by College Factual

Exclusively in Moline, the School of Engineering offers an affordable B.S. in Mechanical Engineering to undergrads meeting the 20 ACT or having a 1030 SAT score minimum. The 120-credit, ABET-accredited program offers a free laptop loaner to complete three emphases:

• Manufacturing Systems
• Design Engineering
• Robotics

Students also can:

• intern at Elliott Aviation
• use the 3D Printing Lab
• conduct Manufacturing Center projects
• join the Academic Club of Engineering
• take the FE Exam. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $12,951
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,951
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

6. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

RAPID CITY, SD

Total Points: 4
Program Website

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a public, space-grant STEM institution. It enrolls nearly 3,000 students from 30 countries. In 2017 the university developed the free RoboScience Simulator. In 2019 it won the Aviation Week & Space Technology Laureate Award. The university also won the 2018 SPS Chapter Zone 11 Recognition Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the university the 116th best college for engineering programs. It was ranked:

• America’s 133th top public university in Forbes
• 90th best small school bt Niche
• 102nd best value by PayScale 

The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a broad-based B.S. program that introduces design theories. The inexpensive, 130-credit, ABET-accredited curriculum map delivers 70 courses that fulfill Professional Engineer licensure in three tracks:

• Mechanical Systems
• Thermal Science/Energy,
• Manufacturing

Students can also:

• intern at Nucor Corporation
• pursue the 4+1 Accelerated M.S.
• compete with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team
• join the AISES Chapter. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $10,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,820
Student: Faculty Ratio: 15:1

5. University of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Total Points: 4

The University of New Orleans is a public, mid-sized Urban 13 member. It enrolls 6,588 undergraduates. The university features a Tinius Olsen Torsion Tester in the Mechanics of Materials Lab. In 2018, the University of New Orleans accepted the 2018 ACRL Miriam Dudley Instruction Award. It was the 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers Teaching Excellence Award finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of New Orleans in the top 206 engineering schools. The university was ranked:

• America’s third best value by the Brookings Institution
• 218th top public college in Forbes
• 203rd best location by Niche

The College of Engineering offers a low-cost Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) with industry relationships for in-depth scientific exploration. The degree is a 126-credit, ABET-accredited program and offers courses from Calculus to Circuits. Students with minimum 2.25 GPAs can also:

• enter the Engineering Mini Baja Competition
• intern at Boeing
• undertake Cryogenic Engineering Lab research
• travel to Germany. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $8,771
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,607
Student: Faculty Ratio: 22:1

4. Arkansas Tech University

RUSSELLVILLE, AR

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Arkansas Tech University is a public, doctoral-granting polytechnic GAC member. It enrolls 7,565 students. It introduced a 993 mpg vehicle at the 2019 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas Challenge. In 2018, Arkansas Tech received a CASE District IV Bronze Excellence Award for Fundraising. It was named a 2018 Division II Award of Excellence for Community Service. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Arkansas Tech 144th among bachelor’s engineering programs. The university was ranked:

• America’s 227th top public university by Niche
• 281st most popular school for engineers by College Factual.

The Department of Engineering awards an inexpensive Mechanical Engineering B.S.M.E. to produce effective, ethical machinists for product design. The 120-credit program is ABET-accredited program. It blends courses like Differential Equations and Mechanics of Materials. Majors may also:

• join the Society of Automotive Engineers
• transfer from the Nuclear Technology A.S.
• help consult on Engineering LLC projects
• practice in the Power Systems Lab. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $7,254
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,678
Student:Faculty Ratio: 19:1

3. University of Texas of the Permian Basin

ODESSA, TX

Total Points: 4
Program Website

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a public, fast-growing doctoral LSC member. It enrolls 6,065 majors from 46 states across five colleges. It pays $14/hour for its Semester Undergraduate Research in Engineering Program. In 2017, Permian Basin received the NSF Hispanic-Serving Promise Grant for STEM Education. The university was a 2015 Permian Basin Geophysical Society Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UT-Permian Basin as the 144th best engineering school. The university was named:

• America’s 21st most affordable choice by OnlineU
• 289th most popular engineering program on College Factual

At Wagner Noel Center, the College of Engineering offers an affordable B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with an 89 percent acceptance rate. The 126-credit, ABET-accredited curriculum has three academic tracks:

• petroleum
• nuclear
• aerospace

Students can also:

• be a part of the Engineering Newsletter
• join the SPE Chapter
• apply for the Pickering Family Memorial Scholarship
• intern at Conoco Phillips
• access the Photocatalysis Lab. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $6,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,100
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1

2. Florida Polytechnic University

LAKELAND, FL

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Florida Polytechnic University is a public, four-year SUSF member.It enrolls 1,236 students from 24 countries. It sends the Purple First Robotics Club to the VEX World Championship each Spring. In 2019, the Florida Academy of Sciences Council chose 11 Poly students for the Hays Travel Award. The university received a 2015 American Institute of Steel Construction National Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida Polytechnic University 167th for engineering bachelor’s. The university was also named:

• America’s 556th most conservative school by Niche
• 264th top value by WalletHub 

The Mechanical Engineering Department enrolls 281 B.S.M.E. majors learning how to design machinery firsthand. This affordable 120-credit, SACS-accredited plan has five concentrations:

• operations research
• nanotechnology
• thermal systems
• aerospace
• materials manufacturing

Students can also:

• attend Destination Aviation Camp
• intern with Harris Corporation
• utilize the RAD Makerspace Lab
• enjoy FLPolyCon,
• join the Modeling & Simulation Club. 

DEGREE OPTIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
In-State Tuition: $4,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,940
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

1. University of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, DC

Total Points: 6
Program Website

The University of the District of Columbia is a public, land-grant historically Black TMCF member. It enrolls 3,867 undergraduates It is home to the Center for Biomechanical & Rehabilitation Engineering. In 2015, UDC received the District Sustainability People’s Choice Award. It was named the 2018 BIA Best in Class for its Student Center. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of the District of Columbia 181st for engineering degrees. UDC was named America’s 198th most liberal school by Niche and 132nd highest paid engineering graduates by College Factual. 

The School of Engineering & Applied Sciences enrolls 100 B.S. in Mechanical Engineering majors dedicated to serving society’s technological needs. The affordable 128-credit, ABET-accredited sequence has three specializations:

• nanotechnology
• renewable energy
• biomedical engineering