by our College Data Analytics Team
[Mechanical Engineering Technology](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for mechanical engineering technology students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mechanical engineering technology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Skyline College the best value for a degree in mechanical engineering technology in the Far Western Region. Set in the suburb of San Bruno, Skyline College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $9,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,702 ten years after entry.
Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering technology will find it at Great Basin College, which ranked #2. Great Basin College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elko. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,923, while out-of-state students pay about $11,996. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $17,128. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Great Basin College earn a median of $67,461 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering technology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $24,354 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $64,243. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Eastern Washington University one of the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Eastern Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Cheney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $47,144 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering technology will find it at Central Washington University, which ranked #5. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $22,380. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $65,871 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.
California Maritime Academy placed #6 among the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Located in the city of Vallejo, California Maritime Academy is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,559, with out-of-state students paying around $22,159. Students borrow a median of $25,359 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of California Maritime Academy earn a median of $98,661 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,359 median debt. California Maritime Academy admits about 95% of applicants.
Northwest School Of Wooden Boat Building landed the #7 spot for mechanical engineering technology value this year. Set in the rural area of Port Hadlock, Northwest School Of Wooden Boat Building is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,025.
Art Center College Of Design came in at #8 for value in mechanical engineering technology this year. Art Center College Of Design is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,170. Students borrow a median of $54,124 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Art Center College Of Design earn a median of $59,384 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $54,124 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
