by our College Data Analytics Team
[Mechanical Engineering Technology](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mechanical engineering technology education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value mechanical engineering technology schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the mechanical engineering technology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Skyline College, our #1 best value for mechanical engineering technology in California. Set in the suburb of San Bruno, Skyline College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,332, while out-of-state students pay about $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 California State Polytechnic University Pomona, which ranked #2. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $24,354. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $64,243 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,354 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.
California Maritime Academy came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value mechanical engineering technology schools. Set in the city of Vallejo, California Maritime Academy is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,559 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,159. Students borrow a median of $25,359 to complete the mechanical engineering technology program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from California Maritime Academy generally make around $98,661. Set against $25,359 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Art Center College Of Design came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value mechanical engineering technology schools. Art Center College Of Design is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena. In-state tuition and fees average $54,170. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $54,124. 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. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
