2027 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools in Illinois
[Mechanical Engineering Technology](/majors/engineering-technologies/mechanical-engineering-technology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mechanical engineering technology education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for mechanical engineering technology students.
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2027 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mechanical engineering technology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Mechanical Engineering Technology Schools
Triton College earned the #1 spot for value among mechanical engineering technology schools in Illinois. Located in the suburb of River Grove, Triton College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, while out-of-state students pay about $15,330. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $12,994 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from Triton College generally make around $43,278. Set against $12,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Mchenry County College one of the best values for mechanical engineering technology. Set in the rural area of Crystal Lake, Mchenry County College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $7,440. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering technology degree recipients from Mchenry County College generally make around $24,177. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering technology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering technology graduates is $19,187. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $62,503 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering technology will find it at Northwestern University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $93,115 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%.
More Mechanical Engineering Technology Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, 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.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
