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2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

26 Ranked Colleges
295 Degrees Awarded
$28,900 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. College Factual has developed its “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

Mechanical Engineering is the 20th most popular major in the country with 47,598 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, mechanical engineering graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $64,495 and had an average of $23,104 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southeast region, there were 9,478 mechanical engineering graduates with average earnings and debt of $62,291 and $23,127 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 295 mechanical engineering graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,978 and $116,300 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 26 colleges that offer a degree in mechanical engineering. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent mechanical engineering programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the mechanical engineering program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Mechanical Engineering (Income $0-$30k) in the Southeast Region

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#1 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Duke University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. This fairly large school is located in Durham, North Carolina, and it awarded 18 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Duke, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Duke are $59,140.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Duke University

#2

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
#3 in overall quality

Out of the 26 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #2 spot on the list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 11 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt are $50,624, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University

#3

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Florida is a large school located in Gainesville, Florida that handed out 18 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UF, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UF

#2 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus is a public institution located in Atlanta, Georgia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 44 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Georgia Tech also took the #2 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Georgia Tech are $31,334.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

#5

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
#5 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend North Carolina State University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, this large public school awarded 21 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k list, NC State has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at North Carolina State University are $28,999.

Full NC State Mechanical Engineering Report

#14 in overall quality

University of Central Florida did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. University of Central Florida is a public institution located in Orlando, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 20 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCF, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Central Florida are $28,657, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UCF

#7

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#15 in overall quality

Florida State University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Florida State University is a large school located in Tallahassee, Florida that handed out 5 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k list, Florida State has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State are $26,707, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida State

#21 in overall quality

Florida International University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Florida International University is located in Miami, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 5 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

FIU also took the #21 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida International University are $24,211, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at FIU

#18 in overall quality

University of South Florida - Main Campus landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. USF Tampa is a public institution located in Tampa, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

USF Tampa also took the #18 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at USF Tampa are $21,126.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at USF Tampa

#10

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Tech did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #10. Virginia Tech is a public institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 37 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Virginia Tech also took the #4 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Virginia Tech are $30,547, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Report

#11

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
#19 in overall quality

North Carolina A & T State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #11. North Carolina A & T State University is located in Greensboro, North Carolina and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 5 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k list, NC A&T has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at NC A&T are $20,662, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at NC A&T

#12

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
#23 in overall quality

Florida Atlantic University landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Florida Atlantic University is a large public school situated in Boca Raton, Florida. It awarded 7 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

FAU also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #23. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at FAU are $18,482.

Full FAU Mechanical Engineering Report

#12 in overall quality

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Louisiana State University is a large public school situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It awarded 6 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Louisiana State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Louisiana State University are $29,970, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UT Knoxville is a large public school situated in Knoxville, Tennessee. It awarded 12 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Knoxville did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UT Knoxville are $31,798, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#15

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#10 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, University of South Carolina - Columbia did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of South Carolina - Columbia is a large school located in Columbia, South Carolina that handed out 12 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UofSC also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #10. Average graduate tuition and fees at UofSC are $30,160, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UofSC

#16

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#8 in overall quality

Clemson University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Clemson University is located in Clemson, South Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 7 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k list, Clemson has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Clemson University are $23,246.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University

#17

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, University of Kentucky did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and it awarded 9 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UK did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Kentucky are $33,216, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UK

#25 in overall quality

With a ranking of #18, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is a medium-sized public school situated in Tallahassee, Florida. It awarded 1 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida A&M University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #25 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University are $24,669.

Full Florida A&M University Mechanical Engineering Report

#19

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#17 in overall quality

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UNC Charlotte not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Charlotte are $21,055.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

#20

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
#20 in overall quality

With a ranking of #20, University of Louisville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this large public school handed out 6 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

UofL did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Louisville are $27,575, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of Louisville

#22 in overall quality

University of Alabama in Huntsville came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Alabama in Huntsville is a medium-sized school located in Huntsville, Alabama that handed out 7 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UAH not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Alabama in Huntsville are $25,386.

Full UAH Mechanical Engineering Report

#22

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
#7 in overall quality

Auburn University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Auburn is a public institution located in Auburn, Alabama. The school has a large population, and it awarded 14 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Auburn also took the #7 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Auburn University are $31,956.

Full Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Report

#23

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#18 in overall quality

The University of Alabama did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. The University of Alabama is a large public school situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It awarded 3 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k list, UA has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UA are $30,940.

Full UA Mechanical Engineering Report

#24

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida
#24 in overall quality

Florida Institute of Technology ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Florida Institute of Technology is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Melbourne, Florida. It awarded 3 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida Tech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #24 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Tech are $22,588, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida Tech

#16 in overall quality

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #25. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach is a medium-sized school located in Daytona Beach, Florida that handed out 4 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $0-$30k list, Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach are $19,736.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach

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Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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