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2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

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 $30-$48k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual has developed its “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2019-2020, 47,598 people earned their degree in mechanical engineering, making the major the 20th most popular in the United States. 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.

This year’s “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 26 colleges that offered a degree in mechanical engineering. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great mechanical engineering programs and 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

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list to help you make the college decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Mechanical Engineering (Income $30-$48k) in the Southeast Region

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 26 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Duke University landed the #1 spot on the list. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. It awarded 18 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Duke did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 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 Duke University are $59,140.

Read more about 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 $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #2 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Vanderbilt, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt University are $50,624, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on 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 $30-$48k. University of Florida is a public institution located in Gainesville, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 18 doctorate’s 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. Average graduate tuition and fees at UF are $30,130, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UF

#2 in overall quality

Out of the 26 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus landed the #4 spot on the list. Atlanta, Georgia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 44 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Georgia Tech, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus are $31,334, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech

#14 in overall quality

Out of the 26 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Central Florida landed the #5 spot on the list. This large school is located in Orlando, Florida, and it awarded 20 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UCF also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #14. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UCF are $28,657.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of Central Florida

#6

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
#5 in overall quality

North Carolina State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #6. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, this large public school awarded 21 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

NC State also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #5. Average graduate tuition and fees at North Carolina State University are $28,999, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full North Carolina State University Mechanical Engineering Report

#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 $30-$48k list. Florida State is a public institution located in Tallahassee, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 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 State are $26,707.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida State

#21 in overall quality

Florida International University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Florida International University is a public institution located in Miami, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

FIU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at FIU are $24,211, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida International University

#18 in overall quality

University of South Florida - Main Campus came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Tampa, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 6 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k list, USF Tampa has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at USF Tampa are $21,126, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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 $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #10. Blacksburg, Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 37 students in 2019-2020.

Virginia Tech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Virginia Tech are $30,547, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech

#11

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, North Carolina
#19 in overall quality

North Carolina A & T State University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. 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.

NC A&T did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 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 North Carolina A & T State University are $20,662.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at NC A&T

#12

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
#23 in overall quality

Florida Atlantic University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Florida Atlantic University is a public institution located in Boca Raton, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

FAU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #23 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Atlantic University are $18,482, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at FAU

#13

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
#13 in overall quality

University of Kentucky ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Lexington, Kentucky is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 9 students in 2019-2020.

UK also took the #13 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Kentucky are $33,216, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at UK

#11 in overall quality

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. The University of Tennessee - Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 12 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k list, UT Knoxville has also earned the #11 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 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville are $31,798.

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

#12 in overall quality

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 6 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

Louisiana State University also took the #12 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Louisiana State University are $29,970, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana State University

#25 in overall quality

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #16. Florida A&M University is a medium-sized public school situated in Tallahassee, Florida. It awarded 1 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Florida A&M University, the school also landed the #25 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida A&M University are $24,669, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

#17

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#17 in overall quality

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UNC Charlotte did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #17 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Charlotte are $21,055, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UNC Charlotte Mechanical Engineering Report

#18

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#8 in overall quality

Clemson University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Clemson, South Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 7 students in 2019-2020.

Clemson did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Clemson University are $23,246, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Clemson University Mechanical Engineering Report

#19

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
#20 in overall quality

University of Louisville did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this large public school awarded 6 degrees to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

UofL also took the #20 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. 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 UofL

#20

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#10 in overall quality

With a ranking of #20, 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 $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Columbia, South Carolina, and it awarded 12 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UofSC did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Carolina - Columbia are $30,160, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UofSC Mechanical Engineering Report

#21

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
#7 in overall quality

Auburn University landed the #21 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Auburn, Alabama, this large public school awarded 14 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

Auburn also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #7. Average graduate tuition and fees at Auburn are $31,956, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University

#22 in overall quality

With a ranking of #22, University of Alabama in Huntsville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This medium-sized school is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k list, UAH has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Alabama in Huntsville are $25,386, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville

#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 $30-$48k 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.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UA, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UA are $30,940, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full The University of Alabama Mechanical Engineering Report

#24

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida
#24 in overall quality

Florida Institute of Technology landed the #24 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Florida Institute of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution located in Melbourne, Florida. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s 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. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Institute of Technology are $22,588.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida Tech

#16 in overall quality

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k 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. Average graduate tuition and fees at Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach are $19,736, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - 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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