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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Mechanical Engineering (Income $48-$75k) in the Southeast Region

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 $48-$75k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking - to help you make that 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.

This year’s “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking looked at 26 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality mechanical engineering programs that also have a lower cost than 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. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Mechanical Engineering Schools

The me school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k”.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Mechanical Engineering (Income $48-$75k) in the Southeast Region

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Duke University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Duke University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Durham, North Carolina. 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 more about Mechanical Engineering at Duke

#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 $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #2 spot on the list. Vanderbilt University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Nashville, Tennessee. It awarded 11 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $48-$75k list, Vanderbilt has also earned the #3 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 Vanderbilt University are $50,624.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt

#3

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Out of the 26 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Florida landed the #3 spot on the list. University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 18 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

UF did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UF are $30,130, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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 $48-$75k 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.

Georgia Tech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 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 Georgia Tech are $31,334.

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

#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 $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Central Florida landed the #5 spot on the list. UCF is located in Orlando, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 20 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

UCF also took the #14 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 Central Florida are $28,657.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at UCF

#21 in overall quality

Florida International University landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. FIU is a public institution located in Miami, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at FIU, the school also landed the #21 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 FIU are $24,211.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida International University

#7

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
#5 in overall quality

North Carolina State University landed the #7 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Raleigh, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 21 students in 2019-2020.

NC State also took the #5 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at NC State are $28,999, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University

#8

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#15 in overall quality

Florida State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #8. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, this large public school handed out 5 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 $48-$75k 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 you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Florida State University Mechanical Engineering Report

#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #9, University of South Florida - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. 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.

USF Tampa also took the #18 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Florida - Main Campus are $21,126, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of South Florida - Main Campus

#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 $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #10. Virginia Tech is a large school located in Blacksburg, Virginia that handed out 37 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Virginia Tech also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #4. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Virginia Tech are $30,547.

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 landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Greensboro, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 5 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $48-$75k 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 you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full NC A&T Mechanical Engineering Report

#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 $48-$75k list. FAU is located in Boca Raton, Florida and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 7 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

FAU also took the #23 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Atlantic University are $18,482, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at FAU

#13

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
#13 in overall quality

University of Kentucky 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 $48-$75k ranking. UK is located in Lexington, Kentucky and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 9 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

UK not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 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 UK are $33,216.

Full UK Mechanical Engineering Report

#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this large public school handed out 6 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

Louisiana State University also took the #12 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 Louisiana State University are $29,970.

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

#15

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#17 in overall quality

University of North Carolina at Charlotte landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. UNC Charlotte is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 8 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

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. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Charlotte are $21,055.

Full University of North Carolina at Charlotte Mechanical Engineering Report

#16

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#8 in overall quality

Clemson University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #16. Clemson is a large public school situated in Clemson, South Carolina. It awarded 7 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Clemson, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Clemson University are $23,246, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University

#25 in overall quality

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Florida A&M University is a public institution located in Tallahassee, Florida. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida A&M University also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #25. 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

#22 in overall quality

University of Alabama in Huntsville ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. University of Alabama in Huntsville is a medium-sized public school situated in Huntsville, Alabama. It awarded 7 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UAH, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UAH are $25,386, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville

#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 $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #19. UofL is a public institution located in Louisville, Kentucky. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees 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

#20

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#10 in overall quality

University of South Carolina - Columbia landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. UofSC is a public institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 12 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UofSC, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UofSC are $30,160, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of South Carolina - Columbia

#21

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
#7 in overall quality

Auburn University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Auburn, Alabama, this large public school awarded 14 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 $48-$75k list, Auburn has also earned the #7 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 Auburn University are $31,956.

Full Auburn Mechanical Engineering Report

#11 in overall quality

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, this large public school handed out 12 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students 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. 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.

Full UT Knoxville Mechanical Engineering Report

#23

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #23, The University of Alabama did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k list. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

UA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 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 The University of Alabama are $30,940.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama

#24

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida
#24 in overall quality

Florida Institute of Technology did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #24. Located in Melbourne, Florida, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 3 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s ME students in 2019-2020.

Florida Tech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida Institute of Technology are $22,588, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology

#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 $48-$75k ranking. Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach is a medium-sized school located in Daytona Beach, Florida that handed out 4 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach also took the #16 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach are $19,736, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about 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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