2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Louisiana

1

University Of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

University Of New Orleans tops our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools in Louisiana. Located in the city of New Orleans, University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $68,968. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Orleans admits about 74% of applicants.

2

Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Mcneese State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,489, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,433 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Mcneese State University earn a median of $46,529 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

3

Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Louisiana Tech University earned it the #3 place for mechanical engineering. Set in the town of Ruston, Louisiana Tech University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $26,400. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Louisiana Tech University generally make around $70,372. That is a strong return on a $26,400 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Lafayette, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,146. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,175. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Louisiana Lafayette earn a median of $63,812 early in their careers. Set against $22,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

5

Southern University And A And M College
Baton Rouge, LA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern University And A And M College earned it the #5 place for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Southern University And A And M College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,922, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $29,500. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Southern University And A And M College generally make around $75,001. Set against $29,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted.

6

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #6 spot for mechanical engineering value this year. Located in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College generally make around $75,311. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.