by our College Data Analytics Team
[Mechanical Engineering](/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for mechanical engineering students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the mechanical engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.
Christian Brothers University earned the #1 spot for value among mechanical engineering schools in Tennessee. Set in the city of Memphis, Christian Brothers University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,420. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $71,112. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Tennessee Martin is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,560, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,770 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee Martin generally make around $40,400. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Memphis came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,500. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $69,386 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Tennessee Technological University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Tennessee Technological University is a large public school located in the town of Cookeville. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Tennessee Technological University generally make around $66,228. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Students borrow a median of $24,904 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga earn a median of $66,517 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Vanderbilt University came in at #6 for value in mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $14,000. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $78,009 early in their careers. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Tennessee ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $23,250. Mechanical Engineering graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $65,756 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Tennessee State University placed #8 among the best values for mechanical engineering. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,489 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Tennessee State University generally make around $58,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants.
Lipscomb University ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,572. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Lipscomb University generally make around $67,725. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lipscomb University admits about 68% of applicants.
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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.