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2027 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Iowa

5 Colleges in the United States
$24,389 Avg Student Debt
$59,705 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Badge [Mechanical Engineering](/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for mechanical engineering students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Iowa

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mechanical engineering, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Iowa State University the best value for a degree in mechanical engineering in Iowa. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $85,726 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

2
Loras College crest
Loras College
Dubuque, IA

Students looking for strong value in mechanical engineering will find it at Loras College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Dubuque, Loras College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,824. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $43,117. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

3
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Iowa earned it the #3 place for mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $23,109 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $71,732 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

4

Saint Ambrose University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #4 spot this year. Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $26,996. Soon after graduation, mechanical engineering degree recipients from Saint Ambrose University generally make around $73,622. Set against $26,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

5
Dordt College crest
Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA

Dordt College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Sioux Center, Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,050. Students borrow a median of $21,812 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Dordt College earn a median of $54,926 early in their careers. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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