2026 Best Value Mechanical Engineering Schools in Minnesota

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #1 spot for value among mechanical engineering schools in Minnesota. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $22,077. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $81,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

2

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Mechanical Engineering graduates carry a median of $27,090 in student loans. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Saint Cloud State University earn a median of $70,179 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,090 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants.

3

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

A rank of #3 makes University Of Minnesota Duluth one of the best values for mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $67,764. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place for mechanical engineering. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,886 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $68,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants.

5

Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete the mechanical engineering program here. Mechanical Engineering graduates of Bethel University Minnesota earn a median of $61,465 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Typical student debt for mechanical engineering graduates is $27,000. Early-career mechanical engineering graduates make about $84,990. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.