2026 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering
Find the cheapest online master's in mechanical engineering programs using verified tuition data and real student reviews.
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An affordable online master鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering offers a flexible way to deepen your expertise in mechanical systems, robotics, and thermodynamics.
Key Takeaways:
- There is a wide gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition at several schools. NCSU's tuition jumps from $8,524 to $26,273 for nonresidents, while the UI's increases from $11,132 to $30,368. Meanwhile, many schools charge a flat tuition.
- UF reports median earnings of $102,878 among mechanical engineering master's graduates, while NCSU reports $111,987. These six-figure salaries suggest that students can balance affordability with strong earning potential.
- Eleven of the fifteen schools earn recommendation rates of 88% or higher, with the University of Missouri leading.
How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools
The OnlineU research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.
2026 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | $4,322 | $17,277 | 94% | N/A | |
| University of Florida | $6,730 | $10,350 | 92% | $102,878 | |
| New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | $6,870 | $22,727 | 75% | N/A | |
| University of Missouri | $7,166 | $7,166 | 98% | N/A | |
| Texas Tech University | $7,254 | $7,254 | 92% | N/A | |
| Old Dominion University | $7,290 | $9,735 | 88% | N/A | |
| North Carolina State University | $8,524 | $26,273 | 95% | $111,987 | |
| University of South Carolina - Columbia | $8,583 | $18,600 | 88% | N/A | |
| University of New Mexico | $9,158 | $9,158 | 88% | N/A | |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | $9,500 | $9,500 | 82% | N/A | |
| Kennesaw State University | $10,995 | $10,995 | 89% | N/A | |
| University of Idaho | $11,132 | $30,368 | 79% | N/A | |
| University of Houston | $11,175 | $11,175 | 87% | N/A | |
| Northern Arizona University | $11,970 | $11,970 | 88% | N/A | |
| University of North Dakota | $11,971 | $11,971 | 94% | N/A |
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This is the #1 cheapest online mechanical engineering master's degree at $4,322/year. However, that number more than quadruples for out-of-state students, so it's only a deal if you are living in the state of Florida.
- UCF organizes the degree around two dedicated tracks 鈥� Mechanical Systems and Thermofluids 鈥� that reflect distinct technical directions. The first is for students who enjoy understanding how components behave under stress and how complex systems fit together, while those in the second track are more concerned with how heat, energy, and fluids move through various systems.
1 Student Review for Master's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees
Great graduate professors that are more than willing to work with the students to help achieve their academic and career goals. Sometimes the online classes can be difficult to understand.
AI Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Central Florida are broadly positive, with most students describing a large, opportunity-rich school that rewards initiative. Many praise helpful, knowledgeable professors, especially once they move beyond introductory courses, and say internships, research, labs, clinical placements, clubs, and career services helped them build practical experience and professional networks. The most consistent drawbacks stem from UCF’s size. Students mention very large class sizes, difficulty registering for required courses, and feeling anonymous unless they advocate for themselves.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate Online: 3,637 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 92%
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This master's degree operates from within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department. By placing mechanical and aerospace engineering students within the same graduate ecosystem, UF exposes students to adjacent technical perspectives that increasingly overlap in industry and research settings.
- UF has the size to support a broad range of research interests and technical specialties. Large engineering departments can sometimes feel impersonal, but they also create opportunities for students to find faculty, laboratories, and research groups that align closely with highly specific interests.
- Some unique areas are highlighted, such as renewable energy, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, computational science, cellular mechanics, and space sciences.
1 Student Review for Master's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees
The engineering graduate school at UF was a mixed bag. As a top tier school in the State of Florida, UF has a lot of good amenities for students as well as a multitude of opportunities to work in labs and gain real experience while enrolled. On paper... Read More
AI Student Review Summary: At the University of Florida, sentiment is driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Many praise the combination of rigorous academics and recognizable prestige. Students repeatedly describe supportive professors, plenty of research options and internships, as well as career-building opportunities that helped them secure jobs after graduation. Advising and administrative support are described as inconsistent, with some reviewers reporting poor guidance and weak follow-through. Some students warn that they had to repeatedly advocate for themselves to stay on track.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate Online: 6,855 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $102,878
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 98%
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- NMT offers a rare specialization in Explosives Engineering, reflecting the institution's long-standing connection to energy, defense, mining, and applied research sectors where understanding detonation, wave propagation, and energetic materials is not a niche elective but a core technical skill.
- Mechanical engineering master's students choose among Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Mechatronics Systems and Robotics, or Solid Mechanics, with coursework that quickly moves into advanced topics such as Computational Fluid Dynamics and Reactive Flow, Biomedical Mechatronics, Fracture Mechanics, and Composite Structures.
1 Student Review for Master's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees
NMT is a small school which comes with a number of pros and cons. Teachers are all highly invested in students and are more than willing to help with research and classes, but there are very limited class options available each semester.
AI Student Review Summary: At New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, students repeatedly praise the low tuition as well as the ability to combine multiple scholarships, which makes the school feel like a strong value. Small class sizes stand out as a major advantage because they make professors easier to reach, create more individualized academic support, and help students get tutoring or one-on-one clarification when coursework becomes difficult. Some students mentioned that they appreciated the quirky, intellectual atmosphere and felt they belonged there in a way they had not elsewhere. The main concerns center on limited course availability and a few reports of dismissive faculty interactions.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate Online: 129 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 77%
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The typical student takes just one or two courses per semester and completes the degree over approximately three years, creating a pace that acknowledges the demands of full-time employment and other responsibilities.
- Missouri integrates aerospace engineering into the program's identity. Technologies developed for aviation, defense, and space exploration often influence advances in manufacturing, controls, materials, and mechanical systems more broadly.
- This master's program emphasizes methodologies and analytical tools. Online courses highlight subjects that are not skills tied to a single sector, such as finite element methods, nonlinear systems analysis, optimization, two-phase flows, and advanced manufacturing processes.
AI Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Missouri are overwhelmingly positive, with most students recommending the school and describing a strong overall experience built on accessible faculty. Many say the university combines the scale of a large public institution with pockets of smaller, more personal communities, allowing students to find close-knit departments, supportive classmates, and meaningful mentoring. Career support is not equally strong across all areas; some reviewers felt internship pipelines, job placement help, or career development initiatives were limited in certain fields.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate Online: 2,371 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 93%
Online Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Different from some of the others discussed so far, TTU centers the program on materials and mechanics, and design. That gives it more of a traditional mechanical engineering feel, which may appeal to students who want to strengthen the fundamentals behind how products, structures, machines, and engineered systems are built, tested, and improved.
- There are two pathways. The report option offers a more project-based route for students who want to apply graduate-level engineering concepts to a focused technical problem, while the course-only option may better fit students who want to build advanced knowledge without taking on a larger research commitment.
AI Student Review Summary: Texas Tech University is a well-regarded institution where strong faculty support and practical opportunities often outweigh some of the drawbacks tied to consistency. Many say professors were encouraging and genuinely invested in helping them succeed, whether through research roles, assistantships, internships, tutoring, or career guidance. Several credit the university with preparing them for professional advancement, leadership, and career pivots, especially through networking and involvement in organizations. Some reviewers, however, report disorganized expectations, inconsistent teaching, poor communication, overloaded advisors, and having to teach themselves substantial material.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate Online: 2,638 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 85%
Program length can significantly affect the total cost of a master's degree in mechanical engineering, even when annual tuition rates appear similar. For example, the University of Missouri's annual tuition ($7,166) is slightly lower than Texas Tech University's ($7,254), but Missouri's typical three-year completion timeline results in an estimated total tuition of about $21,498 compared to Texas Tech's roughly $14,508 over two years.
Students evaluating affordability should consider both annual tuition and expected time to graduation, since a longer program can increase overall costs and even delay entry into higher-paying career opportunities.
Stories Behind the Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering: An Editorial Analysis
The Strongest Student Approval Package
North Carolina State University
NC State boasts a 94% retention rate, 85% graduation rate, 95% recommendation rate, a 4.1/5 review score, and nearly $112,000 in median earnings among mechanical engineering master's graduates. With all of these student support metrics combined, it offers one of the strongest combinations of outcomes, student satisfaction, and affordability.
The Deepest Engineering Bench
University of Florida
Among the affordable programs on this list, UF may offer the widest range of technical directions. Students can pursue interests spanning autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, computational science, cellular mechanics, aerospace, and space sciences within a department that combines mechanical and aerospace engineering. This feels like the strongest fit for engineers who are still refining their long-term technical focus.
The Closest Thing to a Space Program
University of New Mexico
Most schools on this ranking offer a traditional mechanical engineering curriculum. UNM instead centers its online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering on Space Systems Engineering. Coursework delves into orbital mechanics, spacecraft controls, satellite communications, space situational awareness, and small-spacecraft design. This concentration was developed with input from the Air Force Research Laboratory, making it arguably the most industry-targeted curriculum on the entire list.
A PhD Engineer's Perspective on the Value of an Affordable Online Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree
Mechanical Engineer, Former ETH Zurich Lecturer
How important is prior engineering work experience before pursuing this degree online?
"I think it's important. It gives you a context to apply what you're reading. Otherwise the material feels theoretical."
What should students prioritize when comparing affordable mechanical engineering master鈥檚 programs?
"Quality in learning experience, and understanding what specifically will be in your toolkit when you're done."
Did you take any online-only classes, and if so, what were they like?
"Some were engaging and active because the teacher was motivated, and fully mastered the technology (e.g. breakout rooms for 1 to 1 discussions)."
Which industries seem most interested in hiring graduate-level mechanical engineers right now?
"Renewables
Aerospace
Robotics
Electric vehicles"
How did a master鈥檚 in mechanical engineering change your career opportunities?
"Specialization on a topic that required in depth engineering knowledge, in this case, handling of nanopowders."
What skills from your master's degree proved most valuable after graduation?
"The ability to think critically. It's timeless."
What advice would you give students trying to determine whether this degree is worth the investment?
-
"Would you enjoy it?
-
Will it lead to a new position that justifies the investment?
-
Are there other options that give similar outcomes without having to take the course?"
FAQs About an Affordable Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Does Program Length Affect the Total Cost of a Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree?
Yes, program length affects the total tuition of any college degree. While master's programs are typically around two years, they may advertise as being closer to three years or accelerated at one year. This is why annual tuition tells only part of the affordability story (as the comparison graph above indicates).
Although the University of Missouri's annual tuition of $7,166 is slightly lower than Texas Tech University's $7,254, Missouri's typical three-year completion timeline results in a higher estimated total tuition cost. Students should consider both annual tuition and expected time to graduation when comparing the best mechanical engineering master's programs.
Which Affordable Master's in Mechanical Engineering Has the Strongest Student Satisfaction Metrics?
North Carolina State University stands out for combining strong overall student outcomes with affordability. The university itself reports a 95% recommendation rate (at the time of writing), a 94% retention rate, an 85% graduation rate, and then median earnings of $111,987 among mechanical engineering master's graduates. Overall, that's the strongest package for student satisfaction.
That said, the University of Missouri reports the highest recommendation rate on this ranking at 98%. The school also reports that 95% of students found the program helpful for their careers and structures the degree around a flexible three-year pace designed for working professionals.
Student reviews of the mechanical engineering programs across this page highlight flexibility and access to faculty as a couple of the major benefits of online study. Several reviewers noted that online learning allowed them to continue working while earning a graduate degree. Others praised professors for being accessible and invested in student success, though some mentioned challenges such as limited course availability or occasional difficulty navigating online coursework.
Which Online School Reports the Highest Earnings for Mechanical Engineering Master's Graduates?
Among the schools that report earnings data, North Carolina State University reports median earnings of $111,987 (along with high overall student satisfaction metrics, as noted above), while the University of Florida reports median earnings of $102,878 among mechanical engineering master's graduates, specifically. This data is collected just a couple years after graduation, so it represents a career's early salary.
Both schools demonstrate that affordable online mechanical engineering programs can be associated with six-figure earnings outcomes. Unfortunately, a program's salary data is collected at the federal level and it's up to the individual schools to disclose this information if they choose to, and many on this list did not.
What Types of Specializations Are Available in Affordable Online Mechanical Engineering Programs?
The programs on this ranking offer a variety of technical focuses. Here are a few to provide key examples of popular concentrations within mechanical engineering at the master's level:
- The University of Central Florida offers tracks in Mechanical Systems and Thermofluids.
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offers concentrations including Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Mechatronics Systems and Robotics, and Solid Mechanics, as well as a rare specialization in Explosives Engineering.
Student Reviews of Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
I am on the West coast so Johns Hopkins online program works out great for me. I would not have been able to attend otherwise. The program is flexible and challenging. I am learning a lot from the courses so far. The online program uses the blackboard website for structure.
Review Date: 9/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The school offers challenging and rewarding classes to help prepare for engineering jobs. The campus is not in the best area of town, but I did all of my classes online, so that did not bother me. I love the accessibility of having all classes offered for distance learning!
Review Date: 1/14/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pros: Everyone now has a Bachelor's degree so pursuing a master's degree would increase my chances of getting a job. Graduate programs allow you to focus on what you are interested in and you gain a lot of knowledge from it. Most classes are offered online so I can work full time while pursuing a master's degree. Cons: It adds to your expenses. Career is now limited to your focus in the graduate program. Some jobs consider graduate students over qualified.
Review Date: 3/8/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a distance education student, and I believe NCSU's DE program is phenomenal! There are teachers who really care about the success of the students; however, they make it fairly difficult as well. The only con I can think of is the limited number of classes offered every semester. Hopefully this will change as the DE program continues to expand.
Review Date: 3/7/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Purdue Engineering Professional Education Program (Engineering Management and Leadership Concentration) is great for people who do not have time to go back to school full time. It has allowed me to continue to work and meet my higher education goals. I would recommend this program for professionals only.
Review Date: 8/12/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great graduate professors that are more than willing to work with the students to help achieve their academic and career goals. Sometimes the online classes can be difficult to understand.
Review Date: 5/9/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I chose to go back to Kettering for my MSME because the learning delivery allowed me to be flexible on when and where I learned. I am pleased that my current professor is concerned that I learn the material and how I will apply it in the work environment. Even though the class is distance learning, the professors are easily contacted via email or by phone. They will give you the help that you need as much as you need to make sure that you do well. After being out of school for 6 years, the work is... Read More
Review Date: 3/5/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
One of the biggest pros for the Rowan University Masters in Engineering Management program is that it was designed by senior full-time faculty taking into consideration the short and long-term needs of the engineering industry. Additionally, the faculty members chosen to be instructors are all subject-matter experts, so there is tremendous practical value in addition to the academics. Despite being an online course of study (which is extremely convenient for a married father of three who travels... Read More
Review Date: 1/5/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school GENUINELY cares and understands the needs of international students, best decision I ever made was coming to this school. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, their degree programs are also well tiered especially the higher level degree programs to various concentrations in industry and academia.
Review Date: 6/25/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The engineering program at Drexel University is both rigorous yet satisfying. It builds character, discipline, and self-motivation for job(s) you may obtain in the future. It demands the students to go above and beyond what is required of them. It's not always set in stone which is why satisfied.
Review Date: 9/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It has an afordable price thanks to the finacial help of the university. It has a really diverse an multicultural staff whith many different points of view. It is not a well known university so the graduate program has not a big add value
Review Date: 1/12/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Graduate program supports part time and full time students the commute is a little harsh but worth it
Review Date: 5/6/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As an undergrad Binghamton University offered many clubs and organizations to be a part of. One called SHPE(Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) had annual job conferences with the likes of Ford, Boeing, GMC, Lockheed Martin and many more recruiting. Another club I was a part of SAE(Society of Automotive Engineers ) sponsored a team of 11 plus myself to design, build and race an off road baja style car. This in addition to a very diverse student body and amazing research opportunities has... Read More
Review Date: 6/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It's a very small but tight knit Private institution. The ratio of student to teachers is 15:1. If the student is happy with such a small number of class ratio then it is good option to come to University of fBridgeport. There is a large number if diversity visible in the campus as students from 80 countries come to study. Professors are highly educated and affiliated to NASA, Sikorsky and many top institution, which can help a student in their project and master thesis. Overall the college has a... Read More
Review Date: 6/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I've been at Marquette for two years and just completed my Masters. I love the campus, the people I work with, and the faculty. It's a great place to study.
Review Date: 5/20/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
ASU provides you with immense opportunities for students to develop necessary social and technical skills to succeed in your career and in life. ASU has one of the most diverse student communities in the country, promotind exposure multiple cultures from around the world.
Review Date: 6/30/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Michigan is the home of great talent and resources in every field (Law, Business, Engineering, Arts, etc). Problems can be approached in a multidisciplinary way. Michigan hosts a lot of world-class researchers whom students can approach for cutting-edge knowledge. Also, Ann Arbor is a great place to do entrepreneurship. From Llamasoft, to BitBrew and Neurable, great companies have been founded in this area. Moreover, Michigan is the epicenter of the next revolution in Autonomous Vehicles.... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I liked my undergrad program, and I think getting my masters in a year with the 4+1 program was a great opportunity. Furthermore, the ability to get a masters degree for free by being a TA for a year is a great deal if you can swing it. I did have a few really bad teachers, but I also had some who were amazing. It evened out in the end. I think the biggest issue would be not learning a few skills that are more applicable in industry. GD&T is a good example of this. I think there should be a required... Read More
Review Date: 6/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
U of M has excellent facilities and resources. The engineering department can boost your career tremendously, as long as you take advantage of what they have to offer.
Review Date: 5/8/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I felt my experience with ASU could best be described as balanced. I attended for both my bachelors and masters degrees and the 4+1 program that allowed for an accelerated opportunity to get the masters was a great opportunity as it was easy on the wallet, especially as a TA that pair for the year of school. The curriculum was challenging, but not overwhelming, the social life allowed for every individual to find like minded individuals, and the research and networking opportunities is perhaps the... Read More
Review Date: 8/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes