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Best Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
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Choosing the right online mechanical engineering program can be daunting, especially with many options available. These schools share a commitment to delivering quality education while accommodating the flexibility that online learning provides. For students balancing work and studies, this is crucial.
What sets the top programs apart in this ranking are their outcomes, which reflect real-world success. Factors like earnings potential, graduation rates, student debt, and overall program value matter significantly. The following list highlights institutions that excel in these areas, helping prospective students make informed choices.
For instance, the University of Florida-Online stands out with an impressive graduation rate of 81% and a low net price of $4,815, making it a strong contender for students focused on affordability and completion. In contrast, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide has the highest earnings at $84,131, but a lower graduation rate of 21%, indicating a different set of challenges and trade-offs for students considering their options.
How We Ranked
Online Mechanical Engineering programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
The average earnings for graduates in this list is $63,331.
University of Florida-Online has a graduation rate of 81%, the highest in this ranking.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide leads in earnings at $84,131 but has a 21% graduation rate.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion graduates carry an average debt of $19,500.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #2 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #3 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #4 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #5 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #6 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
With median earnings of $84,131 a decade after graduation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a strong contender for students interested in aviation and aerospace. The university's programs are designed with a focus on real-world applications, preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry where skilled professionals are in high demand.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University Digital Immersion serves a large student body of over 53,000, catering to those looking to earn their degrees online. This flexibility, combined with a 67% acceptance rate, attracts a diverse range of students, especially those balancing work and study, making it an appealing choice for many.
Pillar breakdown
The University of Florida-Online has a remarkable graduation rate of 81%, which speaks volumes about the support and resources available to students. With a smaller student body of 4,627, it fosters a close-knit community where online learners can thrive, making it an attractive option for motivated individuals seeking a quality education without the traditional campus experience.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University is designed for the self-motivated student, with a staggering enrollment of 155,088. This online institution offers a unique, competency-based approach where students progress by proving their skills, appealing to those eager to advance quickly in their education and career paths.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
With a median earning of $66,479 within a decade of graduation, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online shows its commitment to helping students secure solid career outcomes. A focus on practical, career-oriented education appeals to those looking for flexibility and real-world skills in a supportive online environment.
Pillar breakdown
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas Grantham caters to a diverse student body and emphasizes accessibility, with a remarkable 72% of students receiving Pell Grants. The median earnings of $63,496 ten years after graduation reflect a solid investment in education, especially for those seeking careers in technology and related fields.
Pillar breakdown
The University of Maryland Global Campus serves a large and diverse student population of nearly 50,000, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a vibrant online community. Graduates can expect median earnings of $65,287 after ten years, suggesting that the university prepares students well for the job market, especially in fields like cybersecurity and business.
Pillar breakdown
Touro University Worldwide, though smaller with 454 students, emphasizes a personalized education experience that can be especially appealing to those seeking focused, individualized support. The graduation rate sits at 36%, which is modest but reflects the dedicated environment where students can thrive, especially in online programs tailored for adult learners.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
Located in Kirkland, Washington, Northwest University’s Center for Online and Extended Education caters to a tightly-knit community of about 405 students. The focus here is on personal development and a supportive learning environment, which is particularly appealing for those seeking a smaller college experience while still pursuing their education online.
Pillar breakdown
San Dimas, California, is home to Los Angeles Pacific University, where the atmosphere is one of growth and community. Although the graduation rate is 29%, this institution attracts a diverse student pool and aims to foster an inclusive educational experience, making it an interesting option for those seeking a supportive environment.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People in Pasadena, California, presents a unique opportunity for students seeking an affordable and flexible online education. With an enrollment of 22,688 students, this school is designed for those who value accessibility and diverse perspectives, making it an attractive choice for learners from various backgrounds, including international students.
Pillar breakdown
A closer look at the data reveals that the University of Florida-Online significantly outperforms Embry-Riddle in graduation rates, with 81% compared to Embry-Riddle's 21%. This difference highlights the importance of completion in determining overall success and return on investment, which is vital for students considering their long-term career prospects.
After reviewing the rankings, it's essential to consider how these statistics align with your priorities. Think about what matters most to you: Is it the potential earnings, the cost of attendance, or the program's reputation? Weigh these factors against personal circumstances such as location and the fit with your lifestyle. No one-size-fits-all answer exists, so prioritize what will support your goals.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is shaped by these choices. For families evaluating options, understanding the balance between earnings potential and manageable debt can define future opportunities. Each decision made today impacts tomorrow's possibilities, making it critical to approach this process thoughtfully.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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