# Best Online Mechanical Engineering Programs

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-06-02 | Schools: 11 | Category: Online
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-mechanical-engineering

## Methodology

Online Mechanical Engineering programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## 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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-worldwide) | Daytona Beach, FL | 21% | $84,131 | $18,725 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 2 | [Arizona State University Digital Immersion](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-state-university-digital-immersion) | Scottsdale, AZ | 29% | $62,668 | N/A | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 3 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 4 | [Western Governors University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-governors-university) | Salt Lake City, UT | 48% | $60,615 | $12,548 | $11,116 | 0.18x |
| 5 | [University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-college-of-professional-studies-online) | Manchester, NH | 22% | $66,479 | $10,864 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 6 | [University of Arkansas Grantham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-grantham) | LIttle Rock, AR | 32% | $63,496 | $8,370 | $21,956 | 0.35x |
| 7 | [University of Maryland Global Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus) | Adelphi, MD | 31% | $65,287 | $22,063 | $21,000 | 0.32x |
| 8 | [Touro University Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/touro-university-worldwide) | Los Alamitos, CA | 36% | $40,803 | $19,058 | $25,000 | 0.61x |
| 9 | [Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-university-center-for-online-and-extended-education) | Kirkland, WA | 40% | $54,914 | $35,671 | $20,891 | 0.38x |
| 10 | [Los Angeles Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/los-angeles-pacific-university) | San Dimas, CA | 29% | N/A | $22,677 | $18,750 | N/A |
| 11 | [University of the People](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-people) | Pasadena, CA | 35% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Online Mechanical Engineering Programs." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-06-02. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-mechanical-engineering

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.