Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online master's in mechanical engineering degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Updated August 29, 2022

Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

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Become a 21st-century engineering leader with an affordable, online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from a top-ranked university.

It should come as no surprise that in our highly technical and automated world, there is a continual and growing demand for mechanical engineers.

The field of mechanical engineering is one of the broadest of the engineering disciplines. You can find mechanical engineers working in every industry—from transportation, energy, telecommunications, and electronics to bioengineering, manufacturing, and commerce.

But no matter what your career goals are— whether they be in academia or in industry—getting a Master’s degree Mechanical Engineering can be a great investment in your future. You’ll receive both the technical expertise and leadership strategy to help thrive in your segment of a rapidly growing global industry.

What can you do with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is a broad field, and mechanical engineers tend to be creative, flexible individuals that can work in a wide spectrum of industries, including:

As a mechanical engineer, you’ll use the principles of science and mathematics to design and develop new materials, devices, processes, and systems. You’ll also analyze, troubleshoot, and improve on existing ones. From the development of medical equipment to innovations in alternative energy using nanotechnology, we depend on mechanical engineers to propel technology forward to make our world safer and more convenient.

Featured Online Masters Mechanical Engineering Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

What kind of Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree should you get?

As you peruse the College Choice ranking, you’ll notice that there are both Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees. The main distinction between the two is an emphasis on research—most M.S. programs offer a thesis option, which is an asset if you want to continue on to doctoral studies. M.Eng. programs, on the other hand, have more of a practitioner orientation.

You’ll also need to decide between a campus-based program and an online program. Both have advantages, but the online programs on our ranking offer the added benefit of convenience.

All the universities on this ranking are highly regarded, accredited institutions—and your diploma will not specify that you completed your coursework online. You’ll do the same work and be held to the same high standards as students in the classroom. But you’ll be able to do it on your time.

For more information on online education, check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Graduate Degree.

How much money do people make with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree?

This is a good time to become an engineer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026. But here’s the kicker: job prospects are best for those who stay abreast of the most recent advances in technology. That’s where your master’s degree comes in.

In terms of pay, there is a wide salary range which will depend on your education and experience— as well as the industry you want to work in. But the BLS puts the 2016 median pay for mechanical engineers at a healthy $84,190 per year.

What are the requirements for a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering?

Requirements for admission to programs vary slightly from school to school. However, there are a few constants.

You’ll need good GRE scores to get into a good program. And most Master’s in Mechanical Engineering programs want students to have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering—or a closely related field (like another engineering field or mathematics).

But don’t despair if you don’t have the right academic background. Many programs offer alternative routes—including a set of prerequisite courses that would prepare you for the rigors of an engineering program. And many schools review admissions on a case-by-case basis, so make your case!

What are the most affordable Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degrees?

At College Choice, we take numbers seriously. We’ve scoured the internet for online master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering and ranked them according to their net price. The net price takes into consideration extra fees on top of the per-credit tuition rate, so you can feel confident that these truly are the most affordable degrees available.

We hope our ranking helps you find a great—and affordable—Mechanical Engineering program!

Most Affordable Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of Washington

  • Seattle, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At University of Washington, prospective graduate students can earn mechanical engineering degrees while they work or juggle other responsibilities. Though located in Seattle, the school offers 10 online master's degree opportunities for remote learners, including the master of science in mechanical engineering. Degree-seekers can pursue this degree from anywhere, which adds to the curriculum’s appeal.

Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree in the same field or other criteria as stipulated on the program website. What draws students to a master’s like the MSME program is the advanced training it provides to people who want to assume leadership roles and other higher-level opportunities. Degree recipients can pursue a Ph.D. program or other terminal degree.

Tuition differs depending on residency status, with residents of Washington paying an average of $18,198 per year in in-state tuition and residents elsewhere paying $32,439. Many learners receive grants and scholarships, both from the school and outside sources, to help finance their degree. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,370
Out-of-state
$37,071
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,198
Out-of-state
$32,439
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Students Enrolled
47,576
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
8% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Purdue University

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

An emphasis on accessibility is a key part of Purdue University's mission, as it delivers programs for prospective graduate students pursuing credentials such as mechanical engineering degrees. The school administers online degrees from the campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, and it offers 20 online master's degrees such as the master's in mechanical engineering. This degree offers a flexible online format that accommodates the needs of busy professionals and others who work.

A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in the major, or a related field, is usually required for admission unless otherwise stated. Students in the master's in mechanical engineering program complete rigorous coursework they couldn’t access in a bachelor’s degree alone. The program also prepares the holder for a terminal degree such as a Ph.D.

The school charges residents of Indiana $9,208 per year and out-of-state residents $28,010 per year. If they qualify, learners can use grants and scholarships to help fund their education. Many students may also want to consider loans as an option to afford tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
45,500
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of California, Riverside

  • Riverside, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of California, Riverside has a reputation for developing rigorous online graduate programs. The master of science in mechanical engineering is an excellent choice for people with a bachelor’s in engineering who want to advance their education with a master’s. This program successfully combines the rigor of graduate coursework with the flexibility of the online format.

More individualized attention and opportunities to collaborate with peers are key benefits of the 22-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio that students enjoy. Learners receive strong preparation using a curriculum that emphasizes advanced theoretical concepts and practices in mechanical engineering. By far the biggest benefit of this master’s is preparation for career advancement in this field and related ones, along with the foundational knowledge for a Ph.D.

California students pay a yearly average of $11,442, while those living elsewhere pay $26,544. If they qualify, degree-seekers can use grants and scholarships to help fund their master’s. When you add in student loans, used by about 45% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$26,544
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
25,547
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

North Carolina State University

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

North Carolina State University provides mechanical engineering students with an online master of science in mechanical engineering program that ranks highly among similar degree offerings. This degree provides learners with advanced knowledge and training required for many higher-level job opportunities in the field. A terminal degree like a doctorate is the next stop for some holders of a master's in mechanical engineering.

This program offers a format conducive to effective time-management that many learners need. This flexibility gives students more control over their schedules and makes it easier to juggle multiple priorities. Another benefit is the support that enrollees receive from faculty and services such as career advising to help enrollees plan their future.

It is to be expected that applicants will need a bachelor’s to apply to this program. Acceptance letters go out to about 45% of applicants to this school, but expect some differences across programs. Once accepted, students will pay $9,095 per year in in-state tuition, with grants, loans, and scholarships popular funding streams for those who qualify.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$26,654
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$26,421
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
36,304
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Iowa State University

  • Ames, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Many students attend schools such as Iowa State University to earn degrees from a distance, and the public school develops programs with them in mind. With a total of 17 remote master's degrees available, the institution is a leader in online education for graduate students. The master of science in mechanical engineering is one such option for students interested in the engineering field.

The adaptability of this program is a big draw for students with a hectic schedule that demands flexibility. Busy enrollees may have access to recorded videos that facilitates anytime viewing, and can complete their assignments within a reasonable timeframe as faculty allow. The MSME degree provides a rigorous education that does not sacrifice strong preparation for career advancement.

The admission rate for this school is 92% on average per year, but expect some variations across programs. For consideration to enter this program, degree-seekers will need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. The program department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to do that.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,042
Out-of-state
$23,230
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,758
Out-of-state
$24,720
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
33,372
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Missouri University of Science and Technology

  • Rolla, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Missouri University of Science and Technology, a public college located in Rolla, specializes in rigorous programs that meet the diverse needs of today's learners. With a total of 16 remote master's degrees available, the institution is a leader in online education for graduate students. Those interested in the mechanical engineering field should explore the master's degree in mechanical engineering.

Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate students to this master's program. Recorded video sessions may be available to allow anytime viewing, and faculty may let enrollees complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. Candidates gain invaluable knowledge that employers value or they may use to enter a doctoral program.

The school’s admissions statistics show that about 79% of applicants get in, with some variations across programs. A bachelor’s degree in the field, or a related one, is the usual threshold for entry into a master’s program. The program department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to do that.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,120
Out-of-state
$27,921
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,452
Out-of-state
$29,558
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
8,088
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of Idaho

  • Moscow, ID
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Idaho administers a number of quality online graduate programs. People with a bachelor’s in engineering may want to explore the top-ranked master of engineering in mechanical engineering. This program emphasizes rigorous academics and a flexible learning format.

Mechanical engineering students enjoy a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in their classes. Learners complete a strong curriculum in mechanical engineering delivered by faculty with industry expertise. Graduates leave the program equipped for more advanced career opportunities and the option to pursue a doctoral program.

Tuition is charged at $7,754 per annum for Idaho residents and $26,990 for those living out of state. The financial aid options available to qualifying students include grants and scholarships to help fund their master’s. When you add in student loans, used by about 38% of enrollees, there are plenty of ways to finance all or part of a program.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,182
Out-of-state
$25,418
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,754
Out-of-state
$26,990
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
11,926
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#8 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Old Dominion University provides online learners with highly ranked graduate education they can complete from a distance. Learners who hold a bachelor's degree in engineering will be especially interested in the excellent master's in mechanical engineering. The program blends academic rigor and online course delivery that is flexible and affordable.

Students enrolled in the mechanical engineering master's program benefit from the school's 17-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Learners complete specialized coursework and training focused on advanced theoretical concepts and practices in mechanical engineering. Obtaining this degree prepares graduates for more advanced career opportunities than a bachelor's degree typically allows.

The tuition rate stands at $10,207 per year for Virginia residents and $29,851 for out-of-state residents. Many learners at the institution qualify for grants and scholarships to help reduce the price of tuition. Student loans are another option, and about 56% of enrollees use this popular funding stream to afford their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Central Florida, a public college, offers both a strong catalog of academic programs and a learning experience tailored to meet learners’ needs from the Orlando campus. The institution’s 26 online master's degrees are a big draw to many people who want to study from wherever they live. Mechanical engineering students can pursue the master of science in mechanical engineering among the options.

Graduate students can appreciate online education's flexibility and adaptability. They can study by using video recordings often available and completing coursework in the evenings, on weekends, and at other convenient times that the program allows. Students receive the rigorous academic preparation they expect without sacrificing quality.

While you can expect some variations, the rate of acceptance is 44% of applicants on average per year. A bachelor’s degree in the field, or a related one, is the usual threshold for entry into a master’s program. Consult with the program to find out more about application requirements and deadlines.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
69,402
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of Houston

  • Houston, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Without significantly interrupting their lives, graduate students can earn mechanical engineering degrees at University of Houston, an institution that emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. Among the academic programs available at the Texas school are 15 online master's degrees, and the master's degree in mechanical engineering is a top-ranked option. This adaptable degree opportunity makes graduate education accessible to caretakers, full-time workers, and anyone unable to relocate for school.

Applicants should expect to have a bachelor’s degree in the major or a related one unless otherwise stated on the program or admissions website. There are many benefits of a master’s degree, with the most notable being higher-level job possibilities and enhanced pay. The program also prepares holders for a terminal degree such as a Ph.D.

The tuition rate depends on residency, with people living in Texas paying $8,370 per year, and $17,746 if they are residents elsewhere. Paying for tuition is always a concern, and grants and scholarships are avenues for exploration. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,219
Out-of-state
$20,747
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,370
Out-of-state
$17,746
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
46,148
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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