Top 7 Free Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees 2025

Mechanical engineering studies objects and systems in motion and applies principles of motion, energy, and force to object design and manufacturing processes. Engineers design components, machines, and systems, including sensors, satellites, and cars. Aerospace, biotechnology, automotive, cybersecurity, materials science, ergonomics, and robotics are a few of the many mechanical engineering disciplines.

Are you interested in entering this field but want to find an affordable program that doesn't require on-campus classes? You can earn an affordable online engineering degree at schools nationwide. The University of Alabama and the University of North Dakota offer virtual mechanical engineering programs eligible students can complete at no cost.

Below, we'll highlight low-cost and free online colleges offering mechanical engineering programs. We also answer frequently asked questions about degree costs, free online courses, and career opportunities in mechanical engineering.

Free Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs

Tuition-free online colleges and other low-cost schools offer opportunities for students to earn degrees free of charge or at a reduced cost. Explore the list of schools offering mechanical engineering degrees below to find great programs.

1. University of Alabama

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in mechanical engineering is a 126-credit program offered completely online except for three lab courses requiring occasional face-to-face interactions during select weekends. Courses explore statics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electrical engineering fundamentals, heat transfer, and mechanical engineering design.

The cost of this program is an affordable $385 per credit. However, some Alabama residents might qualify to earn this degree free of charge. The Alabama Advantage need-based scholarship for Pell-eligible first-time freshmen and transfer students provides up to $5,000 to cover the cost of in-state tuition after scholarships and grants have been applied. Full-time enrollment with at least 12 credit hours per semester is required to qualify for the award.

2. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota's BS in mechanical engineering is available online or on campus. This program, accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, offers concentrations in mechanical design, thermal sciences, manufacturing and materials, and aerospace. Labs help engineering students get hands-on experience in the field.

Scholarships can help eligible students earn their degrees free or at a reduced cost. The UND National Merit Scholars fund covers full tuition and mandatory fees for a National Merit Scholar finalist or semi-finalist. The North Dakota Career Builders Scholarship covers the last two years of a program leading to a high-need occupation, and this BS in mechanical engineering is a qualifying program.

3. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers a Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSET) program that students can complete online using the Canvas online learning portal. Learners explore the latest design and analysis tools in engineering and discover new technologies in the field.

Select Oklahoma students can qualify for Oklahoma's Promise, an award program that covers the cost of tuition at OSU. Eligible students can also receive a Cowboy Covenant award for $1,000 annually for four years. Students in 8th-11th grades can sign up for the program but will not receive the award until after graduating from high school.

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online BS in mechanical engineering that has earned a top US News & World Report ranking. Courses explore simulation, data structures, materials science, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and problem-solving. The ABET-accredited program includes a specialization option in computational engineering.

The university's Bridge to Success program provides financial support in the form of scholarships and grants that cover the cost of basic tuition and fees for eligible students. Awardees are also matched with a faculty mentor and receive dedicated advising resources. Students must be Oregon residents who are Pell-eligible with at least a 3.4 cumulative high school GPA.

5. Wayne State University

Wayne State University offers a Master of Science in mechanical engineering with a concentration in energy storage and vehicle science. This online master's degree teaches students to improve fuel resources, meet the demand for clean energy, and become leaders in the energy and automotive sectors. Graduates will be ready for careers as battery engineers, energy management specialists, and power systems engineers.

The cost of this online graduate program is $885.02 per credit hour. The annual Graduate Professional Scholarship at Wayne State helps reduce costs by covering the in-state rate for a minimum of six graduate credits and a maximum of 10 credits each fall and winter semester. Eligibility is granted to graduate and professional degree-seeking students in all Wayne State schools and colleges.

6. University of Central Florida

The Master of Science in mechanical engineering (MSME) at the University of Central Florida is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online graduate engineering program. Courses explore engineering design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and turbomachinery. Preferred enrollees have a bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

This program costs is affordable at $327.32 per credit hour for in-state students. Enrollees could reduce their costs with work-study, scholarships, and fellowships. Students who qualify for Graduate McNair Fellowships could receive health insurance and tuition coverage and a $10,000 yearly stipend.

7. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin's 30-credit executive MS in mechanical engineering is a non-thesis program teaching students to design, produce, and analyze products and ensure they perform as intended. Students can enjoy coursework delivered in a 100% online asynchronous format.

The university offers Recruitment Fellowships and Continuing Fellowships for top-performing first-year and continuing graduate students. Most fellowships cover full tuition and fees and provide a health insurance supplement. Several offer 12-month stipends of $36,000 or more.

FAQs About Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Are you ready to enroll in an online degree program for mechanical engineering? First, explore the following FAQs.

How Much Does an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Cost?

The cost of an online mechanical engineering degree program varies by school. Factors like degree type (undergraduate vs. graduate), enrollment status (full-time vs part-time), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state) can impact rates.

The cost of the BS in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama is $385 per credit. Students earning the MS in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University pay $885.02 per credit hour.

What Can I Do With an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Plenty of career opportunities are available for mechanical engineering degree holders. Working as a mechanical engineer is a common option. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for this profession is bright. Employment for mechanical engineers is projected to jump 11% from 2023 to 2033.

Other mechanical engineering jobs include:

• aerospace engineer
• production engineer
• robotics engineer
• automotive engineer
• thermal systems engineer
• mechatronics engineer

What Are the Best Free Online Mechanical Engineering Courses?

Top universities and educational sites offer free online courses in mechanical engineering. Great places for cost-free study include:

• Coursera
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) OpenCourseWare
• edX
• Class Central
• Stanford University
• Udemy

Explore Online Mechanical Engineering Courses and Degree Programs

If you're ready to begin your journey to a career in mechanical engineering, explore the degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to learn how you can take the first step toward a rewarding career in engineering.