Top 9 Free Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees 2027

Mechanical engineers design the engines, machines, and thermal systems behind everything from medical devices to electric vehicles, and it's one of the broadest engineering fields you can enter. Hands-on labs make fully online options harder to find than in many majors, but several universities now offer bachelor's and master's programs you can complete largely or entirely from home.

Below, you'll see how to lower your costs, nine online programs at accessible prices, and typical costs, timelines, and career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to compare your options and find the path that fits your schedule and budget.

Disclaimer: The schools advertised on Learn.org do not guarantee free tuition. Tuition-free programs do not always mean zero cost to attend. In some cases, eligibility for low-cost college education is limited by state residency, income thresholds, employer partnerships, or other requirements. Always verify with the individual school or program to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may still be responsible for.

Are There Free Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees?

No, an accredited mechanical engineering degree is not free for everyone. Every university charges tuition and fees, and engineering programs often add lab fees, equipment costs, and occasional campus sessions.

You can still shrink the bill considerably, and eligible students sometimes cover tuition entirely. Federal grants, state and university tuition guarantees, employer assistance, and transfer credits can work together, particularly if you start with math and science courses at a community college or bring technical experience to the table.

What "Free" Really Means for an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

When a program is called free, it usually means grants, scholarships, or guarantees cover tuition for students who meet certain conditions, such as residency, income limits, or full-time enrollment. Books, fees, equipment, and living expenses typically remain your responsibility.

Engineering adds a few extra considerations. Many online mechanical engineering programs still require some in-person lab time, such as weekend sessions on campus, and that can mean travel costs and time off work. Many tuition guarantees also expect full-time enrollment, which can be difficult to meet while working, so check the rules before you count on the funding.

Ways to Make an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Low-Cost

Students who pay the least usually combine several strategies. The options below matter most for mechanical engineering students.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens the door to Pell Grants, work-study, and many state and school awards. Tuition guarantees often calculate your award after federal grants, so filing is usually required.

File early each year, since some funds are limited. Online students at accredited schools qualify for the same federal aid as students on campus.

Look for State and University Tuition Guarantees

Some states and public universities cover remaining tuition for eligible residents with limited family income. Rules differ widely, and most programs require residency, a minimum GPA, and full-time enrollment.

Ask each financial aid office which guarantees apply to online students and what conditions you must meet to keep the award. Comparing a few schools can reveal programs you wouldn't have found on your own.

Use Employer Tuition Assistance

Manufacturers, utilities, defense contractors, and engineering firms often offer tuition assistance, especially for employees who move from technician or drafting roles into engineering. Under federal tax rules, employers can generally provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance without it counting as taxable income to you.

Ask your human resources department about eligible programs, reimbursement timing, and any commitment to stay after you graduate. Online programs built for working adults pair well with this benefit.

Transfer Credits From Community College or Technical Programs

Calculus, physics, chemistry, and general education courses transfer from community colleges into many engineering programs. Technicians with an associate degree in engineering technology may also find bachelor's programs designed to build on that foundation.

Request a transfer evaluation before you enroll, and confirm which math and science courses the program will accept. Policies vary, and a few emails can save you a semester of tuition.

Consider Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Programs

Some universities let you earn a bachelor's and a master's through a combined pathway, with certain graduate credits counting toward both degrees. The University of North Dakota, for example, offers a combined program that lets mechanical engineering students earn a master's in just one additional year.

Overlapping credits can shorten your timeline and reduce total tuition. Check admission requirements, since accelerated programs often have GPA minimums.

Apply for Scholarships and Use Military Benefits

Engineering departments, professional societies, and foundations offer scholarships, and some are open to online students. Veterans and service members may also be able to use the GI Bill or military tuition assistance toward an accredited engineering program.

Many universities have veteran services offices that can explain how benefits apply. Confirm that your online program is approved for the benefits you plan to use.

Low-Cost Online Colleges With Mechanical Engineering Degrees

The programs below offer online bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology at accessible prices. They vary in how they handle labs and whether campus sessions are required, so read each description carefully and confirm the details with the school.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's online Bachelor of Science in Engineering in mechanical engineering totals 120 credits across 44 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, with start dates throughout the year. Coursework includes system dynamics and control, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and mechanical design, and you'll finish with a two-course capstone design sequence.

ASU says the program builds skills in simulation, automation, and advanced manufacturing, and the curriculum includes an experimental mechanical engineering lab course, so ask how it's delivered. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

2. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota lets you earn its Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering online or on campus, and the program is accredited by ABET. You can focus on one of three optional concentrations, including mechanical design, and the curriculum includes engineering design and a systems engineering approach to robotics.

If you want to continue, the combined bachelor's-and-master's pathway adds a master's degree in just one additional year, and both graduate programs are offered online or on campus. UND graduates have gone on to employers such as Xcel Energy, and careers range from automotive and renewable energy to petroleum and robotics. UND is accredited by HLC.

3. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama's primarily online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is the same rigorous degree campus students earn in Tuscaloosa, and it's built for people who want minimal travel or job disruption. The program requires 130 credit hours, including a mechanical engineering core and a two-course senior design sequence, and ABET accredits it.

Plan for a few weekends on campus: students complete their lab courses during weekends in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so ask the program about travel scheduling before you apply.

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University's online BS in Mechanical Engineering pairs traditional mechanical engineering training with computational engineering skills, such as using models and algorithms to simulate, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems. You can complete all or nearly all requirements online, and the program is accredited by ABET.

Ecampus students have access to success coaching, library services, free online tutoring, and career guidance. Oregon State uses a quarter system, and the university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

5. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology that you can complete online through its Canvas learning portal. The program focuses on mechanical design, computer-aided technologies, materials, mechanical power, and manufacturing, and it prepares graduates to contribute at work after a short introductory period.

This is an engineering technology degree, so check how your state and your goals treat it compared with an engineering degree. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, OSU accepts transfer credit, and the university is accredited by HLC.

6. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University's online Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a major in mechanical engineering technology requires at least 120 credit hours. Classes include live, regularly scheduled online meetings, and the degree adds a minor in engineering or science and a senior project that ties your studies to real applications.

The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, and ODU says graduates are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first step toward professional engineer licensure in several states. ODU is accredited by SACSCOC.

7. Wayne State University

Wayne State University's online master's in mechanical engineering concentrates on energy storage and vehicle science. The program explores how to reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry and prepares you for technical leadership roles in the energy and automotive sectors.

Careers include electric vehicle engineer and energy management specialist, and the program offers opportunities in multidisciplinary and translational research. Because it's a graduate program, you'll typically need an engineering or closely related bachelor's degree. Wayne State is accredited by HLC.

8. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida's online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering is a 30-credit program that you can complete 100% online with no campus visits. You can choose a mechanical systems track, which covers topics such as mechanics of materials, computational methods, and engineering design, or a thermofluids track that focuses on fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery.

Thesis and non-thesis options are available, though not all electives or prerequisites may be offered online. Students who take the program exclusively online may enroll with reduced campus-based fees, and UCF is accredited by SACSCOC.

9. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a Master of Engineering with a mechanical engineering specialization, available on campus or online. It's a coursework-only program with a minimum of 30 credits, designed for working professionals who want to enhance their expertise and keep pace with innovation in their industry.

Online students register through CSU Online, and the program works well if you want graduate-level study without a thesis. CSU is accredited by HLC.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Mechanical engineering adds extra considerations, including program-level ABET accreditation, lab delivery, and any in-person requirements.

Programs that are fully accredited, describe how labs and projects work online, and keep costs low for online students rank higher than those with limited transparency. Four criteria guide each placement:

• Accreditation: Regionally accredited institutions are the only ones considered, and ABET accreditation of the engineering or engineering technology program is a significant additional signal.
• Affordability and financial aid: Per-credit costs, net price, transfer-friendly policies, reduced online fees, and available scholarships or guarantees all shape a school's standing.
• Online availability: Core coursework must be deliverable online, with labs and any campus sessions described clearly.
• Student outcomes: College Scorecard data on graduation rates and post-enrollment earnings offers insight into how students fare after they enroll.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Cost?

Many public universities charge roughly $200 to $700 per credit hour for online undergraduate courses, which works out to about $24,000 to $84,000 in tuition for a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Some mechanical engineering programs require 120 to 130 credits, and technology or program fees and private-school pricing can push the total higher.

Online master's programs generally require around 30 credits, and per-credit rates often exceed undergraduate rates, so total tuition varies widely by program. Lab fees, equipment, software, and any travel for campus lab sessions add to the total, while grants, employer assistance, and guarantees for eligible residents can offset a large share of tuition.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree Online?

A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering typically takes about four years of full-time study, since it requires 120 to 130 credits and a sequence of math, science, and engineering courses. Programs with shorter terms, such as ASU's 7.5-week classes, can make it easier to keep a steady pace.

Transfer credits from a community college can shorten the timeline, while part-time students who work full time should expect to take longer. Master's programs generally take one to two years, and combined bachelor's-and-master's pathways can add a graduate degree in as little as one extra year.

How To Choose the Right Low-Cost Mechanical Engineering Degree

Price matters, but accreditation, lab delivery, and licensure goals can matter more. Weigh the criteria below before you apply.

• ABET accreditation: Confirm that the program holds ABET accreditation, since it affects licensure eligibility and how employers view your degree.
• Engineering versus engineering technology: Understand the difference, since technology programs focus more on applied skills and less on theory and may be treated differently for licensure and graduate admission.
• Lab and campus requirements: Ask how labs are delivered, whether weekend or summer sessions are required, and what travel would cost you.
• Fully online availability: Check whether every required course is available online, since some programs leave a few courses or electives on campus.
• Concentrations: Programs differ in focus, from mechanical design and thermal sciences to computational engineering and energy systems, so match the curriculum to your goals.
• Transfer and prior-credit policies: Generous transfer policies can cut both cost and time, especially if you hold an associate degree or technical credits.
• Total cost and aid: Compare net price, fees, and compatibility with employer or military benefits rather than tuition alone.

Career Outlook With an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineers earn a median annual wage of $104,110, and employment is projected to grow 11% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS expects about 17,800 openings each year, with many in engineering services, machinery manufacturing, and transportation equipment manufacturing.

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology, and most employers prefer graduates of accredited programs. Licensure isn't required for entry-level roles, but a Professional Engineering license can come later in your career. If you're starting from a technology background, mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically enter with an associate degree and earn a median annual wage of $74,510.

FAQs About Free Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs

The answers below cover common concerns about free learning options and what they mean for your path into engineering. They'll help you set realistic expectations as you compare programs.

Are There Free Online Mechanical Engineering Courses?

Yes, free courses are available online. Platforms such as Coursera and edX often let you audit introductory engineering, physics, and design courses at no charge, and Khan Academy offers free lessons in math and physics that build the foundation engineering requires. These resources can help you prepare or test your interest, but they don't carry degree credit or replace ABET-accredited coursework.

Are There Free Online Mechanical Engineering Certificates?

Some platforms offer free certificates of completion for short courses, and a few universities offer paid certificates in areas such as CAD, manufacturing, or engineering management. A free certificate can show initiative on your resume, but it isn't a substitute for an accredited degree. If you want a credential with academic weight, look for a certificate from an accredited school that can later count toward a degree.

Is a Free Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers focus on whether your school and engineering program are accredited, not on how you paid for your degree. An online degree from an accredited university carries the same value as an on-campus degree, and some schools, such as ASU, don't note the online format on the diploma. The BLS notes that most employers prefer graduates of accredited programs, so ABET accreditation is an especially important signal.

Is a Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree the Same as Mechanical Engineering?

Not exactly. The BLS notes that mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in either mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology, but technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. Licensure rules and graduate school admission can differ by program and by state, so check your goals before you choose.

Can I Earn a Master's Degree Faster After My Bachelor's?

Often, yes. Some universities offer combined bachelor's-and-master's pathways, and the BLS notes that some colleges offer five-year programs that award both degrees. The University of North Dakota, for example, lets mechanical engineering students earn a master's in just one additional year. Ask each school about eligibility, GPA requirements, and how many credits can count toward both degrees.

Find Affordable Online Mechanical Engineering Programs

Learn.org brings online mechanical engineering programs together in one place so you can compare costs, lab formats, and aid options side by side. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admission requirements, lab arrangements, and financial aid.