Mechatronics Programs.com

ABET-EAC · Updated 2026

Best ABET-EAC Accredited Mechatronics Engineering Programs (2026)

ABET-EAC accreditation is the prerequisite for the FE-to-PE engineering licensure pathway. Only a handful of US bachelor's programs use the explicit "Mechatronics Engineering" title under EAC accreditation; this is the ranked list.

Taylor Rupe, editor of MechatronicsPrograms.com

edited by , b.s. computer science · software engineer

updated

Programs ranked

24

In this list

Top score

78

Out of 100

Engineer median

$116,030

SOC 17-2199, BLS May 2024

Time to credential

4 yrs

Full-time

The rankings

  1. 1

    University of North Carolina at Asheville · Asheville, NC

    Joint BS in Engineering, Mechatronics Concentration (NC State / UNC Asheville)

    The Joint BS in Engineering, Mechatronics Concentration (JEM) is offered jointly by NC State and UNC Asheville — students spend all four years on the UNC Asheville campus, take engineering coursework taught by NC State faculty on-site, and graduate with degrees from both institutions. Engineering content comes from NC State's Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering plus Electrical and Computer Engineering; liberal-arts and humanities content comes from UNC Asheville's strong humanities core. EAC-accredited since 2014, with public-tuition pricing under $7,500/year in-state — among the most affordable EAC mechatronics options in the country.

    Tuition: $7,392/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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  2. 2

    Middle Tennessee State University · Murfreesboro, TN

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    Middle Tennessee State University's BS in Mechatronics Engineering is ABET-EAC accredited under the General Criteria, with an industry advisory base spanning the entire middle-Tennessee manufacturing cluster: Nissan Smyrna, Bridgestone La Vergne, Marelli, GM, plus automation integrators (Automation Nth, Spring Automation, Fives International), defense (Boeing), and logistics (FedEx, Amazon, Schneider Electric). The Academic Common Market program lets Alabama and South Carolina residents pay in-state Tennessee tuition. Murfreesboro location puts graduates 30 minutes from Nashville.

    Tuition: $9,500/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

    Industry partners: Nissan, Bridgestone, GM, Boeing, Schneider Electric, TORC Robotics, FedEx, Amazon

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    77

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  3. 3

    Kettering University · Flint, MI

    BS in Engineering, Mechatronic Systems Concentration

    Kettering University's distinctive Engineering BS — Mechatronic Systems Concentration is delivered under the school's signature co-op model: students alternate 11-week academic terms with 12-week paid work terms at an approved employer (typically General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Bosch, or another major auto/automation employer), professional-development modules built throughout. The concentration covers the intersection of electrical/computer and mechanical engineering with heavy emphasis on robotics and modern industrial systems. Kettering's deep automotive co-op pipeline makes this the most-recognized mechatronics-track engineering degree for students aiming at Detroit-metro engineering careers; private tuition reflects the embedded co-op income stream that offsets cost.

    Tuition: $51,490/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

    Industry partners: General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Bosch

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  4. 4

    Iowa State University · Ames, IA

    BS in Mechanical Engineering (mechatronics electives)

    Iowa State's BS in Mechanical Engineering is a Big-12 public ME degree (EAC-accredited since 1936) — there's no formal Mechatronics concentration, but students with mechatronics interest typically combine ME 4100 (Mechanical Engineering Applications of Mechatronics — sensor characterization, signal conditioning, motion control, embedded computer control) with the Cyber-Physical Systems Minor and self-selected technical electives. Public-tuition pricing under $10,500/year in-state plus Iowa's strong agricultural-equipment, food-processing, and renewable-energy employer base. Best fit for students who want the breadth and licensure pathway of an EAC ME degree with mechatronics depth layered in through electives.

    Tuition: $10,024/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    77

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  5. 5

    Northern Illinois University · DeKalb, IL

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    Northern Illinois University runs the only ABET-EAC accredited Mechatronics Engineering BS in Illinois and is regularly cited as one of fewer than ten EAC-accredited mechatronics engineering BS programs in the entire United States. Industry partnerships with Omron, Siemens, Collins Aerospace, Adept Robotics, and John Deere feed graduates directly into the Chicago manufacturing corridor. Curriculum spans robotics, automation, AI, machine learning, control systems, embedded systems, and signal processing in a tight interdisciplinary structure.

    Tuition: $13,500/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

    Industry partners: Omron, Siemens, Collins Aerospace, Adept Robotics, John Deere

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    Overall

    76

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  6. 6

    California State University, Chico · Chico, CA

    BS in Mechatronic Engineering

    California State University Chico runs one of California's three EAC-accredited standalone mechatronics BS degrees (alongside CSU Channel Islands and CSU Monterey Bay). Housed in the Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Department, with the MECA 440 capstone design and fabrication sequence anchoring the senior year. Serves Sacramento Valley and North State manufacturers.

    Tuition: $7,200/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    75

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  7. 7

    California State University Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    CSU Channel Islands is one of only three California State University campuses offering a Mechatronics Engineering BS, alongside CSU Monterey Bay and a small handful of other CSUs. Public-tuition pricing under $7,500/year in-state makes this one of the most affordable EAC-accredited mechatronics engineering bachelor's degrees in the country. The program is housed inside the Computer Science department and emphasizes small-cohort delivery (~24 students) with strong access to faculty. Coursework spans computer hardware, electronics, and mechanical engineering integration toward robotics and automated-systems design careers.

    Tuition: $7,218/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    75

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  8. 8

    California State University, Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    CSU Monterey Bay's BS in Mechatronics Engineering is one of only three Mechatronics Engineering programs in the entire California State University system. The interdisciplinary curriculum fuses mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science with strong emphasis on embedded systems, robotics, automation, and control theory. Hands-on training, internships, and a required year-long senior capstone project anchor the experience. Central California location puts graduates within commuting distance of Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area employer base. CSU public tuition (~$7,200/year in-state) keeps EAC-accredited mechatronics engineering accessible.

    Tuition: $7,236/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    75

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  9. 9

    Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw, GA

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    Kennesaw State University claims the largest undergraduate enrollment in Mechatronics Engineering of any US program. The Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET) at KSU is Georgia's second-largest engineering program (~6,700 students), and the dedicated Department of Robotics & Mechatronics Engineering anchors the mechatronics BS specifically. Atlanta metro location plugs graduates into the growing Southeast advanced-manufacturing corridor. Public-tuition pricing under $7,500/year in-state.

    Tuition: $7,000/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    75

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  10. 10

    Colorado State University Pueblo · Pueblo, CO

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    Colorado State University Pueblo runs the only ABET-EAC accredited Mechatronics Engineering BS in Colorado. WICHE WRGP eligibility lets students from WICHE member states pay near-in-state rates. 3+2 BS-to-MS pipeline available. Pueblo location with strong Front Range aerospace and defense placement (Lockheed Martin Waterton, Ball Aerospace, Vestas Wind Pueblo).

    Tuition: $10,050/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    74

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  11. 11

    Kent State University · Kent, OH

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    Kent State is one of very few US institutions running both an EAC-accredited Mechatronics Engineering BS (this entry — the engineer-track, FE/PE-licensure-eligible degree) and a separate ETAC-accredited Mechatronics Engineering Technology BS. The EAC track sits in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at the Kent campus, with public-tuition pricing among the most affordable EAC mechatronics options in the country. Curriculum is built around design, construction, and operation of automated systems, robots, and intelligent products that come from integrated hardware-software systems.

    Tuition: $12,300/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    74

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  12. 12

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL

    BS in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering

    Southern Illinois University Edwardsville runs an EAC-accredited BS in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, one of the few US programs combining both titles in a single degree. The two-semester senior design capstone plus URCA undergraduate research opportunities anchor an applied curriculum that places graduates into robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, defense, medical devices, and agriculture technology. SIUE's accelerated BS+MS option lets motivated students continue into graduate work without losing time.

    Tuition: $11,000/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    74

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  13. 13

    Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology · Flushing, NY

    BS in Mechatronic Engineering

    Vaughn College is the only institution in the Northeast holding ABET-EAC accreditation for a Mechatronic Engineering BS — accredited under both the General Criteria AND the Program Criteria for Mechatronics, Robotics, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs (the more specific accreditation tier). The 134-credit curriculum combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to prepare graduates for aerospace, automation, automotive, computer, and communications industries. Vaughn's deep aviation roots (the campus sits adjacent to LaGuardia Airport) give the program a strong aerospace and avionics flavor that's harder to find elsewhere in mechatronics education.

    Tuition: $28,230/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    73

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  14. 14

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA

    BS in Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronics Concentration

    Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a Mechatronics Concentration inside its EAC-accredited BS in Mechanical Engineering. Concentration is not a standalone degree, but the EAC mechanical engineering credential combined with mechatronics-focused upper-division coursework prepares students for intelligent product design in factory automation, robotics, hybrid vehicles, and alternative energy. Bently Center industry partnerships.

    Tuition: $10,800/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    71

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  15. 15

    University of Southern Indiana · Evansville, IN

    BSE with Mechatronics Emphasis

    University of Southern Indiana's BSE with Mechatronics Emphasis sits inside the broader ABET-EAC accredited BSE (Bachelor of Science in Engineering). The mechatronics emphasis is a formal track adding mechatronics-focused upper-division coursework to the EAC engineering credential. Evansville location with strong Toyota Indiana (Princeton plant 25 minutes north) and broader southwest IN manufacturing placement.

    Tuition: $8,800/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    71

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  16. 16

    Oregon Institute of Technology · Klamath Falls, OR

    BS Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Control Engineering (Dual Major)

    Oregon Institute of Technology's BS in Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Control Engineering is a dual major paired with one of Oregon Tech's ABET-EAC accredited primary engineering degrees (BSEE, BSME, or BSREE). Wilsonville campus places students directly in the Silicon Forest semiconductor-equipment corridor (Intel Hillsboro, Lam Research, Applied Materials).

    Tuition: $11,200/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    71

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  17. 17

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette · Lafayette, LA

    BS Mechanical Engineering - Autonomous and Robotic Systems Concentration

    University of Louisiana at Lafayette's BS in Mechanical Engineering with Autonomous and Robotic Systems Concentration is ABET-EAC accredited via the parent BSME. Concentration launched Fall 2022 with cyber-physical systems lab work including autonomous boats, drones, and human-robot collaboration research.

    Tuition: $10,418/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    71

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  18. 18

    University of Nevada, Reno · Reno, NV

    BS Electrical Engineering - Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and Embedded Systems Emphasis

    University of Nevada Reno's BS Electrical Engineering with Robotics, Autonomous/Aerial Vehicles, and Embedded Systems Emphasis is ABET-EAC accredited via the parent BSEE. The closest Nevada equivalent to a dedicated robotics-engineering bachelor's. Strong fit for students wanting FE-to-PE licensure path with robotics specialization.

    Tuition: $8,500/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    71

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  19. 19

    New Mexico State University · Las Cruces, NM

    BS Electrical Engineering - Controls & Robotics

    New Mexico State University's BS Electrical Engineering with Controls and Robotics concentration is the only ABET-EAC accredited robotics-concentration bachelor's in New Mexico. Required core in control systems synthesis. Direct pipeline to Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, Holloman AFB, and White Sands Missile Range.

    Tuition: $8,200/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    71

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  20. 20

    Anderson University · Anderson, IN

    BS in Mechatronics Engineering

    Anderson University (Indiana) is one of only a handful of US institutions whose Mechatronics Engineering BS is ABET-EAC accredited specifically under the Program Criteria for Mechatronics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs — most other accredited US mechatronics BS programs use the General Criteria alone. The four-year curriculum gives students background and experience in optimal controls, robust controls, adaptable controls, robotics, machine learning, and computer vision — coursework that prepares graduates for the FE-to-PE engineering licensure track. Faith-based liberal-arts setting wrapped around a serious hands-on engineering core; small-cohort delivery throughout.

    Tuition: $33,990/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    71

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  21. 21

    Lawrence Technological University · Southfield, MI

    BS in Robotics Engineering

    Lawrence Tech's BS in Robotics Engineering was the first robotics-engineering bachelor's program in Michigan and the second in the United States. The interdisciplinary degree blends mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and robotics-specific coursework — close enough to a mechatronics BS in scope that we include it for students searching mechatronics outcomes. Students work in a 1,300 sqft Robotics Engineering Lab with electronics equipment, autonomous-platform testing space, light fabrication, and 3D printing, plus active competition teams in LTU's own Robofest VCC and the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition. EAC-accredited engineering degree — opens the FE-to-PE licensure pathway.

    Tuition: $35,070/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    71

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  22. 22

    New Jersey Institute of Technology · Newark, NJ

    BS in General Engineering, Mechatronics Concentration

    NJIT runs the only four-year mechatronics-named pathway in New Jersey. The Mechatronics Concentration sits inside the ABET-EAC accredited BS in General Engineering and adds 18 credits of mechatronics-specific coursework — robotics, mechatronic systems, microcontroller interfacing, motion control. Students access the NJIT Robotics Training Lab and Makerspace. Newark location feeds the broader NJ-NYC defense and pharma corridor.

    Tuition: $19,974/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    Overall

    70

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  23. 23

    Arizona State University · Tempe, AZ

    BSE in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

    Arizona State University's BSE in Robotics and Autonomous Systems is housed at the Polytechnic campus in Mesa. ABET-EAC accredited under ASU's broader Engineering BSE umbrella. The Polytechnic campus has dedicated robotics, automation, and mechatronics labs aligned with the Boeing Mesa Apache helicopter operation 15 minutes away. Multiple specialization tracks including mechatronics and automation.

    Tuition: $12,397/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

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    70

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  24. 24

    Wentworth Institute of Technology · Boston, MA

    BS in Robotics Engineering

    Wentworth Institute of Technology's BS in Robotics Engineering is robotics-titled but covers the same mechatronics scope (mechanical + electrical + computer engineering + robotics specialization) as a typical mechatronics engineering BS. Wentworth's signature cooperative education model embeds paid full-time work terms throughout the four-year program. Boston location places graduates into Boston-area medical-device companies (Boston Scientific, Stryker), defense contractors (Raytheon, BAE), and the growing Cambridge-area robotics startup ecosystem.

    Tuition: $45,000/yr

    Length: 48 months

    Format: on-campus

    ABET: EAC

    Visit program page

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    67

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What jobs you can get with a bachelor's in mechatronics

The BLS does not maintain a "mechatronics engineer" SOC code, so graduates of bachelor's mechatronics programs distribute across four BLS classifications depending on work emphasis: Mechanical Engineers (17-2141, median $$102,320), Electrical Engineers (17-2071, median $$111,910), Electronics Engineers (17-2072, median $$127,590), and Engineers All Other (17-2199, includes controls and robotics engineers, median $$116,030).

SOC 17-2199 · $116,030 median

Controls Engineer

The most common engineer-tier landing role for mechatronics BS graduates in manufacturing. Designs PLC programs, SCADA systems, process control. Median $116K per BLS.

Full career profile →

SOC 17-2199 · $116,030 median

Automation Engineer

Designs end-to-end production cells: robots, conveyors, vision, safety, PLCs. The discrete-manufacturing engineer-tier title; same SOC and pay band as controls engineer.

Full career profile →

SOC 17-2141 · $102,320 median

Mechanical Engineer

The largest engineering discipline by US employment (293,100 jobs). Mechatronics graduates often land here when work emphasizes mechanical design with embedded electronics. Median $102K.

Full career profile →

SOC 17-2071 · $111,910 median

Electrical Engineer

For mechatronics graduates whose work biases toward motor drives, power electronics, and instrumentation. Median $112K.

Full career profile →

SOC 17-2199 · $116,030 median

Robotics Engineer

Designs robotic systems end-to-end. Frontier sub-niches (autonomous vehicles, surgical robotics, humanoid robotics) consistently top $300K total compensation at senior levels.

Full career profile →

Salary outlook for bachelor's graduates

Entry pay for ABET-EAC mechatronics BS graduates typically $70,000-$95,000 base in most US metros. Top-tier employers (SpaceX, Apple, Tesla, top defense primes) start $100K-$140K base in expensive metros. EV battery plants and semiconductor fabs are paying premium rates through 2028 — $90K-$115K base for new graduates in plant-engineering roles.

Per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data for SOC 17-2199 (Engineers, All Other (incl. Robotics and Controls Engineers)), May 2024 OEWS:

Percentile Annual wage Profile
50th (median)$116,0305-10 years experience

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Engineers, All Other (incl. Robotics and Controls Engineers)

Pay rises significantly with experience and credential stacking. See the full Controls Engineer career profile for the complete pay progression across career stages and the named employers paying at each level.

Certifications to pair with this bachelor's

The bachelor's mechatronics credential's career impact is strongest when paired with industry-recognized certifications. The highest-leverage credentials to add:

NCEES · $175

FE Exam

Step 1 of the PE licensure pathway. Required during senior year for ABET-EAC graduates pursuing engineering licensure. $175 fee.

Full credential guide →

NCEES / State licensing boards · $375

PE Licensure

Engineering licensure granted state-by-state. PE Control Systems is the closest topical match for mechatronics-engineering work.

Full credential guide →

Siemens · $250

Siemens SMSCP

Optional but useful — SMSCP Level 3 signals hands-on mechatronics depth complementing the engineering BS.

Full credential guide →

Compare all 7 mechatronics credentials →

How to evaluate a bachelor's program

Beyond the ranked list above, use these criteria when comparing specific programs side-by-side. Each criterion is one of the data inputs we use in our 7-factor scoring methodology.

  1. ABET accreditation commission (EAC vs ETAC). ABET-EAC is the engineering accreditation that unlocks the FE-to-PE pathway in every US state. ABET-ETAC is engineering technology — PE-eligible in roughly 30 states with additional experience. Pick based on whether you plan PE licensure.
  2. Co-op or internship program. Most ABET-EAC graduates with strong career outcomes have 2+ engineering internships or a co-op (Drexel, Northeastern, Cincinnati, Kettering, RIT). The internship-to-full-time conversion is the dominant entry pathway at large engineering employers.
  3. Industry partnerships and capstone-project sponsors. Strong engineering programs run capstone projects sponsored by named industry partners. Look for active sponsor lists with local large-employer participation.
  4. Lab and research facility currency. Modern engineering education requires current-generation equipment: CAD workstations (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA), FEA tools (ANSYS), PLC trainers (Studio 5000, TIA Portal), at least one industrial robot, embedded systems hardware.
  5. Faculty research and credentials. For research-leaning candidates and those considering graduate school, faculty research alignment with target specialty area matters. Review faculty publications and active research grants.
  6. Total cost-of-attendance reality. Sticker tuition is misleading. Net cost after Pell, state aid, merit scholarships, and federal loans is the real number. Calculate before assuming you can't afford a specific institution.

Cost & funding sources

In-state public university tuition typically runs $7,000-$26,000 per year. Out-of-state public and private university tuition runs $30,000-$60,000 per year. Total degree cost ranges $30,000-$240,000 depending on residency, institution type, and aid package. Public state universities in mechatronics-engineering states (Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina) often net under $40,000 for in-state students after aid.

The most common funding sources for bachelor's mechatronics candidates:

  • Federal Pell Grant (typically not at private universities; common at public state universities)
  • Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents
  • State-resident tuition discounts at public universities
  • Merit scholarships (institutional + external like Society of Manufacturing Engineers)
  • Employer-sponsored cooperative education (co-op) programs (Drexel, Northeastern, Cincinnati, Kettering, RIT)
  • GI Bill (Post-9/11 covers in-state public tuition plus housing allowance)
  • ROTC scholarships (full tuition for engineering majors in exchange for military service commitment)

Time to credential & starting pay

How long it takes

Four years (8 semesters) for traditional full-time enrollment, typically 128 credit hours. Co-op programs (Drexel, Northeastern, Cincinnati, Kettering, RIT) extend to 5 years but include 12-18 months of paid full-time engineering work. Part-time and transfer paths extend to 5-7 years.

What you'll earn coming out

Entry pay for ABET-EAC mechatronics BS graduates typically $70,000-$95,000 base in most US metros. Top-tier employers (SpaceX, Apple, Tesla, top defense primes) start $100K-$140K base in expensive metros. EV battery plants and semiconductor fabs are paying premium rates through 2028 — $90K-$115K base for new graduates in plant-engineering roles.

Adjacent credentials to compare

The bachelor's mechatronics credential is one of several closely-related credential paths. The right choice depends on your career direction, timeline, and financial situation.

Credential Tradeoff
BS in Mechanical Engineering with mechatronics electives Broader employer recognition (mechanical is the largest US engineering discipline). Less integrated electrical-controls depth than dedicated mechatronics. Often easier to find than dedicated mechatronics BS.
BS in Electrical Engineering with controls/robotics specialty Stronger electrical-side fundamentals. Mechanical design depth limited unless dual-major or strong electives.
BS in Robotics Engineering Dedicated robotics-specific track (WPI, Lawrence Tech, others). Better for robotics-frontier careers; narrower employer base.
AAS in Mechatronics 2 years instead of 4. Leads to technician-tier roles ($48K-$70K) rather than engineer-tier ($70K-$170K). No PE pathway.

How we ranked these programs

Each program in this list is scored 0-100 across seven weighted factors. The scoring is deterministic — same methodology applied to every program with no editorial thumb on the scale. Per-factor scores are computed from data points we maintain in our program directory: accreditation status, named industry partners, tuition, format, partnership history.

  • Accreditation (25%): Active accreditation from the recognized body in this field, plus continuous accreditation history.
  • Program leadership (15%): Program director credentials, tenure, and ongoing professional involvement.
  • Pathways & laddering (15%): Stackable credentials, articulation agreements, and graduate-pathway support.
  • Delivery format (15%): Online/hybrid/in-person flexibility, residency requirements, and start dates.
  • Employer signal (15%): Documented hiring partnerships, internship placements, and graduate placement.
  • Cost & affordability (10%): In-state and online tuition, transparent fees, and aid availability.
  • Reputation (5%): Institutional reputation, regional accreditation, and student satisfaction signals.

The methodology is constant across every ranking we publish — national, state, city, and modifier-prefixed pages all use the same factor weights. Full methodology details and per-factor scoring logic.

Pitfalls & things to know

  • Don't choose ABET-ETAC if you need ABET-EAC. ETAC degrees limit PE licensure eligibility in about 20 US states and require additional qualifying experience in others. If PE matters to your career, choose EAC.
  • Internships matter more than GPA at most US employers. Two strong engineering internships beat a 4.0 with no work experience. Optimize for co-op or internship access when choosing a program.
  • Mechatronics graduates may face thermal-systems and CFD gaps. Compared to traditional mechanical engineering graduates, mechatronics curricula often shorter on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and CFD. If you want HVAC, energy, or propulsion roles, plan to fill gaps via electives.
  • Non-ABET BS programs limit options. Some smaller schools market "engineering" BS programs that are not ABET-accredited. Avoid — these close off the PE pathway and filter out of many large-employer hiring funnels.
  • The PE pathway is optional for most mechatronics careers. Most private-industry mechatronics engineers (automotive OEMs, semiconductor, robotics, big-tech hardware) do not need PE licensure. The "industrial exemption" in most state codes covers them. Pursue PE only if your career direction is toward consulting or public-sector work.

Frequently asked questions

How are these programs ranked?
Each program is scored 0-100 across seven weighted factors: Accreditation (25%), Program leadership (15%), Pathways & laddering (15%), Delivery format (15%), Employer signal (15%), Cost & affordability (10%), Reputation (5%). Scores are computed deterministically from program data — same methodology applied to every program with no editorial thumb on the scale. Full per-factor scoring logic is on our methodology page.
Is this the complete list of US programs?
No. Our directory prioritizes programs with documented industry partnerships, current operation, and recognizable employer outcomes. Many additional programs exist nationwide that we have not yet catalogued. We add programs as we research and verify them.
How current is this data?
Program details (tuition, partnerships, accreditation status) verified as of 2026-05-19. BLS wage data is from the May 2024 OEWS release. We update annually or sooner when major program changes occur.
Does the program need ABET-EAC accreditation for PE licensure?
Yes, in nearly all US states. ABET-EAC is the engineering-program accreditation that unlocks the FE-to-PE licensure pathway cleanly. ABET-ETAC graduates can pursue PE in roughly 30 US states with additional qualifying experience. Programs with only regional institutional accreditation are generally not eligible for PE licensure.
Do I need a PE for a mechatronics engineering career?
For most mechatronics-engineering careers in private industry — automotive OEMs, semiconductor companies, robotics firms, big-tech hardware, EV battery plants, defense contractors — PE licensure is not required. The "industrial exemption" in most state engineering codes covers in-house engineers. You need a PE for consulting engineering, public-sector infrastructure work, certain government roles, or starting your own engineering firm.
What certifications should I pair with this credential?
For mechatronics bachelor's-track candidates, the highest-leverage certifications are FE Exam, PE Licensure, Siemens SMSCP. Each pairs well with the credential and signals depth to employers. See our certifications hub for the comprehensive comparison.

Sources & methodology

Program details verified as of 2026-05-19. BLS wage data is from May 2024 OEWS release. Tuition figures from state community-college system tuition tables and individual institutional pages. Pay-percentile values between published 10/50/90 BLS anchors are interpolated.

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