The 50 best mechanical engineering associate programs, ranked
- 1
Springfield Technical Community College · Springfield, MA
Associate in Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
The MET program other community colleges measure themselves against.
STCC is the only technical community college in Massachusetts and its MET program is repeatedly ranked among the top associate-level MET programs in the country by College Factual. The curriculum pairs CAD, CNC, materials, and statics with strong articulation into BS programs at Western New England University, UMass Lowell, and Wentworth Institute of Technology. Located on the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, the program has long-standing employer ties to precision-manufacturing shops across western Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,856/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
86
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 2
Wake Technical Community College · Raleigh, NC
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (A40320A)
SolidWorks-first MET program in the Research Triangle's biggest community-college pipeline.
Wake Tech is North Carolina's largest community college and its 68-credit MET AAS bundles AutoCAD, SolidWorks, applied mechanics, and materials engineering with a separate Mechatronics track on the same chassis. Graduates feed directly into Research Triangle manufacturers and have a clean transfer pathway into NC State and ECU engineering technology BS programs through the NCCCS Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
Visit program pageTuition: $2,584/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
81
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 3
Hudson Valley Community College · Troy, NY
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
55+ years of continuous ABET accreditation in the capital district.
Hudson Valley's MET program has held ABET-ETAC accreditation continuously since 1970, one of the longest-running associate-level accreditations in the country. The program sits inside the capital region's manufacturing corridor and feeds directly into RPI, SUNY Polytechnic, and Alfred State for BS completion. Coursework emphasizes machine design, fluid power, thermodynamics, and SolidWorks modeling.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,560/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
86
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 4
Queensborough Community College · Bayside (Queens), NY
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
2+2 straight into City Tech BTech at CUNY tuition.
QCC's MET AAS is articulated as the first two years of NYC College of Technology's Bachelor of Engineering Technology — graduates apply for advanced standing with no credit loss. The program serves one of the most diverse student bodies in the country at CUNY-resident pricing and feeds NYC's MTA, ConEd, and aerospace contractors on Long Island.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,200/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
86
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 5
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) · Cleveland, OH
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Cleveland's manufacturing pipeline starts here.
Tri-C's MET prepares students for design, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance roles across Cleveland's aerospace, automotive, and medical-device employers, including Parker Hannifin and Lincoln Electric. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on use of industry-current CAD/CAM software and articulates into Cleveland State, the University of Akron, and Kent State for BS engineering technology completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $3,694/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
86
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 1015% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 6
NHTI, Concord's Community College · Concord, NH
Associate in Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Granite State's flagship two-year MET pipeline.
NHTI's MET pairs design, manufacturing, and controls coursework with extensive CAD/solid modeling labs. The program articulates into UNH Manchester, Granite State, and Wentworth for BS completion and feeds defense and precision-manufacturing employers including BAE Systems and Hypertherm. Strong placement into assistant-engineer and machine-designer roles right out of the AS.
Visit program pageTuition: $6,720/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 7
County College of Morris · Randolph, NJ
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Capstone-project MET that hands off cleanly to NJIT.
CCM's 40-credit MET core spans CAD, manufacturing, materials, circuits, and physics, capped by a culminating engineering project. Graduates transfer seamlessly into NJIT's School of Applied Engineering and Technology for the BS in Engineering Technology and into Rowan, Rutgers, and Stevens for related BS programs.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,520/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 8
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology · Lancaster, PA
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Residential technical college with near-100% placement.
Thaddeus Stevens is a state-related technical college with a near-100% placement rate and a residential, hands-on model unusual at the associate level. MET students rotate through fully-equipped CAD, CNC, metrology, and machine-design labs and feed central Pennsylvania manufacturers including Armstrong, Sheetz, and the defense supply chain.
Visit program pageTuition: $11,820/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
76
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 85% 10 - 9
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College · Erie, PA
Associate in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology (A.ENGT.)
Two-year onramp to Behrend's flagship MET bachelor's.
Penn State Behrend's two-year A.ENGT. is the entry rung to the highly-regarded Behrend School of Engineering BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology — students graduate qualifying for entry-level positions in applied product design, tool and die, quality control, and technical sales, or move directly into the BS. Erie's GE Transportation and Plastics Valley employers recruit heavily on campus.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,500/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
81
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 85% 10 - 10
Erie Community College · Buffalo, NY
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Buffalo's manufacturing belt, three campuses, ABET seal.
ECC's three-campus footprint across Buffalo and Erie County puts MET students within commuting distance of Moog, Praxair, and a dense advanced-manufacturing corridor. The program offers flexible full-time, part-time, day, and evening schedules and articulates into SUNY Buffalo State, Alfred State, and the University at Buffalo for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,650/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
83
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 1010% 710% 610% 105% 10 - 11
Mohawk Valley Community College · Utica, NY
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mohawk Valley chip-fab feeder with a SUNY Poly handoff.
MVCC's MET sits in the heart of the upstate New York chip-fab corridor anchored by Wolfspeed and the Marcy Nanocenter and articulates into SUNY Polytechnic, Alfred State, and Rochester Institute of Technology for BS completion. Coursework runs from technical computing through mechanical analysis to manufacturing systems and material testing.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,564/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 12
Penn State York · York, PA
Associate in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology (A.ENGT.)
Direct onramp to Penn State's Commonwealth MET BS pathway.
Penn State York's MET A.ENGT. trains technicians for the BAE Systems, Harley-Davidson, and Caterpillar plants that anchor south-central Pennsylvania. Graduates qualify for direct entry into the BS Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology at York, Berks, Altoona, or New Kensington, or the MET BS at Behrend/Harrisburg.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,300/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
77
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 810% 710% 610% 85% 8 - 13
Sinclair Community College · Dayton, OH
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MEGT.S.AAS)
Stackable MET credentials at the heart of Dayton aerospace.
Sinclair's MET feeds the Dayton aerospace/Air Force/GE Aviation ecosystem with technicians trained in conceptual design, systems engineering, manufacturing, and product R&D. Non-calculus-based by design (with calc-based bridge available), the program is supported by stackable Mechanical Problem Solver and Mechanical Software Technician certificates that let students earn credentials while finishing the AAS.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,068/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 14
Ivy Tech Community College · Indianapolis, IN
Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Statewide ABET AS that guarantees Indiana four-year junior status.
Ivy Tech offers the MET AS at five campuses across Indiana (Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette) and the degree is designated a TSAP program — Transfer Single Articulation Pathway — guaranteeing junior-status admission at any Indiana public four-year. With Purdue, IUPUI, and Ball State on the other end of the pipe, students can save $10K+ on the bachelor's path.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,830/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
79
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 915% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 15
Central Piedmont Community College · Charlotte, NC
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Charlotte's MET pipeline into Siemens and Duke Energy.
Central Piedmont sits at the center of Charlotte's energy-and-manufacturing corridor with employer pipelines into Siemens Energy, Duke Energy, and the Carolinas aerospace cluster. The MET AAS pairs SolidWorks, GD&T, and CNC training with an Associate in Engineering transfer option for students aiming at UNC Charlotte or NC State BSME.
Visit program pageTuition: $2,432/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
74
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 915% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 16
Pellissippi State Community College · Knoxville, TN
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Additive-manufacturing-forward MET in the Oak Ridge corridor.
Pellissippi's MET trains students in CNC operation, CMM analysis, parametric modeling, and additive manufacturing — skills that map directly onto Oak Ridge National Lab, the Y-12 complex, and the regional automotive supply chain. The program guarantees Tennessee Transfer Pathway credit into UT Knoxville and Tennessee Tech for BS engineering and engineering tech.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,576/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 17
Guilford Technical Community College · Jamestown, NC
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Workforce partner for Toyota battery and Boom Supersonic.
GTCC is the official workforce partner for the Toyota battery megaplant in Liberty, NC and for the Boom Supersonic Overture factory at PTI airport. The MET AAS articulates into NC A&T State's BS engineering technology programs and into UNC Charlotte and ECU via the NCCCS Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
Visit program pageTuition: $2,432/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 18
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College · Asheville, NC
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Western Carolina MET feeder for Pratt & Whitney and Linamar.
A-B Tech's MET program covers the design, manufacturing, and quality-control side of mechanical systems with regional employer pull from Linamar, Eaton, and Pratt & Whitney's new turbine airfoil facility. Articulates into Western Carolina and UNC Charlotte engineering technology BS programs.
Visit program pageTuition: $2,432/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 19
Forsyth Technical Community College · Winston-Salem, NC
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Piedmont Triad's two-year MET workhorse.
Forsyth Tech's MET AAS prepares students to design, develop, and test mechanical systems and feeds the Piedmont Triad's biotech, advanced-manufacturing, and aerospace employers. Strong articulation into Wake Forest, NC A&T, and UNC Greensboro for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $2,432/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 20
Onondaga Community College · Syracuse, NY
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Technology
Micron-corridor MET feeder with a SUNY Poly transfer ramp.
OCC's Mechanical Technology AAS sits in the Syracuse semiconductor corridor that will host Micron's $100B fab buildout — graduates are qualified for immediate placement as engineering lab techs, CAD operators, or sales engineers, with transfer pathways into SUNY Polytechnic and Syracuse University.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,712/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
75
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 21
Delaware Technical Community College · Dover, DE
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Delaware's only ABET MET, statewide.
DelTech's MET runs the full mechanical design lifecycle — CAD, solid mechanics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design — and graduates feed DuPont, Chemours, and the Port of Wilmington's industrial base. Articulates into the University of Delaware and Wilmington University for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,560/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
75
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 22
Virginia Peninsula Community College · Hampton, VA
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
MET feeder for Newport News Shipbuilding and NASA Langley.
VPCC's MET pairs CAD, composites, and hydraulics coursework with a Mechatronics specialization track and a formal articulation agreement into Old Dominion University's BSEET. The Hampton Roads location feeds Newport News Shipbuilding, NASA Langley, and the Joint Base Langley-Eustis civilian contractor base.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,920/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 23
Hagerstown Community College · Hagerstown, MD
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Maryland's most-graduated MET program.
Maryland's most-popular MET program by enrollment, Hagerstown CC pairs drafting, mechanics, strength-of-materials, machine design, CNC, and CAD coursework with a CAD specialization concentration. Articulates into Frostburg State, Towson, and Penn State for BS engineering tech.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,800/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 24
Penn State DuBois · DuBois, PA
Associate in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology (A.ENGT.)
ABET MET in western PA's plastics-and-gas corridor.
Penn State DuBois's MET A.ENGT. is ABET-ETAC accredited and articulates straight into Behrend's BS MET or Penn State Harrisburg. The campus serves western Pennsylvania's natural-gas, plastics, and lumber-products industries.
Visit program pageTuition: $15,300/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
73
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 85% 8 - 25
Monroe County Community College · Monroe, MI
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Detroit-Toledo corridor MET with auto and solar pipelines.
Sitting between Detroit's auto OEMs and Toledo's glass-and-solar industries, MCCC's MET emphasizes automation, manufacturing processes, strength of materials, CAD/CAM, machine design, quality, and thermodynamics. Articulates into the University of Toledo and Eastern Michigan for BSEET completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $3,792/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 810% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 26
Kent State University at Tuscarawas · New Philadelphia, OH
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
ABET MET at a Kent State regional campus, BSEET-ready.
Kent State Tusc's MET AAS is ABET-ETAC accredited and uses the regional campus's industry-current CAD, CNC, and metrology labs. The program articulates straight into the BSEET at Kent State and into BSMET completion programs across Ohio. Strong placement into Timken, Pretium Packaging, and the Tuscarawas Valley manufacturing base.
Visit program pageTuition: $7,720/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
72
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 27
The University of Akron · Akron, OH
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Inside Akron's polymer-and-engineering college, with Honda and Parker on the other side.
Akron's MET AAS lives inside the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and feeds employers including Bridgestone, Diebold Nixdorf, Hendrickson, Honda, Parker Hannifin, Schaeffler, and Swagelok. Graduates ladder directly into Akron's BSMET on the same campus.
Visit program pageTuition: $11,353/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
70
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 85% 8 - 28
Columbus State Community College · Columbus, OH
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
First-call MET feeder for Intel Ohio One and Honda EV.
Columbus State's MET is positioned to feed Intel's $20B Ohio One semiconductor fab in Licking County, Honda's central Ohio EV plants, and the Battelle/JobsOhio advanced-manufacturing ecosystem. Articulates into Ohio State, Ohio University, and Franklin University for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,791/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
67
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 29
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Memphis, TN
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Memphis's only ABET-ETAC MET program.
Memphis's only ABET-ETAC MET program, Southwest TN feeds FedEx, Smith & Nephew, International Paper, and the Mississippi Delta's automotive and logistics manufacturers. Tennessee Transfer Pathway articulation guarantees junior-status admission at U of Memphis and Tennessee Tech for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,576/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
72
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 30
Western Iowa Tech Community College · Sioux City, IA
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Siouxland's ag-equipment and metal-fab MET feeder.
WITCC's MET covers CAD, design engineering practices, mechanical design, metallurgy, materials, and manufacturing — strong fit for Siouxland's metal-fab, ag-equipment, and food-processing employers. Articulates into Iowa State, UNI, and South Dakota State for BSME and BSMET completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,520/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
67
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 7.515% 610% 710% 610% 105% 8 - 31
Vermont State University (Randolph Center campus) · Randolph Center, VT
Associate of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Vermont's only ABET MET, with a clean A.E.-to-BSMET ladder.
Vermont's only ABET-ETAC accredited MET program, the VTSU A.E. trains students to apply modern tools to engineering problem-solving and ladders directly into VTSU's BSMET on the Randolph Center campus. Strong feeder into GlobalFoundries, GE Aviation Rutland, and Vermont's precision-manufacturing base.
Visit program pageTuition: $12,564/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
66
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 615% 610% 710% 610% 85% 6 - 32
New England Institute of Technology · East Greenwich, RI
Associate in Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Accelerated 18-month MET AS into a 3-year MET BS.
NEIT runs an accelerated 18-month MET AS designed to put graduates into CAD designer, tool designer, and engineering-technician roles fast. Coursework spans electricity/electronics, CAD/drafting, metrology, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation. Direct ladder into NEIT's MET BS in another 18 months.
Visit program pageTuition: $29,250/yr
Length: 18 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
64
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 615% 610% 710% 610% 65% 6 - 33
Three Rivers Community College (CT State Three Rivers) · Norwich, CT
Associate in Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Submarine-builder MET feeder in southeast Connecticut.
Three Rivers MET is the regional pipeline into Electric Boat (General Dynamics) submarine construction in Groton — graduates step into designer, engineering tech, and quality roles on the Virginia-class and Columbia-class programs. Articulates into UConn, Central Connecticut State, and Charter Oak State for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,800/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 34
Northcentral Technical College · Wausau, WI
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology
SolidWorks-first MET in Wisconsin's metal-fab corridor.
NTC's Mechanical Design Engineering Technology AAS is heavy on SolidWorks, GD&T, and product design — graduates feed central Wisconsin's paper, ag-equipment, and metal-fab employers including Greenheck, Marathon Electric, and Crystal Finishing. Articulates into UW-Stout and UW-Platteville for BSEET completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,585/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 35
Illinois Central College · East Peoria, IL
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Caterpillar's neighborhood MET feeder.
ICC sits next to Caterpillar's global HQ and engineering footprint in Peoria — the MET AAS is built around CAD, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design with explicit pipelines into Caterpillar, Komatsu, and the central Illinois ag-equipment supply chain. Articulates into Illinois State and Bradley for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,200/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 36
Lehigh Carbon Community College · Schnecksville, PA
Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Lehigh Valley MET feeder for Mack Trucks and Air Products.
LCCC's MET AS positions graduates for the Lehigh Valley's Mack Trucks, B. Braun Medical, and Air Products engineering departments. Strong articulation into Penn State Lehigh Valley, Lehigh University, and DeSales for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,860/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 37
HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College · Harrisburg, PA
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Five-campus MET ladder into Penn State Harrisburg's BSMET.
HACC's MET AAS articulates into Penn State Harrisburg's BS MET program with no credit loss and feeds central PA's distribution, defense, and food-processing employers. Five-campus footprint across central Pennsylvania makes it the most accessible two-year MET in the region.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,704/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 38
Raritan Valley Community College · Branchburg, NJ
Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Transfer-first MET into Rutgers and NJIT.
RVCC's MET AS is built as a transfer degree into Rutgers, NJIT, and TCNJ — strong feeder into central New Jersey's pharma (J&J, Merck), defense (Lockheed), and energy (PSEG) engineering departments. Smaller program by headcount but highly transfer-focused.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,160/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 39
Augusta Technical College · Augusta, GA
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
ABET MET since 1989 for the Savannah River nuclear corridor.
One of Georgia's longest-running ABET-ETAC accredited MET programs, Augusta Tech feeds the Savannah River Site nuclear complex, Plant Vogtle, John Deere's Augusta tractor cab plant, and Fort Eisenhower civilian contractors. Articulates into Georgia Southern and Augusta University for BS completion.
Visit program pageTuition: $3,420/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
ABET: ETAC
Overall
68
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 725% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 40
Bates Technical College · Tacoma, WA
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Hands-on MET feeder for Boeing suppliers and JBLM contractors.
Bates is a public technical college in Tacoma with a 90-credit MET AAS that pairs design, installation, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance training with strong Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Boeing supplier pipelines. Heavy hands-on lab emphasis on how systems are built and serviced in the field.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,725/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 41
Lake Washington Institute of Technology · Kirkland, WA
Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Greater Seattle MET feeder for Boeing and Blue Origin.
LWTech's MET program puts graduates into assistant engineer, drafter, and designer roles at Boeing, Blue Origin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and the Greater Seattle aerospace and medical-device cluster. Two-year program with explicit aeronautics, aerospace, medical, and consumer-products specialization tracks.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,500/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 42
Salt Lake Community College · Taylorsville, UT
Mechanical Engineering — Associate of Pre-Engineering (APE)
73-credit pre-engineering APE that hands off to Utah, USU, or Weber BSME.
SLCC's Associate of Pre-Engineering is a customizable transfer degree with a dedicated Mechanical Engineering track — students complete the calculus, physics, statics, and dynamics sequence and transfer with junior status into the University of Utah, Utah State, or Weber State BSME programs.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,224/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 43
Northern Virginia Community College · Annandale, VA
Associate of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering specialization)
Largest two-year transfer pipeline into Virginia Tech engineering.
NOVA's AS Engineering is the largest two-year transfer engineering pipeline into Virginia Tech and George Mason in the country and the ADVANCE program with Mason guarantees seamless BSME completion. Mechanical specialization students take calculus, physics, statics, and dynamics on the AS side then move into the BS in their junior year.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,768/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 44
College of Southern Maryland · La Plata, MD
Associate of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering track)
Direct AS-to-BSME transfer into UMD with junior status.
CSM's AS in Engineering provides a junior-status transfer pathway into the University of Maryland for the BSME along with formal agreements with NC State and West Virginia University. The program serves Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the southern Maryland defense contractor base.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,860/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 45
Anne Arundel Community College · Arnold, MD
Associate of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
Annapolis-area ASE with UMD and Morgan State BSME pathways.
AACC offers 14 engineering degree pathways including an ASE that articulates into the University of Maryland and Morgan State for the BSME. The Annapolis-area location pulls from US Naval Academy faculty connections, NSA Fort Meade contractors, and the BWI aerospace supply chain.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,260/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 46
Iowa Western Community College · Council Bluffs, IA
Engineering Transfer Major, AS (Mechanical Engineering specialty)
Dual-state AS transfer into Iowa State and Nebraska BSME.
Iowa Western's AS Engineering is built specifically as a pre-engineering transfer into Iowa State, University of Iowa, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln BSME programs. The Council Bluffs location across from Omaha pulls dual-state students serving the Union Pacific, Valmont, and CLAAS ag-equipment ecosystem.
Visit program pageTuition: $5,520/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 47
Houston Community College · Houston, TX
Associate of Science in Engineering Science — Mechanical Engineering Field of Study
Three BSME transfer pathways including the Texas A&M Engineering Academy.
HCC's Mechanical Engineering Field of Study AS articulates into the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at HCC (co-enrollment program with TAMU College of Engineering), the UT Tyler Houston Engineering Center on the HCC Alief Hayes Campus, and the University of Houston Cullen College. Three direct BSME pathways out of one AS.
Visit program pageTuition: $2,448/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 48
Mt. San Antonio College · Walnut, CA
Associate of Science in Engineering, Emphasis in Mechanical Engineering Applications (S0838)
Cal State and UC BSME transfer at $46-per-unit pricing.
Mt. SAC's Mechanical Engineering Applications AS sits in California's lowest-cost-per-credit community-college system and prepares students for transfer into California State Polytechnic University Pomona, CSU Long Beach, and the UC system for BSME completion. Strong emphasis on the technician's role in design, development, testing, and manufacturing.
Visit program pageTuition: $1,338/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 49
Bellevue College · Bellevue, WA
Associate in Science, Track II — MRP Civil, Mechanical & Other Engineering (AS-T)
UW Mechanical Engineering's preferred two-year transfer pathway.
Bellevue's Major Related Program AS is built as the official transfer pathway into University of Washington Mechanical Engineering, Washington State University, and Western Washington University BSME programs. Located across Lake Washington from Microsoft and Amazon HQ, the program serves a dense aerospace and tech-product engineering ecosystem.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,371/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6 - 50
Clark State College · Springfield, OH
Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Stackable MET-to-BAS pathway in Wright-Patt's backyard.
Clark State's MET prepares students for entry-level mechanical engineering technology jobs in product design, drafting, analysis, manufacturing, quality control, and testing. Graduates can ladder into Clark State's Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology Management or transfer into Wright State and Sinclair-Wright State partnership BS programs.
Visit program pageTuition: $4,800/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Overall
62
of 100
Click any factor for details
25% 525% 615% 610% 710% 610% 105% 6
What jobs a mechanical engineering associate degree qualifies you for
Graduates of mechanical engineering associate programs primarily enter technician-tier roles under BLS SOC 17-3027 (Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians), with a median annual wage of $68,730 per the May 2024 OEWS release. The associate credential opens design-support, manufacturing, quality, and field-service roles at OEMs and tier-1 suppliers, with named job titles including:
- Mechanical engineering technician / technologist. Hands-on support to BSME-credentialed engineers - drafting, test fixtures, prototype builds, instrumentation. Direct path on the wage table above.
- CAD / SolidWorks drafter. Production drawings, BOM management, GD&T enforcement. Strong starting role for graduates with a SolidWorks-first curriculum.
- Manufacturing / process technician. CNC programming, fixture design, cycle-time reduction at job shops and OEM plants. Pairs cleanly with the MSSC CPT credential.
- Field service technician - mechanical. On-site install, commissioning, and maintenance of capital equipment. Travel-heavy but typically pays a premium over plant-floor roles.
See the mechanical engineer career profile for the BSME-level engineering wage band ($102,320 median) you can ladder into with a BSMET completion.
Mechanical engineering associate salary outlook (BLS wage data)
Per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data for SOC 17-3027 (Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians), May 2024 OEWS:
| Percentile | Annual wage | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $46,940 | Entry-level floor (year 1) |
| 50th (median) | $68,730 | 5-10 years experience |
| 90th | $100,890 | Senior tech / specialty role |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Pay rises with experience, certification stacking (SolidWorks Professional, MSSC CPT, NICET), and movement into senior or specialist roles. Graduates who ladder into a BSMET completion program commonly cross over to the engineer wage band ($102,320 median) within 5 to 7 years of starting.
Best industry certifications to pair with a mechanical engineering associate degree
The associate credential's career impact compounds when paired with industry-recognized certifications. The highest-leverage credentials for mechanical engineering associate graduates:
- MSSC CPT-MT. Maintenance-track Certified Production Technician - clean fit for plant-floor technician roles supporting mechanical engineers.
- ISCET CET. Certified Electronics Technician - relevant for mechanical-electrical crossover roles in mechatronics-adjacent positions.
- SolidWorks Certified Professional (CSWP). Vendor credential that signals SolidWorks fluency to design and drafting employers.
- FE exam (Engineer-in-Training). Aspirational target if you plan to ladder into an ABET-EAC BSME later - only EAC graduates can sit the FE in most states, but it's worth flagging the long-term licensure pathway now.
How to evaluate a mechanical engineering associate program
Beyond the ranked list above, use these criteria when comparing specific mechanical engineering associate programs side-by-side:
- ABET-ETAC accreditation. The standard accreditation for associate-level MET programs. Holders signal nationally consistent outcomes and transfer cleanly into BSMET completion programs.
- Articulation agreements. Look for a published 2+2 transfer guide to specific four-year schools. The strongest programs publish credit-for-credit mappings into named BSMET and BSME pathways.
- Lab equipment and CAD coverage. SolidWorks-first curriculums signal currency. On-site CNC and 3D-printing labs signal hands-on depth.
- Regional employer density. Programs co-located with aerospace, auto, or medical-device manufacturers (STCC, Tri-C, Forsyth Tech) place graduates faster than programs in markets without that density.
- Cost relative to funding. WIOA, state "reconnect" programs, and employer tuition reimbursement frequently cover the entire bill - confirm before paying out of pocket.
Mechanical engineering associate program cost & funding sources
Mechanical engineering associate program tuition runs $2,500 to $7,500/year in-state at community colleges - substantially less than a four-year BSMET. Most programs cost less than $15,000 total to complete. The lowest-cost program in this ranking runs $1,338/yr.
The most common funding sources for mechanical engineering associate candidates:
- Federal Pell Grant. Up to $7,395 per year (2025-26) for Pell-eligible students. Does not need to be repaid.
- State "free community college" programs. Tennessee Reconnect, Michigan Reconnect, Oregon Promise, and others cover tuition for residents over a threshold age (usually 25).
- WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). Federal dollars administered through local American Job Centers - covers tuition for displaced workers, returning veterans, and other priority candidates.
- Employer tuition reimbursement. Most regional manufacturers offer $5K to $10K per year for technical degrees while employed.
- GI Bill (Post-9/11 Chapter 33). Covers tuition, fees, books, and a monthly housing stipend for eligible veterans.
Apply for funding before enrolling. WIOA, state Reconnect programs, and employer reimbursement most often require pre-approval. Paying first and seeking reimbursement frequently does not work.
Common pitfalls when picking a mechanical engineering associate program
- Picking a non-ABET program when you plan to transfer. Non-ABET-ETAC programs transfer unpredictably. If your goal is a BSMET completion, an ABET-ETAC associate is the safest bet.
- Assuming AAS in MET = BSME pathway. The cleaner BSME pathway is an AS in pre-engineering, not an AAS in MET. They are different ABET tracks with different transfer outcomes.
- Choosing online-only without confirming lab residencies. Mechanical engineering requires hands-on lab time. Fully-online MET programs without on-site lab residencies typically underperform on employer signal.
- Paying tuition out of pocket without exploring funding. Most associate-level mechanical engineering candidates qualify for at least one funding source. Apply before enrolling.
- Optimizing for cost at the expense of articulation. A cheap program without a published 2+2 transfer guide can cost more in the long run if credits do not move forward cleanly.
How we ranked these mechanical engineering associate programs
Each mechanical engineering associate program is scored 0-100 across seven weighted factors: Accreditation (25%), Reputation (25%), Research (15%), Pathways (10%), Delivery (10%), Cost (10%), Placement (5%). Scoring is deterministic from the data we maintain in our program directory - accreditation status, tuition, format, and historical employer signal. No editorial thumb on the scale.
Programs at community colleges co-located with major manufacturing employers (STCC near Pratt and Whitney, Tri-C near Lincoln Electric, Forsyth Tech near Honda Aircraft) score higher than otherwise-comparable programs in markets without that employer density. Full methodology details and per-factor scoring logic.
Mechanical engineering associate programs: frequently asked questions
Is a mechanical engineering associate degree the same as a mechanical engineering technology (MET) degree?
Which mechanical engineering associate programs have ABET accreditation?
Can you transfer from a mechanical engineering associate to a BS in mechanical engineering?
What can you earn with a mechanical engineering associate degree?
How long does a mechanical engineering associate degree take?
Will I qualify for state workforce funding for a mechanical engineering associate degree?
Sources & methodology for our mechanical engineering associate rankings
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (SOC 17-3027). May 2024 OEWS release.
- ABET Accredited Programs Directory. ETAC accreditation status.
- MSSC (Manufacturing Skill Standards Council). CPT credential structure.
- US Department of Labor - Apprenticeship.gov. Registered apprenticeship framework.
- American Job Center Finder. WIOA funding application portal.
- Our 7-factor ranking methodology. Per-factor scoring logic and weights.
Program details verified as of 2026-05-22. BLS wage data is from May 2024 OEWS release. Tuition figures from state community-college system tuition tables and individual institutional pages.