Best Mechatronics Programs With Apprenticeships (2026)
Apprenticeship-paired mechatronics programs combine the AAS or certificate with paid full-time employment from day one. The sponsoring employer pays for tuition and credentialing, the apprentice earns wages plus journey-level credential.
edited by taylor rupe, b.s. computer science · software engineer
Macomb Community College sits in the heart of Detroit's automotive manufacturing belt, with direct hiring pipelines into Stellantis (Sterling Stamping, Warren Truck), GM (Warren Tech Center), and Ford's Macomb-area operations. The program holds both FANUC CERT and Siemens SMSCP partner status, so students stack vendor-recognized credentials alongside the Macomb certificate. UAW-Auto apprenticeship slots are available for students entering through union-sponsored pathways. Lab equipment is current-generation and matches what students will see on the plant floor day one.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
100
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
80
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
2
Ivy Tech Community College — Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN
Ivy Tech operates Indiana's largest statewide community college system, with the Indianapolis campus housing the flagship mechatronics offerings. The certificate plugs students into two major apprenticeship pathways — Toyota T-TEN (mechatronics-track) and Cummins' apprenticeship program — both of which pair the academic credential with paid full-time technician roles. Eli Lilly's pharma manufacturing operations and the broader Central Indiana automotive supplier base round out the placement footprint.
Tuition: $4,300/yr
Length: 9 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: HLC
Industry partners: Cummins, Eli Lilly, Toyota
Apprenticeship: Toyota T-TEN, Cummins Apprenticeship
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
92
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
80
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Southern Arkansas University Tech's Robotic Engineering AAS sits inside Highland Industrial Park in Camden, the largest US tactical missile production complex (Patriot, HIMARS, GMLRS). Direct Lockheed Martin Camden CMAP apprenticeship pipeline. Strong placement at Lockheed, Aerojet Rocketdyne, General Dynamics, and Raytheon Camden operations.
Tuition: $3,360/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: HLC
Industry partners: Lockheed Martin Camden, Aerojet Rocketdyne, General Dynamics, Raytheon
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
85
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Spartanburg's 74-credit AAS in Mechatronics Technology is the flagship two-year mechatronics credential in the Upstate South Carolina manufacturing corridor — graduates feed directly into BMW Spartanburg, Michelin, Milliken, and the broader tier-one supplier base. The program builds on the embedded Mechatronics Technology Certificate (students earn the cert automatically en route), adding general-education coursework plus deeper concentration in industrial electricity, PLCs, robotics, and pneumatics-hydraulics. BMW Scholars apprenticeship slots and Apprenticeship Carolina earn-while-you-learn placements pair the credential with paid technician work.
Tuition: $4,960/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: SACSCOC
Industry partners: BMW, Michelin, Milliken
Apprenticeship: BMW Scholars, Apprenticeship Carolina
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
84
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
80
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Greenville Tech's mechatronics certificate is the on-ramp into the Upstate South Carolina manufacturing corridor — BMW, GE Power, Bosch Rexroth, and dozens of tier-one suppliers all recruit directly from the program. The two-semester certificate covers industrial electricity, PLCs, pneumatics, and motor controls; students who continue stack credits into the AAS without losing time. Apprenticeship Carolina partnerships mean many students are working paid manufacturing jobs while completing the credential.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
84
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
100
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Vincennes University hosts the country's first nationally registered DOL mechatronics apprenticeship through Amazon (running on the Vincennes campus since 2020). AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) pathway through the FAME consortium lets students earn while learning with two full years of paid on-the-job experience that covers tuition and fees. Southern Indiana location with strong Toyota, AMCOR, and Hershey supplier base.
Tuition: $5,800/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: HLC
Industry partners: Amazon, Toyota, Toyota Boshoku Indiana, AMCOR, The Hershey Company
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
85
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
80
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Itawamba Community College's Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) AAS is the only Toyota-partnered co-op program in Mississippi. Students alternate paid work at Toyota Mississippi's Blue Springs Corolla plant with classroom instruction. Modeled on Toyota's nationwide P2S (Pathway to Success) program. Belden campus.
Tuition: $3,850/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: hybrid
Accred: SACSCOC
Industry partners: Toyota Mississippi Blue Springs
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
85
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
68
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Greenville Tech's 74-credit AAS in Mechatronics Technology combines coursework from the Mechatronics I and Mechatronics II embedded certificates with general-education requirements — students earn both certificates automatically en route to the degree. Taught at the Brashier Campus and Center for Manufacturing Innovation, the program covers electronics, electrical control systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, AC/DC drives, PLCs, robotics, and troubleshooting. Average starting salary for graduates is around $60,000; Apprenticeship Carolina ties feed students into BMW, GE Power, Bosch Rexroth, and the broader Upstate SC manufacturing base while they're still in school.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
84
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
80
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Two-semester certificate housed inside Spartanburg's broader Mechatronics Technology AAS, with all credits stacking forward if you continue. The program pulls heavily from the BMW Spartanburg supplier ecosystem — students rotate through BMW Scholars apprenticeship slots and the Apprenticeship Carolina earn-while-you-learn track. Lab equipment covers Allen-Bradley PLCs, FANUC robotics, and pneumatic-hydraulic trainers, with a focus on getting graduates into BMW, Michelin, or supplier maintenance roles within 90 days.
Tuition: $2,480/yr
Length: 8 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: SACSCOC
Industry partners: BMW, Michelin
Apprenticeship: BMW Scholars, Apprenticeship Carolina
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
76
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
100
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
80
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Motlow State's mechatronics certificate is effectively free for Tennessee residents 25+ through the TN Reconnect program — one of the most affordable paths into US manufacturing technician work. The curriculum is built around the Nissan Smyrna supply chain, with strong placement at Nissan, Bridgestone, and the Calsonic Kansei / Marelli automotive cluster. Students earn credits that stack directly into Motlow's AAS in Mechatronics if they continue.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
76
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
100
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
11
Tennessee College of Applied Technology — Shelbyville · Shelbyville, TN
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology operate on a diploma-and-certificate model rather than the AAS structure most community colleges use — students earn a credential in 16 months of focused full-time technical training, no general-education requirements. TCAT Shelbyville's program (officially titled "Industrial Maintenance Automation") covers industrial controls, hydraulics, PLCs, and automation systems with heavy lab-hours weighting. Strong placement into the Nissan Smyrna and Calsonic Kansei (now Marelli) supply chain, plus Tyson Foods' middle-Tennessee processing plants.
Tuition: $3,650/yr
Length: 16 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: SACSCOC
Industry partners: Nissan, Calsonic Kansei, Tyson Foods
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
84
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Truckee Meadows Community College's Automation and Robotics AAS is the primary academic pipeline for Tesla Gigafactory Nevada workforce. Partner institution in the Tesla Manufacturing Development Program where 1,000+ apprentices have completed 11 credits in 4 weeks paid by Tesla. Also feeds Panasonic, Switch SuperNAP data centers, and Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center tenants.
Tuition: $8,175/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: NWCCU
Industry partners: Tesla Gigafactory Nevada, Panasonic, Switch
Apprenticeship: Tesla Manufacturing Development Program
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
84
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
70
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Motlow State offers the Mechatronics AAS in two tracks — straight Mechatronics Technology and Mechatronics with a Robotics Concentration — alongside an embedded Mechatronics Certificate that stacks into the degree. Tennessee residents 25+ qualify for tuition-free attendance through TN Reconnect, making this one of the most affordable AAS pathways in the country. The program is built around the Nissan Smyrna and Bridgestone La Vergne supply chains; placement into automotive-supplier maintenance and process-technician roles is the dominant outcome.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
76
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Blue Ridge Community College's Mechatronics Engineering Technology AAS is part of the NCCCS A40350 curriculum standard, which keeps tuition among the lowest in the country (around $2,432/year in-state). Coursework moves through industrial electricity, PLCs, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, instrumentation, and process control — students split time between classroom and state-of-the-art labs that mirror plant-floor environments. The curriculum aligns to the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) Mechatronics certification exams, and a dedicated NC Mechatronics Apprenticeship pathway places students into paid industrial-technician roles with western North Carolina manufacturers.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
68
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
100
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
15
Tennessee College of Applied Technology — Pulaski · Pulaski, TN
TCAT Pulaski sits in the middle of south-central Tennessee's manufacturing corridor, with Hankook Tire Tennessee, Snap-on Tools' Elizabethtown plant, and several automotive-supplier operations as the primary placement pipeline. The Automation, Process and Production Systems program is TCAT Pulaski's mechatronics equivalent — covering PLCs, robotics, controls, and the broader automated-systems skill set. TN Reconnect covers tuition for eligible Tennessee residents 25+, making this one of the more affordable paths into the trade.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
76
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
16
Estrella Mountain Community College · Avondale, AZ
Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale hosts the first US-registered TSMC Mechatronics and Electromechanical apprenticeship — first cohort graduated 2026. AIT (Automated Industrial Technology) AAS is the credential pipeline for TSMC Arizona's $65 billion Phoenix fab campus. Maricopa Community Colleges system pricing at $97/credit.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
76
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
80
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
17
BridgeValley Community & Technical College · South Charleston, WV
BridgeValley Community and Technical College's Mechatronics Technology AAS is delivered at the Toyota Hall facility (Advanced Tech Center) with direct Toyota partnership. Toyota AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) co-op program pays $40,000+ over the 5-semester sequence at Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia in Buffalo. $1+ million Toyota contribution to the facility.
Tuition: $4,400/yr
Length: 24 months
Format: on-campus
Accred: HLC
Industry partners: Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
85
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
68
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
90
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Waukesha County Technical College's Mechatronics Technician is a registered apprenticeship with related instruction at WCTC's Terry Lutz Integrated Manufacturing Center. Apprentices can simultaneously work toward the Technical Studies - Journeyworker AAS by taking 1-2 extra classes per semester. Annual wage range during apprenticeship: $41,300-$63,600.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
60
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
100
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Northeast Community College's Electromechanical Apprenticeship pairs on-the-job training at a sponsoring employer with classroom instruction at the Norfolk campus. Hybrid work-and-school structure with completion in 24-48 months.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
85
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
60
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
70
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
20
Madison Area Technical College (Madison College) · Madison, WI
Madison College's Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship is a state-registered apprenticeship through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Lab-based instruction covers integration, programming, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of automated industrial controls and robots. Total 10,000 apprenticeship hours plus 27 credits of related instruction. Cost of related instruction around $5,639.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
60
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
80
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
Moraine Park Technical College's Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship is a 34-credit pathway (28-credit related instruction) registered through the Wisconsin DWD. Serves Fond du Lac, Washington, and Dodge County manufacturing employers. Note: the companion AAS was rebranded from Mechatronics to Electromechanical Technology in 2024, but the apprenticeship retains the mechatronics name.
Accreditation (25%) ABET-EAC scores highest (opens FE-to-PE engineering licensure in all 50 states). ABET-ETAC next (technologist track, PE-eligible in ~30 states with extra requirements). Regional institutional accreditation gets baseline. Weighted 25%.
60
Leadership (15%) Program age and maturity, scored from accreditation history. Programs with 10+ years of continuous accreditation score higher than newer ones. Weighted 15%.
80
Pathways (15%) Apprenticeships, AAS-to-BS transfer paths, BS-to-MS laddering at the same school. Programs paired with DOL-registered apprenticeships score highest. Weighted 15%.
70
Delivery (15%) Format flexibility. Fully online and hybrid programs score higher than on-campus only because they expand access for working adults, parents, and rural students. Weighted 15%.
60
Employer (15%) Named industry partners, apprenticeship sponsors, and vendor CERT partnerships (Siemens SMSCP, FANUC CERT). More employer relationships = higher score. Weighted 15%.
80
Cost (10%) Lower in-state tuition scores higher. Community-college tuition scores best, expensive private universities worst. Per-tier cost brackets defined on the methodology page. Weighted 10%.
65
Reputation (5%) Institutional brand and recognition. Tier-1 engineering schools (RIT, Kettering, Michigan Tech, Penn State) score highest; named mechatronics programs get tier-2; the rest get baseline. Weighted 5%.
What jobs you can get with a AAS in mechatronics
Graduates of AAS mechatronics programs primarily enter technician-tier roles under BLS SOC 17-3024 (Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians), with a median annual wage of $70,760 per the May 2024 OEWS release. The role splits across three named job titles that share the same SOC, similar pay, and overlapping skill requirements:
Entry pay for fresh AAS graduates typically $48K-$60K base in most US metros. Apprenticeship-conversion roles (where the apprenticeship sponsor hires the graduate) often start $55K-$65K because the employer has pre-invested in the candidate. With 5-10 years of experience, AAS graduates reach the BLS median for SOC 17-3024 at $70,760.
Per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data for SOC 17-3024 (Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians), May 2024 OEWS:
Pay rises significantly with experience and credential stacking. See the full Mechatronics Technician career profile for the complete pay progression across career stages and the named employers paying at each level.
Certifications to pair with this AAS
The AAS mechatronics credential's career impact is strongest when paired with industry-recognized certifications. The highest-leverage credentials to add:
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.
Regional institutional accreditation. Required for federal Pell eligibility and transferable credit. Verify the institution holds accreditation from a US Department of Education-recognized accreditor.
Industry partner credentials. Siemens CERT, FANUC CERT, PMMI test-site, or Rockwell partnership. The strongest AAS programs have multiple vendor partnerships.
Lab equipment currency. Visit the lab. Current-generation PLCs, multiple robot brands, fully-operational pneumatic and motor-drive trainers. The lab investment signals how seriously the institution takes the program.
Industry advisory board strength. Active local-employer participation in the program's advisory board correlates strongly with placement outcomes.
Published placement data. Honest programs publish 90-day placement rates with methodology, by employer, with average starting wages. Walters State CC publishes 98% technical-program placement; Robeson CC publishes $40,599 average mechatronics-grad starting salary.
BS articulation agreements. If you might pursue a BS later, verify articulation with ABET-ETAC bachelor's programs at regional 4-year institutions. 2+2 transfer agreements produce the cleanest credit transfer.
Scheduling flexibility. Evening, weekend, and hybrid course availability matters for working students. Many strong AAS programs run modular schedules to accommodate working learners.
Cost & funding sources
In-state AAS tuition typically runs $2,500-$6,000 per year for residents. North Carolina Community College System tuition anchors the low end at around $2,432/year. California Community Colleges sit lower still ($1,380/year) but require state-resident status. Out-of-pocket cost is often zero through Pell + state workforce funding.
The most common funding sources for AAS mechatronics candidates:
Federal Pell Grant (up to $7,395/year as of 2024-25)
State Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
Employer apprenticeship sponsorship (Toyota T-TEN, BMW Scholars, Caterpillar ThinkBIG)
GI Bill and military education benefits
Employer tuition reimbursement
Institutional need-based and merit scholarships
Apply for funding before enrolling. WIOA and most state programs require pre-approval. Paying first and seeking reimbursement often does not work.
Time to credential & starting pay
How long it takes
Two years (4 semesters) at full-time enrollment with 60-72 credit hours. Part-time enrollment extends to 3-4 years. Apprenticeship-paired AAS programs run 3-4 years total with the AAS bundled into the apprenticeship structure.
What you'll earn coming out
Entry pay for fresh AAS graduates typically $48K-$60K base in most US metros. Apprenticeship-conversion roles (where the apprenticeship sponsor hires the graduate) often start $55K-$65K because the employer has pre-invested in the candidate. With 5-10 years of experience, AAS graduates reach the BLS median for SOC 17-3024 at $70,760.
Adjacent credentials to compare
The AAS mechatronics credential is one of several closely-related credential paths. The right choice depends on your career direction, timeline, and financial situation.
Credential
Tradeoff
Short certificate program
Faster (3-12 months vs 2 years) and cheaper but lacks the portable transcripted degree and federal Pell eligibility.
ABET-EAC Bachelor's in Mechatronics Engineering
4 years instead of 2. Opens engineer-tier roles at $70K-$95K starting and the FE-to-PE licensure pathway. Direct credit transfer is limited.
ABET-ETAC Bachelor's in Mechatronics Engineering Technology
AAS credits transfer cleanly via 2+2 articulation. Engineering-technology track, less competitive for PE licensure than EAC.
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.
Apply for Pell + state aid first. Most AAS candidates qualify for free or near-free tuition through Pell plus state workforce programs. Don't pay before applying.
"ABET-accredited AAS" claims are misleading. ABET does not accredit AAS programs. If a program markets "ABET-accredited AAS," verify — the institution may hold ABET accreditation on a separate BS program.
Understand how labs are delivered. AAS programs deliver hands-on labs through several formats: traditional on-campus blocks, hybrid scheduling with weekend or evening labs, online programs with shipped equipment kits, and partner-facility arrangements where students attend labs at a regional location. Pick the format that fits your schedule and learning style.
Geographic match matters. An excellent AAS in a region without manufacturing employers produces worse outcomes than a merely good AAS in a manufacturing-heavy metro. Match the program to where you can take a first job.
Articulation agreements matter for BS-bound candidates. If you might pursue a BS later, pick the AAS that articulates cleanly with a regional ABET-ETAC bachelor's. Verify before enrolling, not after.
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.
Will I qualify for state workforce funding?
In most states, yes. State Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants administered through local American Job Centers cover mechatronics credentials for many candidates. Tennessee Reconnect, Apprenticeship Carolina, and similar state programs offer additional funding paths. Apply for funding before paying out of pocket.
Can I move from this credential to an engineering bachelor's later?
Yes, with caveats. Certificate and AAS credits transfer most cleanly into ABET-ETAC bachelor's in mechatronics engineering technology (BSET) — many ETAC programs operate explicit 2+2 articulation agreements. Transfer into ABET-EAC bachelor's (engineering, not engineering technology) is harder because engineering-technology credits do not satisfy engineering-science prerequisites. Most candidates transferring to EAC restart engineering core.
What certifications should I pair with this credential?
For mechatronics AAS-track candidates, the highest-leverage certifications are MSSC CPT, Siemens SMSCP, PMMI Mechatronics. Each pairs well with the credential and signals depth to employers. See our certifications hub for the comprehensive comparison.
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.
