2023 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
If you have a mind for building and designing technical machinery, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering may be the best path for you. Students enrolled in these programs study a combination of mathematical and engineering practices and theories in order to design complex machines for a variety of human needs. Graduates can explore careers in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and robotics.
Below you'll find a list of online bachelor's degree programs in mechanical engineering. The coursework for these programs can be completed through distance learning without the need for a traditional on-campus learning experience.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In

ECPI University Online
Annual Tuition: $16,639 - $17,479
1 Programs (view all)
List Of Accredited Online Mechanical Engineering Schools
School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
---|---|---|
ECPI University Online | ||
Old Dominion University | 3,948 | $30,840 |
University of Alabama | 2,856 | $30,250 |
Indiana State University | 1,894 | $20,160 |
University of North Dakota | 1,851 | $15,895 |
#1 ECPI University Online
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Annual Tuition: $17,059
ECPI University Online (ECPI) is a private university with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. This degree requires 124 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in around four years. Approximately 80% of students are accepted into ECPI, and 53% end up leaving with a degree in hand.
ECPI students use Canvas as their primary learning management system, where they can complete courses online and at their own pace. The curriculum for ECPI's mechanical engineering degree is designed to teach students the mathematical equations and scientific processes behind systems designs. It also explores the various tools and techniques used within modern mechanical engineering technologies. Courses include Manufacturing Processes, Applied Engineering Programming, and Graphics Communication. Students are also required to complete a Senior Project. Career opportunities may include roles as industrial engineers, production managers, and mechanical engineering consultants.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 84%
- Avg. Aid Package: $6,185
- Repayment Rate: 88%
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 47%
- Recommend Rate: 59%
- School Type: For Profit
- Undergraduate Online: 5,780 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 490 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 19 enrolled
#2 Old Dominion University
- Locations: Norfolk (VA)
- Annual Tuition: $30,840
Old Dominion University's (ODU) Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology includes a specialization in Mechanical Engineering Technology, which explores statistics, computer-aided drafting, automation, and controls. As a large, public institution, ODU is capable of offering four concentrations for this program: (1) Manufacturing Systems, (2) Marine Systems, (3) Mechanical Systems Design, and (4) Mechatronics Systems. This BS requires 120 credit hours, including core courses in Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Design of Machine Elements, and Electrical Laboratory. It normally takes students four years to complete this program in an online environment at a full-time pace. Graduates are ready for roles as facilities operations coordinators, systems designers, and technicians.
ODU uses Canvas for its online coursework. This online program also includes other digital resources, such as academic and technical support as well as free software.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
- Avg. Aid Package: $7,641
- Repayment Rate: 93%
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Recommend Rate: 64%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 3,948 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 2,206 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 145 enrolled
#3 University of Alabama
- Locations: Tuscaloosa (AL)
- Annual Tuition: $30,250
The University of Alabama is a large, public institution that offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program requires 126 credit hours and can be completed in four years on a full-time schedule. The coursework takes place mostly online using Blackboard but requires three in-person lab courses as well as additional face-to-face components. The BS in Mechanical Engineering teaches students about complex machines related to automotive, bioengineering, robotics, and power generation. Core courses include Small-Scale Engineering Graphics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Engineering Foundations. Engineering career opportunities can be found in your preferred industry, such as automotive, manufacturing, construction, or biomedical.
AU offers students online resources for academic coaching, skill building, writing, and tutoring.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 79%
- Avg. Aid Package: $15,060
- Repayment Rate: 92%
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Recommend Rate: 60%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 2,856 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 1,659 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 983 enrolled
#4 Indiana State University
- Locations: Terre Haute (IN)
- Annual Tuition: $20,160
Indiana State University (ISU) is a public institution that features a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology requiring 72 credits. This online program is designed for transfer students with existing credits that meet the school's 120-credit minimum. The average completion time for this degree is around four years for full-time students. Of all the students that apply to ISU, 92% are accepted into their chosen program. Meanwhile, ISU has a 44% graduation rate.
At ISU, students use Canvas as their learning platform, where courses are delivered fully online. The core curriculum for this program centers on two areas: design and management. Students learn practical skills through hands-on learning in computer-aided design and develop professional skills in resource and people management. Here are three examples of required courses: Technical Graphics with CAD, Applied Statics, and Fluid Power Technology. Students must also complete a senior project that's meant to showcase their advanced understanding of design. Career opportunities for graduates may include entering fields such as design, technical sales, installation, manufacturing, and maintenance.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
- Avg. Aid Package: $8,947
- Repayment Rate: 89%
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Recommend Rate: 83%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 1,894 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 880 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 5 enrolled
#5 University of North Dakota
- Locations: Grand Forks (ND)
- Annual Tuition: $15,895
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a medium-sized, public institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering requiring 129 credit hours. This program can be completed online within six years or on-campus within four years with a full-time schedule. The coursework is science-based and emphasizes collaboration to solve complex engineering problems. Students can choose between concentrations in Mechanical Design, Thermal Sciences, Aerospace, or Manufacturing and Materials. Courses include Engineering Disasters and Ethics, Intermediate Fluid Mechanics, and Manufacturing Processes. Students must also complete Cooperative Education experiences, which act as internships. Graduates can earn jobs in fields such as medicine, transportation, renewable energy, or manufacturing.
UND uses Blackboard for students' online coursework. Online students can access a variety of student services, including career counseling and tutoring.
- Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
- Avg. Aid Package: $5,226
- Repayment Rate: 96%
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Recommend Rate: 40%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Undergraduate Online: 1,851 enrolled
- Graduate Online: 1,500 enrolled
- Certificate Online: 406 enrolled
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2023 Best Online Engineering Degrees
Find the best online engineering bachelor's degree for you. This page investigates the best online engineering degrees available in 2023.
By OnlineU Staff Writers | 8/28/2023