Best Online Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Central Texas College was founded in 1965 and today has 18,674 students attending its online programs on campuses in Texas. It offers over 30 online associate degrees across six program areas.

Associate of Science in Engineering

This 60-credit Associate of Science degree covers the basics of engineering over a two-year program. This engineering program prepares students to transfer into a four-year engineering bachelor’s degree or become engineering technicians.

Associate of Science in Engineering Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $100/credit (in district); $124/credit (in state); $250/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 15%

Associate of Science in Engineering Admission Requirements

• GPA: N/A
• Standardized Tests: SAT with 480+ in Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing, 530+ in Math or ACT with 19+ in English and 19+ in Math or take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSI) after applying
• Application Fee: N/A
• Minimum Education: High School or Equivalent
• Other Requirements: TSI if other standardized test scores do not meet minimum

Applying to Central Texas College

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Submit your residency documentation.
3. Submit your transcripts.
4. Take the TSI assessment (if required).

ECPI University , also known as East Coast Polytechnic Institute, is a private school that was formed in 1966 in Norfolk, Virginia. It offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs that are available for on-campus students, online learners, and hybrid scholars at its campuses in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas.

Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology

This 120-credit Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology covers material science, processes of manufacturing, graphics and analysis engineering computer programs, and electro-mechanical technologies. Courses are taken in intensive 5-week terms. This program prepares graduates for jobs like support technicians or plant managers.

Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $8,712/semester
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 1.5 to 2 years
• Learning Format: Online with hybrid options
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 43%

Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: N/A
• Standardized Tests: Not Required
• Application Fee: $15
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: College preparedness assessment

Applying to ECPI University

1. Schedule a meeting with an admission advisor.
2. Take a college preparedness assessment.
3. Submit an online application.
4. Submit your transcripts.

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) was founded in 1964 and today offers more than 100 programs to over 14,000 degree-seeking students. HACC has five campuses in Pennsylvania and also offers fully online programs. It has flexible class schedules that allow 73.7 percent of students to study part time.

Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Technology

The 61-credit Associate in Applied Science Degree in Industrial Technology at HACC prepares students for jobs in manufacturing, machine design, and automotive technologies or to transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree program. This program covers general education requirements in English, communication, and social sciences, as well as education courses in math, electrical engineering, and manufacturing.

Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition and fees: $285.50/credit (in state); $338.25/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 61 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: Online or in-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 16%

Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 to be exempt from placement test
• Standardized Tests: SAT with 530+ in Math and 480+ in Reading and Writing or ACT with 21+ in Math, 18+ in Reading, and 21+ in English to be exempt from placement test
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Certificate of Residence, placement test if required

Applying to Harrisburg Area Community College

1. Fill out the online application.
2. Apply for financial aid.
3. Submit transcripts and your Certificate of Residence.
4. Schedule a placement test (if required).

Ivy Tech Community College , founded in 1963, is part of the Indiana public community college system. Ivy Tech has 45 locations around Indiana and offers online programs. Over 148,000 students took classes at Ivy Tech in 2020-21, and 73 percent of students received financial aid.

Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Production and Operations

Ivy Tech’s AAS in Manufacturing Production and Operations is designed to teach students current techniques in the manufacturing industry. This degree prepares students for machine operating jobs or to transfer credits to a four-year program.

Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Production and Operations Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $149.55/credit (in state); $292.57/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 28%

Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Production and Operations Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.6 or higher
• Standardized Tests: SAT with 27+ in Writing and Language, 460+ in Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing, 25+ in Reading, 500+ in Math or ACT with 17+ in English, 18+ in Reading, and 18+ in Math
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Knowledge Assessment if GPA and standardized test scores don’t meet the minimum requirements

Applying to Ivy Tech Community College

1. Complete an online application.
2. Upload assessment documents (SAT/ACT scores, high school transcripts) to the online application.
3. Schedule a Knowledge Assessment (if required).

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has 16 colleges with over 70 campuses and a strong online learning platform with over 140 programs. Online students need to choose a Home College, through which they will get access to student and financial services.

Associate of Applied Science in Marine Technology, Marine Engineering Track

The Marine Engineering track of this AAS degree gives students an introduction to marine engineering technology, geographic information systems (GIS), and marine machine maintenance. The degree prepares students to work as technicians on ships or transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program.

Associate of Applied Science in Marine Technology, Marine Engineering Track Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $179/credit hour (online students)
• Required Credits: 61-64 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 51% (West Kentucky Community and Technical College, not overall KCTCS)

Associate of Applied Science in Marine Technology, Marine Engineering Track Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.2
• Standardized Tests: Optional through Summer 2022
• Application Fee: Free
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Choose a Home College (online only programs)

Applying to Kentucky Community and Technical College System

1. Choose a Home College.
2. Fill out the online application.
3. Submit your transcripts.
4. Submit standardized test scores.
5. Apply for financial aid.

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and was founded in 1912 as Wausau Industrial School. It offers over 190 technical diplomas, associate degrees, and certificate programs in business, agriculture, information technology, and human services. An incredible 95 percent of graduates are employed within one year of graduation.

Associate Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology

This 62- to 64-credit manufacturing engineering technology associate degree program prepares students for careers like manufacturing engineering technician, quality engineer, and assistant industrial engineer. The curriculum includes foundational courses in manufacturing processing, project management, ergonomics, problem resolution, CAD, and process safety.

Associate Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $141/credit (in state); $221.50/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 62-64 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 36%

Associate Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $30
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to Northcentral Technical College

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Submit your transcripts.

Founded in 1912 as Wausau Industrial School, Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System with six campus locations. NTC has programs in business, agriculture, information technology, and human services, offering over 190 technical diplomas, associate degrees, and certificate programs.

Associate Degree in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology

After completing a mechanical design engineering technology associate degree, students can continue on to a four-year mechanical engineering degree or find work as a product designer, design drafter, or CAD technician. During this 63- to 65-credit program, students take coursework that trains them on the design and development of engineering drawings for a variety of equipment and products.

Associate Degree in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $141/credit (in state); $221.50/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 63-65 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 36%

Associate Degree in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $30
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to Northcentral Technical College

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Submit your transcripts.

Seminole State College of Florida was founded in 1966 and is ranked in the top 20 public colleges and universities by US News & World Report. It offers associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and professional certificates to 25,476 students. Programs are available at four campuses around Florida or online, and 83 percent of students attend classes online.

Associate in Arts Mechanical Engineering Pathway

This mechanical engineering associate in arts degree prepares students for a four-year mechanical engineering program. The curriculum is 60 credits and covers basic math and science that engineers need, as well as general education requirements in the humanities and world languages.

Associate in Arts Mechanical Engineering Pathway Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $104.38/credit hour (in state); $381.87/credit hour (out of state)
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: 4 semesters at 15 credits per semester
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 47%

Associate in Arts Mechanical Engineering Pathway Admission Requirements

• GPA: 2.0
• Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT or PERT after application
• Application Fee: Free
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) required for some students

Applying to Seminole State College of Florida

1. Fill out an online application.
2. Submit your transcripts.
3. Submit residency forms.
4. Schedule a PERT exam (if required).
5. Apply for financial aid.

University Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) is a public community college that is part of the Virginia Community College System. TNCC provides approximately 60 certificate programs in addition to 50 associate degree programs.

Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Mechanical Engineering Technology students study design, development, testing, and manufacturing of industrial machinery, consumer products, and engines. The curriculum provides foundational knowledge in science, mathematics, and engineering principles and teaches real-world applications of computer-aided drawing.

Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $70.67/credit (in state) and $158.95/credit (out-of-state)
• Required Credits: 67-68 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: Hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 28%

Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT optional
• Application Fee: N/A
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: Placement exam if SAT/ACT scores and GPA do not meet guidelines

Applying to Thomas Nelson Community College

1. Fill out the online application form.
2. Provide proof of residency.
3. Submit your transcripts.
4. Meet with an enrollment specialist.
5. Meet with an academic advisor.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is part of the University of Massachusetts System. It offers asynchronous online, live online, hybrid, and on-campus course options for 148 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology

This Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program will teach you essential mechanical engineering skills to work with mechanical systems, from installation to maintenance. Graduates of this 68-credit degree work in areas such as plant management, product testing, quality assurance processes , or engineering or can apply those credits to an engineering bachelor’s degree. This degree can be completed in as little as one year.

Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $380/credit (online courses)
• Required Credits: 68 credits
• Program Length: 12 months
• Learning Format: 100% online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 69%

Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT required if your high school graduation was 3+ years ago and you haven’t attended a college yet
• Application Fee: $60
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to University of Massachusetts Lowell

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Pay the $60 application fee.
3. Submit your transcripts.
4. Submit SAT/ACT scores (if required).

Technologists and aerospace engineering technicians install, operate, and repair equipment used in airplanes and spacecraft. Their work is vital in manufacturing and guaranteeing the safety of these vehicles.

• Average Salary: $73,580
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 11,900
• Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, Alaska, Colorado

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians assist mechanical engineers in designing tools, engines, and machines. They create rough sketches, record and analyze data, and report their results.

• Average Salary: $60,460
• Job Outlook: 6% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 40,400
• Highest-Paying States: Louisiana, Maine, Nevada

Drafters prepare layouts for a wide range of machinery and mechanical tools and devices, such as medical equipment. These layouts show dimensions and assembly requirements.

• Average Salary: $60,290
• Job Outlook: 2% job decline from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 191,800
• Highest-Paying States: Louisiana, Vermont, New Jersey

Industrial engineering technologists and technicians help engineers solve problems in the layout or production of a manufacturing facility. They create machinery and equipment layouts and workflows and analyze costs.

• Average Salary: $60,220
• Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 64,100
• Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, Louisiana, West Virginia

Machinists manufacture metal components of instruments and tools for both computers and mechanically controlled equipment. They use blueprints created by engineers to design the pieces and also test the quality of the components they make.

• Average Salary: $47,940
• Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 425,300
• Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, Alaska, Hawaii