Best Mechanical Engineering colleges in the U.S. 2024

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 300,000 mechanical engineers worked in the United States as of 2020. With jobs projected to grow by 7% between 2020-2030, the BLS estimates that nearly 21,000 new jobs will be added by the end of the decade.

Pursuing a mechanical engineering degree makes a lot of sense for students who enjoy working with mechanical devices and engineering new tools to meet individual client needs. While these professionals typically spend their days in offices, they also get the chance to visit worksites and factories to oversee the development and manufacturing of their designs.

The majority of mechanical engineering roles require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree, though some technician roles can be gained with an associate degree. Those looking to advance their careers over time – or move into teaching and/or research positions – may decide to upgrade their credentials to a master's or doctorate in mechanical engineering after working in the field for a few years.

Students interested in a growing career with above-average pay can find all this and more in the field of mechanical engineering. Keep reading to learn about in-demand jobs for graduates and how much they pay along with details about degree requirements. Lastly, we feature an FAQ section to help students find answers to their common questions.

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Best Mechanical Engineering colleges in the U.S. for 2024

Alabama A & M University offers 1 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 30 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 30 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Alabama at Birmingham offers 2 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 51 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 47 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Master's degrees.

University of Alabama in Huntsville offers 2 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 127 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 124 Bachelor's degrees, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama offers 3 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 346 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 300 Bachelor's degrees, 35 Master's degrees, and 11 Doctoral degrees.

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University offers 4 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 268 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 238 Bachelor's degrees, 19 Master's degrees, and 11 Doctoral degrees.

University of South Alabama offers 2 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 74 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 67 Bachelor's degrees, and 7 Master's degrees.

Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee University offers 2 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 41 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 40 Bachelor's degrees, and 1 Master's degree.

University of Alaska Anchorage offers 2 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 29 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 27 Bachelor's degrees, and 2 Master's degrees.

University of Alaska Fairbanks offers 2 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 34 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 26 Bachelor's degrees, and 8 Master's degrees.

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Arizona State University Campus Immersion offers 3 Mechanical Engineering degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 380 Mechanical Engineering students graduated with students earning 276 Bachelor's degrees, 82 Master's degrees, and 22 Doctoral degrees.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering uses math and physics to design, manufacture, and analyze various mechanical systems. 

Some examples of what a mechanical engineer makes include:

  • Engine parts
  • Transmissions
  • Aircraft engines
  • Control systems
  • Prosthetic devices
  • Robots
  • Machine tools
  • Printers

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Time to complete: The majority of bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering require students to commit to four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. Some schools also offer accelerated 4+1 options that allow learners to earn both their bachelor's and master's in mechanical engineering in just five years.

Required credits: Most programs comprise 120 credits of both practical and theoretical coursework. The best mechanical engineering degrees also include a field placement component that allows students to build real-world experience and network with other professionals while still in school.

Sample courses: Mechanics of materials, computer-aided design, mechanical measurements, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, system dynamics, heat transfer, engineering economic analysis, engineering graphics technology, numerical methods for engineering, and introduction to electricity, magnetism, and light.

Online availability: Several schools now provide fully online bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering, making it possible for students to earn their qualifications without ever setting foot in a classroom. That said, programs requiring an internship placement mandate that students spend a semester on-site at an approved mechanical engineering site.

Mechanical Engineering Career and Salary Overview

The principles and problem-solving techniques employed by mechanical engineers can be used in virtually every major industry today. A mechanical engineer’s expertise in force, energy, design, and motion helps organizations and businesses develop safe, reliable, and efficient ways of operating on a daily basis. 

Mechanical engineers also help improve our quality of life through advancing technologies we use every day. The job outlook for workers in this valuable field looks bright, too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% growth in available positions by 2030, equivalent to 20,900 new jobs.

How Do I Become A Mechanical Engineer?

For entry-level positions, mechanical engineers need a bachelor’s degree which takes about four years to complete. Depending on the role or employer, you may need a master’s or doctoral degree. 

Master’s degrees often take full-time students two years to finish, while a doctoral degree can take up to five or more years depending on your graduation requirements. Whatever the level of your education, many colleges and universities today offer dedicated majors for mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.

How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Make?

Professionals in mechanical engineering roles also earn salaries that are well above the national average. According to BLS, mechanical engineers earn a median annual wage of $90,160. That’s more than double the median salary of all other occupations in the U.S. The top 10% of earners in this field earn more than $141,060 per year.

Mechanical Engineering FAQ

  • How many years does a mechanical engineering degree take?

    • Most students complete their bachelor's in mechanical engineering in four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study.

  • What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?

    • Earning a mechanical engineering degree allows graduates to pursue a variety of careers as mechanical engineers, sales engineers, and engineering managers.

  • Is a mechanical engineering degree worth it?

    • A mechanical engineering bachelor's degree is worth it for students who enjoy the subject and want to earn an above-average salary with room to grow their careers.

  • Which engineering degree has the highest salary?

    • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers earned median pay of $90,160 as of 2020. Those in the top 10% of earners brought home more than $141,060 in the same year.

List of all Mechanical Engineering colleges in the U.S.

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
The College of New Jersey Logo The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ
4/5
21 : 1 7,629
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Logo Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA
4/5
12 : 1 50,028
Kennesaw State University Logo Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
2/5
33 : 1 43,190
Tennessee State University Logo Tennessee State University Nashville, TN
3/5
26 : 1 9,218
University of South Alabama Logo University of South Alabama Mobile, AL
3/5
24 : 1 13,438