The best mechanical engineering schools prepare students to work in a variety of fields while having a strong understanding of the mechanics of motion and the transfer of energy. School programs range significantly, which is why it’s important to review them before selecting a program.
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Why Choose a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
Mechanical engineering is a strong field with high pay rates. The average starting salary for students entering the field after graduation is $71,484. In 2019, the median pay was $88,430 per year, based on statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry is expected to grow by approximately four percent between 2019 and 2029.
Getting a Mechanical Engineering Degree
A degree in Mechanical Engineering teaches how to deal with the mechanics of motion and the transfer of energy. Students who get this degree can expect to work as mechanical engineers across various industries, such as in health or oceanic engineering. This is a very broad field, so students may have opportunities in technology, engineering and other industries.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, Alabama |
| 2 | University of Texas, Austin Campus | Austin, Texas |
| 3 | University of California Berkeley | Berkeley, California |
| 4 | Baylor University | Waco, Texas |
| 5 | Purdue University in West Lafayette | West Lafayette, Indiana |
The Top 15 Best Mechanical Engineering Schools
If you’re interested in a mechanical engineering degree, then take a look at this list of the top 15 best mechanical engineering schools offering mechanical engineering degrees in the United States. We ranked them based on their overall tuition and enrollment, so you can find the right school for you.
Auburn University
At Auburn University, the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering is an affordable course with small class sizes. The program provides broad-based skills to work in the engineering workforce as research and development engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality control engineers or in other roles.
School Overview
University of Texas, Austin Campus
The Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin prepares undergraduates to work in engineering in careers across multiple industries. The program offers study abroad options as well as certificate programs and minors that students can use to supplement their studies.
School Overview
University of California Berkeley
At the University of California Berkeley, students complete 120 credit hours of work in mechanical engineering and other topics to receive the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Courses include chemistry, physics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, engineering mechanics II and many others.
School Overview
Baylor University
Baylor University has a strong Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that requires 62 semester hours of engineering courses, 32 hours of mathematics and 33 hours of additional required courses. The program teaches engineering economics, ethics, mechanical systems and more.
School Overview
Purdue University in West Lafayette
Purdue University offers an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. The program has a standard four-year plan and may have several interesting options, such as studying abroad or working with co-ops and internships.
School Overview
Arizona State University, Tempe
Arizona State University offers a degree in mechanical engineering (BSE) through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. It’s worth mentioning that over 70 percent of students are able to receive at least some financial assistance to join the program. There are three degree options including mechanical engineering, a computational mechanic concentration and the energy and environment concentration.
School Overview
Cornell University
Cornell University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. It is expected to take four years to complete with a total of 125 to 127 credits overall. Some of the courses include intermediate fluid dynamics, wind energy research, biofluid mechanics and automotive engineering design.
School Overview
Princeton University
Princeton University offers a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The program places an emphasis on the fundamental of engineering and prepares students for careers in medicine, business, law and the military.
School Overview
California Institute of Technology
An undergraduate major in mechanical engineering builds on the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics at the California Institute of Technology. The program is a typical four-year program with ABET accreditation.
School Overview
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
At the University of Illinois, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by ABET and is ranked among the best in the country. It provides courses on heat transfer, manufacturing and production, dynamic systems and controls, design methodology and more.
School Overview
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering through the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. The programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
School Overview
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers three programs in mechanical engineering. These include Course 2, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Course 2-A, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Course 2-OE, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering.
School Overview
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The school also offers an integrated master’s/bachelor’s program for learners who are more ambitious.
School Overview
Stanford University
At Stanford University, the Department of Mechanical Engineering works in four areas of research including design, sustainability, human health and computational engineering. Students use project-based learning opportunities across multiple disciplines to prepare for working in the field.
School Overview
Stevens Institute of Technology
The Stevens Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering that is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC). It is also accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. It is a four-year program with the potential to move on to a master’s degree program at the same school. An accelerated master’s program is also available.
School Overview
Ranking Specifications
This article ranks the schools by their overall in-state tuition per semester as well as enrollment. Smaller class sizes and lower tuitions were ranked higher. While steps were taken to be as accurate as possible, these results are not guaranteed.
Questions about Your Ranking?
If your school is listed and you see errors or inaccuracies, please reach out. We would be happy to answer any questions about your ranking or consider adding your school to our list.
