Mechanical engineering is a broad field that covers courses in mechatronics and robotics, structural analysis, thermodynamics, and engineering design. In the United States, Mechanical engineering is available at all levels, from undergraduate, graduate to doctoral. 

Graduates are found to pursue a wide range of careers as production engineers, design engineers, quality engineers, technical advisors, sales engineers, technical supervisors, etc. 

Due to their versatility, Mechanical Engineers are one of the highest-paid professionals in the US.  With a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, you will be able to make an annual income ranging from $81,000 to $93,000. 

Now, what is mechanical engineering actually related to? This field of study makes use of the principles of physics and materials science for analyzing and designing mechanical and thermal systems. 

Furthermore, Mechanical Engineering concentrators have a solid foundation in fields that are vital to solving problems in energy, transportation, manufacturing, robotics, and public infrastructure development.

Global ranking of some of the top universities in the USA for Mechanical Engineering Courses

Based on “QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering,” here is a list of top universities in the United States offering the course.

The QS World University Ranking ranks universities based on six major factors: academic reputation; employer reputation; international student ratio; citations per faculty; faculty/student ratio; and international faculty ratio.

Programs for Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering with tuition fees in the USA

In the United States, a bachelor's degree in engineering typically takes four years to complete. It is commonly available as a major for a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree. Bachelor of mechanical engineering in the US annual tuition cost is between $31,000 and $58,000.

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering: Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement:

• An intermediate level degree/ high school diploma or equivalent in a relevant field of study (Science)
• Strong foundation in mathematics and science is preferred
• A score of at least 60% or first division in grade 12
• SAT/ACT as requested by the university

English Language Requirement:

• An IELTS score of 6.5 minimum
• A TOEFL score of 79 minimum

Programs for Masters of Mechanical Engineering with tuition fees in the USA

Most universities in the United States offer a master's degree in mechanical engineering in addition to an undergraduate degree. A master's degree program typically lasts 1 to 2 years, full time. Annual tuition cost for a master of mechanical engineering in the US universities range between $24,000 and $66,000.

Masters of Mechanical Engineering: Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement:

• Completion of a 4-years bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, mathematics, science or related field with exposure in solid mechanics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, control, design and manufacturing
• A minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or its equivalent
• GRE Quantitative score above 162

English Language Requirement:

• A TOEFL score of at least 90 with a minimum score of 20 in each section.
• An IELTS score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band.

Programs for Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering with tuition fees in the USA

The Doctor of Philosophy (or Science) degree is the highest academic degree available. It is offered for the completion of an advanced study program and a significant original thesis. A doctoral program is generally completed within 2 to 4 years and annual tuition varies from $13,000 to $57,000.

The table below lists some of the universities that offer Ph.D. programs in mechanical engineering or related fields in the US. 

PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or comparable science program
• A Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering or related field
• A minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or its equivalent

Doctoral program applicants must show research experience through published research articles, bachelor's or master's thesis, professional research work, and so on.

English Language Requirement:

• A TOEFL score of at least 100 with a minimum score of 20 in each section
• An IELTS score of at least 7 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each band

Top Mechanical Engineering Universities in the USA: Scholarships

Most of the engineering programs are considered to be expensive in the US. However, there are scholarships available for international students that are crucial in mitigating financial burden.  

The following table lists some of the scholarships awarded to international students in the USA.

Top Mechanical Engineering Universities in the USA: Scope

Mechanical engineering jobs are virtually limitless due to the breadth of the field and job market. Some mechanical engineers go on to work in aerospace architecture and design or aeronautics. Others work in biomedical or automotive engineering, developing complex systems and new technologies. Some international students work as material or manufacturing engineers in the market. 

Here is a list of potential recruiters of mechanical engineering graduates.

• Department of Energy
• Ford Motor Company
• GE Aviation
• Apple
• Google
• Lockheed Martin
• NASA
• Walt Disney
• Illumina
• Boston Scientific
• John Deere

Depending upon the employer, specialization and efficiency, mechanical engineering graduates can earn a minimum average salary starting from US$74,124. 

Table below lists some of the possible job positions and salary average offered to those with a mechanical engineering degree by companies in the US.