Guide to getting a bachelor in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile engineering degrees on the market today, allowing you to work in a wide variety of disciplines including aerospace, automation, biotechnology, design, energy, and robotics.

Between 2019 and 2020, 47,598 mechanical engineering degrees were awarded to graduates in the United States. Approximately 415 U.S. colleges and universities offer accredited mechanical engineering degrees.

Mechanical engineers use their knowledge, creativity, and various analytical tools and software to shape ideas into reality. This is one of the few professions where you can truly turn nothing into something and see your ideas come to life.

Whether you end up designing complex systems with computer-aided engineering (CAD) or working with flight hardware in the aerospace industry, mechanical engineers have a tremendous range of opportunities and growth potential.

Start your search by exploring the best mechanical engineering schools in the country.

What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?

This versatile field offers many career opportunities. As a mechanical engineer, you can work in fields such as:

• design engineering and CAD
• autonomous systems and robotics
• cyber security
• mechanics
• nanotechnology
• production and manufacturing
• human health
• structural analysis
• aerospace automotive
• control systems
• energy

Should you get a bachelor in mechanical engineering?

If you are looking for a lucrative career you can enter with a bachelor’s degree and are a detail-oriented individual who loves to design and build, this degree may be an excellent choice. The average mechanical engineering graduate earns approximately 31% more annually than their peers right out of college.

For individuals interested in machines, engines, and other mechanically functioning equipment, the ‘pure’ mechanical engineering path may be most suitable. If you’re fascinated by physics, mechanics, or artificial intelligence (AI), you can shape your career path to include subdisciplines such as robotics and automation.

The table below illustrates the earning power of mechanical engineers 3 years after graduation.

The table below is a longer-term estimate of mechanical engineering degree performance, based on census data comparing people’s major, age, and salary.

The estimated data shows that the degree performance of younger engineers is comparable to generic bachelor’s degrees up to age 34. Between ages 35 and 54, mechanical engineering degrees strongly outperform generic bachelor degrees.

When comparing all age ranges, mechanical engineering degrees outperformed generic bachelor’s degrees in many age brackets.

The data shows that a graduate with a bachelor in mechanical engineering earns significantly more than their peers as they become experienced and established in their careers.

Overall, the economic comparison data paints a clear picture of the increased earning potential mechanical engineering graduates have over the average bachelor’s degree holder.

Additionally, mechanical engineers can count on excellent job security, with a 98% employment rate 3 years after graduation.

How to pick a mechanical engineering program

When picking a mechanical engineering program, it’s important to choose a college or university that offers a degree accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

ABET is the gold standard for STEM-related fields and puts you in the best position for obtaining a job upon graduation. When looking at mechanical engineering programs at various colleges and universities, make sure the very first filter in your search is ABET accreditation.

Can you get a mechanical engineering degree online?

Compared to the average bachelor’s degree that’s offered online 24.1% of the time, mechanical engineering degree programs are almost always completed exclusively on campus.

Due to the amount of hands-on work, lab work, group projects, and in-person training required in a standard mechanical engineering program, it is essential that students take these hands-on courses in person.

Examples of classes that cannot be completed online include:

• group projects involving physical builds and assembly
• learning manufacturing processes such as casting aluminum
• operating machine shop equipment such as lathes and milling machines
• performing hands-on lab work in physics courses

» Read: Which is better: online of on-campus courses?

The best bachelor of mechanical engineering programs

Below you can find our ratings of comparative earnings, costs, and payback rates of different mechanical engineering programs.

How much does a mechanical engineering degree cost?

The average cost of tuition and fees for a mechanical engineering degree ranges from $15,946 at a public college or university to $29,961 at private institutions.

While an ME degree may cost a pretty penny, the earning potential of mechanical engineering graduates ranges from approximately $65,428 from a public university to $68,201 for private university graduates.

» Read: Start investing while still in college

Ten years after graduation, mechanical engineers in the top 10% of their field can expect to earn over 6 figures, with an average salary of $131,350 seen in senior-level engineers.

Financial aid and scholarships for mechanical engineering majors

To earn a mechanical engineering degree with as much cost savings as possible, it is highly recommended that you apply to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program as well as any scholarships offered by your chosen college or university.

Most financial aid for mechanical engineering degrees is awarded based on merit and financial need as determined by FAFSA. Once you’ve completed your FAFSA application, meet with the financial aid office at your school to explore the full range of options available to you.

» Read: Repaying your student loans

If you plan on taking student loans, it’s worth investigating student loan forgiveness programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This is a government program available to individuals employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, non-profit organization, or tribal government and makes 120 qualifying monthly payments over 10 years.

What to expect from a mechanical engineering program

When you begin a mechanical engineering program, you can expect to complete core courses in physics, calculus, chemistry, and chosen electives. Junior and senior years usually dive deeper into coursework specific to mechanical engineering.

What are the admission requirements for mechanical engineering?

The specific requirements for mechanical engineering programs depend on the college or university you apply to but typically include excellent high school GPAs and top-percentile ACT or SAT scores. Engineering programs have different rates of admission for first-year students that depend on the school admission board.

How long does it take to get a degree in mechanical engineering?

The average mechanical engineering graduate can earn a degree in 4 years.

Internship requirements

Most mechanical engineering students begin looking at summer internships at real-world engineering firms in their junior and senior years. Check if your college or university offers a career fair, as this is where juniors and seniors often find internships that lead to job offers post-graduation.

FE and PE exams

Many engineering students complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in preparation for full licensure as an engineer.

Depending on which state you live in, you can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) during the final year of an ABET-accredited engineering program or following graduation. Some states may allow you to take it prior to your final year. The FE is offered in 7 disciplines:

• chemical
• civil
• electrical and computer
• environmental
• industrial and systems
• mechanical
• other disciplines

As a mechanical engineering student, you are not restricted to the FE Mechanical exam. However, due to the challenging nature of the FE, it is recommended to choose the discipline you are most prepared to be tested in.

Full licensure as an engineer is earned following completion of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The PE can usually only be taken after 4 years’ work experience as an engineer.

Once you pass the FE, you are designated an engineer-in-training or engineer intern. This allows you to gain employment as an entry-level engineer. FE and PE licensure is required wherever mechanical engineers serve the public.

What type of courses are there in a mechanical engineering program?

Many mechanical engineering courses include a weekly laboratory, where concepts are taught in action. Specific courses in your mechanical engineering program may include:

What types of bachelor’s degrees are there in mechanical engineering?

Depending on the college or university you attend, and where you receive your mechanical engineering degree, your degree may be titled:

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng or B.E.)
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. or B.S.)
• Bachelor of Science Engineering (B.Sc.Eng.)
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (B.M.E.)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

» Read: BA vs. BS – What’s the difference?

Careers with a bachelor in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineers begin their careers as engineers-in-training or engineer interns. The initial jobs they are eligible for often include the title ‘graduate’ (e.g., graduate mechanical engineer). Some engineering jobs are graded according to a level (e.g., level I, II, III, etc.). Newly-minted engineers thus begin with level I and move their way up with years of experience. This broad engineering field offers an extremely wide range of career opportunities.

Next steps

Mechanical engineers interested in corporate research and development or seeking to enter leadership roles may opt for a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. This graduate degree can lead to $14,344 more in annual earnings over the bachelor’s.