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Mechanical engineer education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineers usually study mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or engineering. 77% of mechanical engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 11% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 29,639 real mechanical engineer resumes to see exactly what mechanical engineer education sections show.
The most common colleges for mechanical engineers are the Northeastern University and the Northeastern University.
There are also many online mechanical engineer courses to help get the education required to be a mechanical engineer.
There are certain mechanical engineer certifications that you should consider. These mechanical engineer certifications include Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
What education do you need to become a mechanical engineer?
What degree do you need to be a mechanical engineer?
- Bachelor's, 77%
- Master's, 11%
- Associate, 7%
- Diploma, 1%
- Other Degrees, 4%
What should I major in to become a mechanical engineer?
- Engineering, 4%
- Other Majors, 14%
Most common colleges for mechanical engineers
| Mechanical engineer common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 7.90% |
| Pennsylvania State University | 7.83% |
| Purdue University | 6.86% |
| University of California - Davis | 6.16% |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 6.01% |
Best majors for mechanical engineers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Engineering | 73.6% |
| 2 | Mechanical Engineering Technology | 5.3% |
| 3 | Engineering | 4.2% |
| 4 | Drafting And Design | 2.6% |
| 5 | Aerospace Engineering | 2.3% |
Best colleges for mechanical engineers
The best colleges for mechanical engineers are California Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.
A mechanical engineer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for mechanical engineers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become mechanical engineers.
1. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$15,646
Enrollment
5,736
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Enrollment
15,201
3. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$55,188
Enrollment
15,105
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$54,568
Enrollment
8,451
5. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$59,430
Enrollment
8,216
6. Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Ames, IA • Private
In-state tuition
$8,988
Enrollment
29,248
7. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
In-state tuition
$53,740
Enrollment
5,567
8. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
9. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$10,610
Enrollment
40,329
10. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI • Private
In-state tuition
$10,555
Enrollment
30,360
20 best online courses for mechanical engineers
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2. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...
3. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
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5. Quantum Mechanics
Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation...
6. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers
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7. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course
Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...
8. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
9. Python for Mechanical Engineers
Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...
10. Engineering Mechanics: Statics
The Study of Objects in Equilibrium...
11. Reliability and Maintenance Engineering - FMEA
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - A mechanical engineering approach to risk management of plant and machinery...
12. Basics of Tolerance Stack-up Analysis and Fits with GD & T
Learn About Tolerances Stack-up Analysis and about fits in engineering with multiple examples with GD & T for mechanical...
13. Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)
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14. ANSYS Training: An Easy Introduction with Applications
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15. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Explained
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16. Abaqus CAE: Learn Static and Dynamic Analysis
Learn Finite element analysis & simulation with Abaqus CAE...
17. Manufacturing Guide for Mechanical Product Development
Learn how everyday physical products are manufactured with no prior experience in engineering...
18. Basics of Sheet metal design for Mechanical design engineers
Learn Sheet metal design, processes and practical design considerations along with Design projects...
19. Ansys Workbench - Analysis Engineering Training Program
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20. Design Failure Mode Effect Analysis - Concepts & Practice
Learn about the fundamentals of preparing DFMEA for Mechanical design engineers...
Top 10 most affordable universities for mechanical engineers
The most affordable schools for mechanical engineers are Brigham Young University, inter american university of puerto rico arecibo, and inter american university of puerto rico bayamon.
If the best universities for mechanical engineers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for mechanical engineers.
1. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
2. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Arecibo, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,872
Cost of attendance
13,476
3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
13,508
4. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
6. Inter American University of Puerto Rico San German
San German, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
14,322
7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$12,424
Cost of attendance
28,501
9. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
10. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM • Private
In-state tuition
$7,770
Cost of attendance
21,244
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for mechanical engineers
The hardest universities for mechanical engineers to get into are California Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.
Some great schools for mechanical engineers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for mechanical engineers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA • Private
Admissions rate
7%
SAT average
1,566
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
4. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
5. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
6. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
7. Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,471
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,465
9. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
10. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for mechanical engineers
The easiest schools for mechanical engineers to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, saint martin's university, and cleveland state university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a mechanical engineer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for mechanical engineers.
1. Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,139
2. Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA • Private
Admissions rate
96%
SAT average
1,111
3. Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,111
4. Alabama A & M University
Normal, AL • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
957
5. University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,050
6. Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,080
7. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,093
8. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS • Private
Admissions rate
89%
SAT average
1,026
9. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
10. Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,033
Average mechanical engineer salary by education level
| Mechanical engineer education level | Mechanical engineer salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $82,626 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $74,718 |
| Doctorate Degree | $88,203 |
Mechanical engineer education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025