Mechanical Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Mechanical Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 34.1%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Mechanical Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $69034 and average student debt of $23532, the financial outlook for Mechanical Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Mechanical Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $69034, and with an average debt of $23532, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.34—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 43522 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Cost Estimators, which is expected to see -4.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Mechanical Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Mechanical Engineering (CIP 14.1801) is one of the broadest and oldest engineering disciplines, focusing on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of any system with moving parts. While a civil engineer builds a bridge, a mechanical engineer builds the machines that cross it—from the tiny gears in a medical pump to the massive turbines that power entire cities. It is the field for "system builders" who want to understand the physics of energy, motion, and force.
This field is ideal for "technical generalists"—individuals who enjoy a mix of hands-on prototyping, high-level computer simulation, and mathematical problem-solving.
What Is a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
A degree in Mechanical Engineering focuses on the conversion of energy into motion. You will study how heat becomes power, how materials behave under pressure, and how to control mechanical systems using electronics and software. It is a rigorous STEM major that serves as a gateway to almost every other technical industry. Because of its versatility, mechanical engineers are often called the "Swiss Army Knives" of the engineering world.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Design Engineers" who create everything from consumer products to industrial tools
- Develop experts in Thermal-Fluid Systems like engines, refrigerators, and cooling systems
- Prepare professionals for Robotics and Mechatronics—the intersection of mechanics and electronics
- Study Manufacturing Systems to optimize how products are mass-produced with precision
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that everything in the physical world is subject to the laws of thermodynamics and mechanics, and that a successful design must balance strength, weight, and cost.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD to create detailed 3D models
- Use "Finite Element Analysis" (FEA) to simulate how a part will bend or break under a load
- Design Kinematic Linkages—the joints and bars that allow a robot or machine to move
- Perform "Thermal Analysis" to manage heat in high-performance electronics or engines
- Utilize MATLAB or Python to solve complex engineering equations and automate data analysis
- Understand Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure parts fit together perfectly
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a dense blend of physics, mathematics, and lab-based experimentation:
- Statics and Dynamics: Analyzing forces on stationary objects and the movement of bodies in space.
- Thermodynamics: The science of heat, work, and energy transformation.
- Fluid Mechanics: How liquids and gases flow through pipes, over wings, or around hulls.
- Machine Design: The practical application of engineering to create functional, safe mechanisms.
- Heat Transfer: Studying how energy moves through conduction, convection, and radiation.
- Mechatronics: Combining mechanical systems with sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles in nearly every sector of the economy, from high-tech startups to heavy industry.
Common job roles include:
- Design Engineer: Drafting the blueprints for new tools, vehicles, or appliances.
- Robotics Engineer: Designing the physical frames and motion systems for autonomous robots.
- Automotive Engineer: Improving the safety, performance, and efficiency of cars and trucks.
- HVAC Engineer: Designing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for large buildings.
- Manufacturing Engineer: Designing the factory lines and robotic systems that build products.
- Project Manager: Leading a team of engineers to take a product from concept to market.
Where Can You Work?
Mechanical engineers are needed wherever machines are built or energy is used:
- Aerospace and Defense: Working on aircraft, satellites, and drones for firms like Boeing or Northrop Grumman.
- Automotive Industry: Designing the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles for Ford, Tesla, or Rivian.
- Energy and Power: Working at power plants, wind farms, or solar installations.
- Consumer Electronics: Designing the enclosures and cooling for phones, laptops, and consoles.
- Biomedical Firms: Creating the mechanical parts for surgical robots and prosthetic limbs.
How Much Can You Earn?
Mechanical engineering offers strong starting salaries and long-term stability due to the constant need for technical infrastructure.
- Mechanical Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $92,000–$110,000.
- Robotics/Automation Engineers: Salaries typically range from $95,000 to $130,000.
- Senior Design Managers: Median annual salary of around $115,000–$150,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $70,000 and $85,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the mathematical and physical intensity. You must be a master of Calculus and Physics. It is a "high-workload" major that requires many hours in the lab and the machine shop. It also requires a "spatial mind"—the ability to look at a 2D drawing and visualize how a 3D mechanism will move. It is considered one of the more challenging undergraduate degrees, but its broad nature makes it highly rewarding for those who like variety.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Have always been curious about "how things work" and used to take apart your toys
- Love Math and Physics but want to see the results in the physical world
- Enjoy working with both computers (modeling) and tools (prototyping)
- Want a flexible career that allows you to move between many different industries
- Are a natural problem-solver who enjoys finding the most efficient way to do something
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Math (Calculus) and Physics available
- Join a robotics team (like FIRST Robotics) to get hands-on experience with mechanisms
- Learn 3D modeling software like Fusion 360 or Onshape; many are free for students
- Practice "Coding" (Python or C++); modern mechanical systems are almost always controlled by software
- Work on a personal "build" project—whether it's a 3D-printed gadget or fixing an old engine
The ability to apply the principles of physics and energy to design the machines and systems that move the world is the hallmark of a successful mechanical engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor