North Carolina · Mechanical Engineering

Best Mechanical Engineering institutions in North Carolina, ranked by earnings

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic field that focuses on the study of physical machines and mechanisms, emphasizing force and movement. This program is designed for students interested in applying principles of engineering physics,…

Institutions
5
offering CIP 14.19
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
845
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$69,178
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
4
College Scorecard
Median net price
$16,260
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
74%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Mechanical Engineers
$106,210
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Duke University
Durham Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$89,93811197%$16,260$10,000
2North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro Public · Bachelor's degree
$72,2788957%$29,822
3University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte Public · Bachelor's degree
$69,17824469%$27,000
4North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh Public · Bachelor's degree
$69,07839785%$24,250

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+9.1%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~18,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$102,320
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingScienceMathematicsActive Learning

What Mechanical Engineers earn in North Carolina

Jobs in North Carolina
9,390
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$106,210
median $100,990
Best-paying metro
$111,160
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Related careers

Mechanical Engineers
$106,210 avg · 9,390 jobs
Cost Estimators
$74,660 avg · 6,620 jobs
Aerospace Engineers
$120,550 avg · 690 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Mechanical Engineering programs in North Carolina.

Which Mechanical Engineering program in North Carolina has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Duke University tops the list at $89,938. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Mechanical Engineers earn in North Carolina?+

The average annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in North Carolina is $106,210 (median $100,990), across about 9,390 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Mechanical Engineering program?+

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic field that focuses on the study of physical machines and mechanisms, emphasizing force and movement. This program is designed for students interested in applying principles of engineering physics,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, science, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Mechanical Engineers?+

The national job outlook is about +9.1% growth with around 18,100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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