Best institutions to study Engineering Mechanics
Compare 17 U.S. colleges offering Engineering Mechanics by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 13 states.
Engineering Mechanics programs report a median of $81,735 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 14.11 and the Mechanical Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Engineering Mechanics programs
The Engineering Mechanics program focuses on the principles of applied mechanics, emphasizing the motion and behavior of physical systems. This program is designed for students interested in understanding how mechanical systems work and how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios across various fields such as structural engineering and hydraulics. Students in this program will gain a solid foundation in engineering principles, preparing them for practical applications in industries that require expertise in mechanics. This program is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and wish to contribute to advancements in technology and engineering solutions.
Core skills developed in the Engineering Mechanics program include reading comprehension, critical thinking, and proficiency in mathematics and science. Coursework typically covers design principles, engineering technology, and mechanical systems, equipping students with the knowledge needed to analyze and create effective engineering solutions.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $81,735 | 16 | 86% | — | $27,500 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,612 | 41 | 90% | — | $26,432 |
Offered across 13 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginialimited | 1 | $81,735 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | $72,612 | University of Wisconsin - Madison |
| Californialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 2 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texas | 3 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2141, Mechanical Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Engineering Mechanics program can expect a promising career outlook, with a projected growth rate of 9.1% and approximately 18,100 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $102,320, and a typical education requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Engineering Mechanics
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.11.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.11 (Engineering Mechanics) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers |
| 17-2141 | Mechanical Engineersprimary |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Engineering Mechanics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
- Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Concentrations within Engineering Mechanics
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Engineering MechanicsCIP 14.1101
A program with a general focus on the application of the mathematical and scientific principles of classical mechanics to the analysis and evaluation of the behavior of structures, forces and material
Common questions
What is Engineering Mechanics?+
Engineering Mechanics is the study of applied mechanics, focusing on the motion and behavior of physical systems.
What skills will I learn?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, science, and technical communication.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 9.1% and around 18,100 annual openings.
What is the median wage for Engineering Mechanics professionals?+
The median wage is $102,320 per year.
How much do Engineering Mechanics graduates earn?+
Engineering Mechanics graduates report median earnings of $81,735 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Mechanical Engineers occupation pays about $113,610 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Engineering Mechanics?+
Engineering Mechanics maps to CIP 14.11 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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