Engineering

Best Engineering Mechanics institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 18 U.S. colleges offering Engineering Mechanics by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 13 states.

Institutions
18
offering CIP 14.11
States offered
13
with a program page
With earnings data
2
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
188
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$81,735
1 year after graduation
US pay · Mechanical Engineers
$110,080
BLS OEWS 2024

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.

Learn more about Engineering Mechanics

What you'll learn

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).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree
$81,7351086%$27,500
2University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree
$72,6124990%$26,432

Offered across 13 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Virginialimited1$81,735Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wisconsinlimited1$72,612University of Wisconsin - Madison
Georgialimited1
Illinoislimited2
Iowalimited1
Marylandlimited1
Michiganlimited2
Missourilimited1
New Yorklimited1
North Carolinalimited1
Ohiolimited2
Pennsylvanialimited1
Texas3

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.

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
National employment
286,760
Mechanical Engineers
US average pay
$110,080
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$102,320
annual

Top-paying metros

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$159,270avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$150,900avg
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
$137,310avg
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
$134,190avg
Baton Rouge, LA
$133,980avg

Related careers

Mechanical Engineers
$110,080 avg · 286,760 jobs

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

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Science
Mathematics
Active Learning
Speaking
Writing

Knowledge areas

Design
Engineering and Technology
Production and Processing
Mechanical
English Language
Mathematics

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.

Tools & technology

1CadCam UnigraphicsAccelerated life testing softwareAdobe ActionScriptAdobe IllustratorANSYS simulation softwareAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DAutodesk Revit

Concentrations within Engineering Mechanics

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Engineering Mechanics
    CIP 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.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

Zoom outAll programs

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card