Best colleges for Manufacturing Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Manufacturing Engineering by graduate earnings are Georgia Southern University ($83,438), California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ($79,549) and Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($74,119), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA): $83,438, 23 graduates a year
- California State Polytechnic University - Pomona (Pomona, CA): $79,549, 25 graduates a year
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion (Tempe, AZ): $74,119, 31 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, WI): $72,830, 35 graduates a year
- Brigham Young University (Provo, UT): $69,520, 61 graduates a year
Compare 71 U.S. colleges offering Manufacturing Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 32 states.
Manufacturing Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $72,154 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.36 and the Industrial Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Manufacturing Engineering programs
Manufacturing Engineering is a specialized branch of engineering focused on the design and optimization of manufacturing processes. This program is ideal for students interested in applying engineering principles to develop tools, processes, and systems that enhance production efficiency and product quality. It combines elements from various engineering fields, including mechanical, chemical, and industrial engineering.
Students in this program will acquire essential skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics such as production and processing, mechanical design, and engineering technology, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to analyze and improve manufacturing operations.
Top 13 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $83,438 | 23 | 55% | — | — |
| 2 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $79,549 | 25 | 68% | — | $17,083 |
| 3 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $74,119 | 31 | 68% | — | $24,253 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,830 | 35 | 55% | — | $29,814 |
| 5 | Brigham Young University Provo, UT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $69,520 | 61 | 81% | $13,712 | $11,000 |
| 6 | Texas State University San Marcos, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $68,886 | 27 | 55% | — | $21,375 |
| 7 | Bradley University Peoria, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $67,488 | 23 | 76% | $21,768 | $27,000 |
| 8 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $65,863 | 22 | 65% | — | $21,425 |
| 9 | Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $77,857 | 12 | 66% | $25,132 | $34,996 |
| 10 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $76,754 | 11 | 67% | — | $26,000 |
| 11 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $72,154 | 17 | 70% | — | $21,457 |
| 12 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $68,715 | 13 | 47% | — | $18,500 |
| 13 | Robert Morris University Moon Township, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $62,012 | 7 | 66% | $24,175 | — |
Specializations within Manufacturing Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.36 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 32 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 3 | $83,438 | Georgia Southern University |
| California | 7 | $79,549 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona |
| Minnesota | 3 | $77,857 | Dunwoody College of Technology |
| Michigan | 6 | $76,754 | Grand Valley State University |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | $74,119 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | $72,830 | University of Wisconsin-Stout |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | $72,154 | Oregon State University |
| Utahlimited | 1 | $69,520 | Brigham Young University |
| Texas | 6 | $68,886 | Texas State University |
| Illinois | 3 | $67,488 | Bradley University |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | $65,863 | Western Washington University |
| Pennsylvania | 5 | $62,012 | Robert Morris University |
| Alabamalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 5 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 6 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2112, Industrial Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Manufacturing Engineering can expect a promising career outlook, with an estimated growth rate of 11% and approximately 25,200 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $101,140, and a typical education requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Manufacturing Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.36.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.36 (Manufacturing Engineering) maps to 5 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 |
| 13-1051 | Cost Estimators |
| 17-2112 | Industrial 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 Manufacturing Engineering 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
- Estimate production costs, cost saving methods, and the effects of product design changes on expenditures for management review, action, and control.
- Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote efficient utilization.
- Analyze statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish quality and reliability objectives of finished product.
- Confer with clients, vendors, staff, and management personnel regarding purchases, product and production specifications, manufacturing capabilities, or project status.
- Communicate with management and user personnel to develop production and design standards.
- Evaluate precision and accuracy of production and testing equipment and engineering drawings to formulate corrective action plan.
Common questions
What is Manufacturing Engineering?+
Manufacturing Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and product quality.
What skills will I learn?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, communication, and knowledge in engineering technology and production processes.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is strong, with an expected growth rate of 11% and about 25,200 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for Manufacturing Engineers?+
The median wage for Manufacturing Engineers is approximately $101,140.
How much do Manufacturing Engineering graduates earn?+
Manufacturing Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $72,154, College Scorecard (2019); the Industrial Engineers occupation pays about $109,900 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Manufacturing Engineering?+
Manufacturing Engineering maps to CIP 14.36 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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