Tennessee · Mechanical Engineering

Best Mechanical Engineering institutions in Tennessee, 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
11
offering CIP 14.19
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
546
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$66,517
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
8
College Scorecard
Median net price
$19,143
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
61%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Mechanical Engineers
$101,260
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 8 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Vanderbilt University
Nashville Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$78,0095894%$14,854$14,000
2Christian Brothers University
Memphis Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$71,1121255%$11,063$27,000
3University of Memphis
Memphis Public · Bachelor's degree
$69,3866151%$27,500
4Lipscomb University
Nashville Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$67,7252072%$24,309$27,000
5The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Chattanooga Public · Bachelor's degree
$66,5173950%$24,904
6Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville Public · Bachelor's degree
$66,22813658%$20,500
7The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Knoxville Public · Bachelor's degree
$65,75618274%$23,250
8Tennessee State University
Nashville Public · Bachelor's degree
$58,8281234%

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 Tennessee

Jobs in Tennessee
3,680
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$101,260
median $99,330
Best-paying metro
$115,280
Jackson, TN

Related careers

Cost Estimators
$78,460 avg · 3,830 jobs
Mechanical Engineers
$101,260 avg · 3,680 jobs
Aerospace Engineers
$120,900 avg · 790 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Mechanical Engineering programs in Tennessee.

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Vanderbilt University tops the list at $78,009. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Mechanical Engineers earn in Tennessee?+

The average annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in Tennessee is $101,260 (median $99,330), across about 3,680 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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