Virginia · Mechanical Engineering

Best Mechanical Engineering institutions in Virginia, 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
7
offering CIP 14.19
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
879
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$73,355
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
7
College Scorecard
Median net price
$28,911
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
71%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Mechanical Engineers
$105,240
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 7 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg Public · Bachelor's degree
$78,28044686%$23,000
2University of Virginia - Main Campus
Charlottesville Public · Bachelor's degree
$74,3666996%$24,250
3George Mason University
Fairfax Public · Bachelor's degree
$73,5708768%$25,000
4Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond Public · Bachelor's degree
$73,3558263%$22,235
5Old Dominion University
Norfolk Public · Bachelor's degree
$71,77410446%$27,000
6Liberty University
Lynchburg Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$65,7945865%$28,911$27,000
7Virginia Military Institute
Lexington Public · Bachelor's degree
$47,8373376%$19,971

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 Virginia

Jobs in Virginia
7,960
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$105,240
median $99,350
Best-paying metro
$105,840
Richmond, VA

Related careers

Mechanical Engineers
$105,240 avg · 7,960 jobs
Cost Estimators
$79,280 avg · 6,570 jobs
Aerospace Engineers
$143,050 avg · 2,820 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Mechanical Engineering programs in Virginia.

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University tops the list at $78,280. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Mechanical Engineers earn in Virginia?+

The average annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in Virginia is $105,240 (median $99,350), across about 7,960 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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