If you are a high school student looking to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, then these universities should definitely be on your radar! When looking for the best mechanical engineering schools in the U.S., you'll want to consider institutions that excel in academic rigor, research opportunities, industry connections, and innovation. Top schools like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) consistently rank highly due to their cutting-edge research facilities, distinguished faculty, and strong ties to the engineering industry. 

The selection of these top mechanical engineering schools is based on a comprehensive analysis of several key factors like academic reputation, research output and facilities, faculty excellence, alumni success, and industry connections.

To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of 10 schools that excel in mechanical engineering education!

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Private

Location: Cambridge, MA

Annual Cost of Attendance: $82,730

Student to faculty ratio: 3:1

Acceptance Rate: 4.7%

Notable Alumni: Buzz Aldrin, Richard Feynman, Shirley Ann Jackson

At MIT, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Course 2) will help you build a strong foundation in engineering sciences. Course 2 provides a traditional path that prepares students for a wide array of career choices in mechanical engineering, focusing on developing relevant engineering fundamentals and offering hands-on experience in their application. 

For a more tailored educational journey, Course 2-A allows you to customize your bachelor's degree. It combines the essential elements of traditional mechanical engineering with study in a complementary field, enabling you to align your curriculum with your individual interests and career aspirations. 

MIT is a leader in the engineering departments and a great place for innovation and hands-on learning. The university provides you with an academically rigorous curriculum and the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research. 

2. Stanford University’s B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Track

Private or public: Private

Location: Stanford, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $82,406

Student to faculty ratio: 6:1

Acceptance rate: 4%

Notable alumni: Larry Page and Sergey Brin( co-founders of Google); Sundar Pichai(CEO, Google) 

At Stanford University, the undergraduate program in mechanical engineering is designed to encourage innovation and new engineering solutions. As a graduate of this program, you will be offered positions from entry-level jobs as mechanical engineers to advanced studies in engineering disciplines or other fields where a broad engineering background is advantageous.

The program emphasizes the development of critical engineering competencies. You will learn to apply engineering design principles to generate solutions that address specific needs while considering public health, safety, welfare, and global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 

To tailor your educational experience, Stanford offers concentration paths within the Mechanical Engineering program, each with specific required and elective courses. Concentrations such as "Dynamic Systems and Controls," "Materials and Structures," "Product Realization," and "Thermo, Fluids, and Heat Transfer" allow you to specialize in areas of interest, requiring a combination of courses that total a minimum of 18 units. Depending on the chosen concentration, the selection of elective courses is structured to deepen your expertise in that particular area, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and skill set tailored to your career goals and aspirations. 

3. Caltech’s B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or public: Private

Location: Pasadena, CA

Annual cost of attendance: $63,063

Student to faculty ratio: 3:1

Acceptance rate: 3%

Notable alumni: Howard Hughes and Richard Feynman

At Caltech, the undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering is designed with the objective of preparing graduates for impactful careers and further education that lead to leadership positions across academia, industry, and government. This goal is particularly focused on areas of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology that encompass fluid, solid, thermal, and mechanical systems. 

As a student in this program, you are expected to build upon a foundational knowledge in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology, applying these principles to engineer innovative solutions for open-ended engineering problems. Sample courses include EE/ME 7 (Introduction to Mechatronics), ME 8 (Introduction to Robotics), and ME 11 abc (Thermal Science).

The technical developments of the last decade have led to new technical disciplines within mechanical engineering at Caltech. These areas, including micro- and nano-mechanical systems, simulation and synthesis, integrated complex distributed systems, and biological engineering, all build on a fundamental understanding of physical systems.

4. Purdue University B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or public: Public

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Annual cost of attendance: $41,614

Student to faculty ratio: 14:1

Acceptance rate: 35%

Notable alumni: Neil Armstrong, David Wolf, and Edward Purcell

At Purdue University, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program is ranked as #6 in the country by US News and World Report and also boasts an average starting salary of $78,567. The curriculum encompasses a comprehensive array of subjects including physics, electronics, 3D printing, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and controls, ensuring you are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern engineering.

You have the opportunity to join motorsports teams, design rockets, or contribute your skills to service organizations, making a tangible difference in your community. The program emphasizes research, allowing many students to engage in graduate-level projects alongside world-class faculty. Furthermore, with 34% of Purdue ME students studying abroad, the program offers a global perspective on engineering. Purdue graduates are highly sought after by top employers across diverse industries such as aerospace & defense, automotive, and energy, with companies like GM, Honda, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin regularly hiring Purdue alumni.

Purdue offers state-of-the-art facilities, including over 30 buildings dedicated to engineering. With the option to choose from 17 engineering majors and several unique minors, or even customize your own major through Interdisciplinary Engineering Studies and Multidisciplinary Engineering programs, Purdue University is a great place to explore mechanical engineering.

5. Cornell University B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Private

Location: Ithaca, NY

Annual Cost of Attendance: $88,150

Student to faculty ratio: 9:1

Acceptance Rate: 9.73%

Notable Alumni: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, Tsai Ing-wen

At Cornell University, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program emphasizes particular areas of concentration such as mechanical systems, vehicle engineering, biomechanics, materials processing, and precision engineering. You'll delve into computer-aided design, vibrations and control systems, dynamics, as well as the experimental and theoretical aspects of fluid flow, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and combustion. 

The technical portion of the undergraduate program is structured to provide a solid foundation in required mathematics and science during Terms 1-4. In Terms 3 & 4, you'll focus on fundamental engineering science and during terms 4-7, the courses highlight the engineering design aspects of mechanical engineering. In Terms 7 & 8 that allow for specialization according to your interests. The program is rounded out with advanced manufacturing and materials research, biomechanics, and bioengineering and healthcare, offering opportunities for engagement with cutting-edge research and technology translation to biomedical applications. 

Research initiatives at Cornell are extensive, with strong ties to facilities like the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), the Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR), and the Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility (CNF), facilitating advancements in materials design, systems engineering, and applied mathematics. 

6. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Private

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Annual Cost of Attendance: $83,697

Student to faculty ratio: 5:1

Acceptance Rate: 11%

Notable Alumni: Andy Warhol, John Forbes Nash Jr, Holly Hunter

At CMU, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program emphasizes analysis, design, and manufacture of systems across all scales. With several unrestricted electives, the program offers the freedom to explore diverse career paths. Noteworthy courses include "Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering," "Maker Series I: Intro to Modern Making," and "Special Topics: Maker Series: Intro to Laser Cutting & Engraving," alongside opportunities for full-time summer research through SURF and ISURF programs.

Beyond academics, CMU fosters a vibrant community through organizations like Women in MechE, which connects students with alumni, mentors, and professionals, promoting STEM outreach and professional development. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) student chapter at CMU offers further professional development opportunities, including technical presentations and industry tours. 

7. Princeton University B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Private

Location: Princeton, NJ

Annual Cost of Attendance: $83,140

Student to faculty ratio: 5:1

Acceptance Rate: 5.8%

Notable Alumni: Jeff Bezos, Alan Turing, Michelle Obama

At Princeton University, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers two accredited degree programs: Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. These programs can be enriched with certificate programs, Princeton's equivalent to minors, in areas such as engineering biology, applied and computational mathematics, materials science in engineering, engineering physics, robotics and intelligent systems, and engineering and management systems. 

Princeton emphasizes a close-knit teaching environment, characterized by a small faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring that faculty members are accessible for advice and discussions. As part of the program, all students undertake independent projects or opt to write a senior thesis. The university's strong liberal arts and sciences foundation complements your engineering education, exposing you to a diversity of perspectives and challenging topics through programs like the Freshmen Seminar. The research activities within the department span five broadly defined areas, including applied physics, biomechanics and biomaterials, control, robotics, and dynamical systems, and fluid mechanics. 

8. Harvard University B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Private

Location: Cambridge, MA

Annual Cost of Attendance: $79,450

Student to faculty ratio: 7:1

Acceptance Rate: 3.41%

Notable Alumni: Mark Zuckerburg, Bill Gates, Barack Obama

At Harvard University, the journey into MechE typically begins with a focus on foundational courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, ideally completed within your first two years. By sophomore year, you'll work closely with concentration advisers to tailor an individual degree program that not only meets your specific interests within MechE but also aligns with concentration requirements. Courses such as ES 51 (Introduction to Engineering Sciences) or CS 50 (Introduction to Computer Science) in your first year, followed by advanced foundational math and physics, guide you through the early stages of your MechE education.

Research opportunities, including the option to pursue a Senior Thesis or Research for Course Credit (ES 91R), offer valuable hands-on experience in mechanical engineering. Notably, Harvard provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in a concurrent master's program in mechanical engineering. This path allows you to deepen your expertise and prepare for advanced roles in the field by blending undergraduate studies with graduate-level research and coursework. 

9. Georgia Institute of Technology B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Public

Location: Atlanta, GA

Annual Cost of Attendance: $28,584 (in-state) and $49,696 (out of state)

Student to faculty ratio: 21:1

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Notable Alumni: Jimmy Carter, Kary Mullis, Chris Bosh

At the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (ME) program is structured around fundamental ME concepts, a design/professional-practice stream, and includes 15 credit hours of free electives. By incorporating courses in electronics, materials science, computer programming, and manufacturing, the program ensures you are well-equipped for the multifaceted challenges of the field. 

Additionally, the substantial elective hours allow for the pursuit of minors and certificates across the Institute, or for specialization within ME, accommodating interests in co-op programs, internships, study abroad opportunities, and undergraduate research.

To further specialize, the university offers concentrations in areas such as automotive, automation and robotic systems, design, manufacturing, mechanics of materials, micro- and nano-engineering, nuclear and radiological engineering, and thermal, fluid, and energy systems. 

Georgia Tech's long-standing Undergraduate Cooperative Program since 1912, allows students to integrate career-related experience with academic studies. This program ensures that co-op students complete the same rigorous coursework as their non-co-op counterparts. Additionally, the BS/MS program offers a pathway for students showing the capability and interest for further education beyond the BS degree. 

10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Private or Public: Public

Location: Champaign, IL

Annual Cost of Attendance: $40,474 (in-state) and $61,872 (out of state)

Student to faculty ratio: 21:1

Acceptance Rate: 44.8%

Notable Alumni: Hugh Hefner, Gene Hackman, Larry Ellison

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (ME) program encompasses a vast range of specializations, including automotive systems, bioengineering, combustion and propulsion, design methodology and tribology, dynamic systems and controls, energy systems and thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and more. Accredited by ABET, this undergraduate program is consistently ranked among the top in the United States, offering students access to international faculty, cutting-edge laboratories, and unparalleled academic resources.

Courses like ME 170 (Computer-Aided Design) and ME 199 (Automotive Design Projects-ADV) exemplify the program's commitment to hands-on learning and practical application of engineering principles. The department's research centers and laboratories offer interdisciplinary opportunities that extend beyond the Illinois campus, involving collaborations with other research institutions. 

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