BLS (US Bureau of Labour Statistics) stated that between 2020-2030, the employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow by 7%. The scope of MS in mechanical engineering in USA is high as it is one of the driving factors in the USA economy. USA is an ideal study destination for multiple courses, but most international students regard pursuing Masters in mechanical engineering in USA highly.
The top reasons for this are, the country is home to 10+ QS-ranked universities, up to 100% academic and employer reputation, experienced tutors who hail from the ever-changing mechanical engineering industry, etc. So if you’re looking to pursue mechanical MS in USA, this blog covers everything you need to know about MS in mechanical engineering in USA.
Why Study Masters In Mechanical Engineering In USA?
Before you can identify which are the top universities in USA for MS in mechanical engineering, let’s understand why USA is a great academic choice for this field:
- Good Salary: BLS (US Bureau of Labour Statistics) stated that the median average salary for mechanical engineers was 95,300 USD in 2021. The salary figure is bound to increase with the demand for this job.
- Highest Employment: Did you know that the profile of mechanical engineers in USA is considered high due to the available job opportunities? USA states such as Michigan (32,520), California (28,450), Texas (20,840), etc., are the top three states with the highest employment rate in this field.
- Diverse Course Curriculum: The course curriculum is designed where students can avail the right knowledge and skills required to match the current expectations of the mechanical engineering industry. The course curriculum covers multiple sections such as advanced dynamics, Elasticity, etc.
- No GRE Requirements: Did you know that you can pursue MS in mechanical engineering in USA without GRE? Such universities accept other related academic scores in replacement. The University of Dayton, California State University, University of Bridgeport, etc. are all examples.
Suggested: Top reasons to study in USA for international students
5 Best Universities In USA For MS In Mechanical Engineering
There are multiple top universities in USA for MS in mechanical engineering. These universities have been a preferred choice due to the high engineering academic quality they provide. While there are many on this list, we have shortlisted the top ones that you should focus on the most:
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan
- Purdue University
- University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
- Cornell University
Stanford University
Stanford University offers a diverse range of courses especially when it comes to the engineering section. This course has been designed keeping in mind the students looking to perform well in the mechanical engineering industry
Type |
Private |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
3 |
QS World University Rankings By Subject 2022: Mechanical, Aeronautical, Manufacturing Engineering |
2 |
Course Duration |
3-5 years |
Course Offered |
Mechanical Engineering MS Degree |
Average tuition fees |
1,352 USD/per unit for each course |
Location |
Stanford |
University of Michigan
University of Michigan offers a great course in which students have the opportunity to do more than just theoretical learning. The university has over 100 graduate programs, all of which are ranked among the top 10 in academics.
Type |
Public |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
25 |
QS World University Rankings By Subject 2022: Mechanical, Aeronautical, Manufacturing Engineering |
11 |
Course Duration |
10 months |
Course Offered |
Masters in Mechanical Engineering |
Average tuition fees |
52,456 USD/year |
Location |
Ann Arbor |
Purdue University
Purdue University offers this program in an online format as well. Their online programs are ranked number one, especially for Masters studies. The university is associated with alumni who make it easier for students here to find the right job for them.
Type |
Public |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
129 |
QS World University Rankings By Subject 2022: Mechanical, Aeronautical, Manufacturing Engineering |
17 |
Course Duration |
1.5-2 years |
Course Offered |
MS in Mechanical Engineering |
Average tuition fees |
9,401 USD/per semester |
Location |
West Lafayette |
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign offers great technical courses which students can learn about to form their career in this field better. The university is considered to be the second best for offering Masters in mechanical engineering online.
Type |
Public |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
85 |
QS World University Rankings By Subject 2022: Mechanical, Aeronautical, Manufacturing Engineering |
24 |
Course Duration |
5 years |
Course Offered |
Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering |
Average tuition fees |
Online students-1110 USD/1 credit hour, etc Non- Degree students- 1611 USD/1 credit hour, etc |
Location |
Champaign |
Cornell University
Cornell University has been a great choice especially when international students are on the lookout to study from the best universities for mechanical engineering. The course includes classroom training and research activities.
Type |
Private |
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
20 |
QS World University Rankings By Subject 2022: Mechanical, Aeronautical, Manufacturing Engineering |
45 |
Course Duration |
2 years |
Course Offered |
MS Mechanical Engineering |
Average tuition fees |
29,500 USD/year |
Location |
Ithaca |
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Eligibility Criteria For Mechanical MS In USA
International students who are looking to study MS courses for mechanical engineering in USA, should consider the complete eligibility criterias listed. These criterias can vary from one university to another, however, a standard process is followed by all. Here is an overview of the same:
A Bachelor’s Degree
International students should have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in either science or engineering program. Apart from this, pursuing the same program subjects can also add better value. Students should have a GPA of 3.2 and above.
English Language Proficiency
English language proficiency test scores are mandatory, especially for international students coming to USA. The ELP tests that are undertaken the most are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. The expected scores are as follows, TOEFL ibt- min 80+, IELTS- 6.5.
GRE Score
International students are required to clear GRE scores as a few universities require them as part of their admission process.
Admission Process For MS In Mechanical Engineering In USA
To successfully meet the MS in mechanical engineering in USA requirements, there are a set of steps required to fulfil the admission process. Here is an overview of those steps:
- Identify which universities offer Masters in mechanical engineering in USA for international students
- Once selected, create a list and visit those universities official websites to check the entry requirements
- Pay the application fee and fill in the online application form
- Submit all relevant documents required before the application deadline
- Attend any interview if any invite has been sent for the same
- Once accepted, start arranging for funds and apply for the USA student visa
Documents Required For Mechanical MS In USA
To ensure that you meet all the requirements related to the admission process of MS in mechanical engineering in USA, there is a set of supporting documents which need to be attached with your online application. Ensure the below is checked:
- Online Application Form
- Payment of Application fee
- Statement of Purpose
- 3 letters of recommendation
- ELP Scores
- All academic transcripts
- Proof of financial support
- CV/Resume
- GRE Scores
Cost Of Studying Masters In Mechanical Engineering In USA
The scope of MS in mechanical engineering in USA is high. This is the core reason why millions of international students consider this country to pursue this course. Since you too are one of them, having knowledge about the costs factors should matter to you. The cost of pursuing this course is determined by two things, MS in mechanical engineering in USA fees and the cost of living.
Lets’ learn about each of them:
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee to study Masters in mechanical engineering in USA varies based from one university to another. Fees can go up to 53,000 USD/year. Some universities even charge fees based on semester-wise or per credit hours such as 1000+ USD per unit or 9,401 USD/per
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in USA ranges from 10,000 USD-20,000 USD a year. Most of these expenses are rent from accommodations, transport, miscellaneous expenses, area choices based on the best student city to live in USA, and other lifestyle choices.
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Scholarship Opportunities MS Courses For Mechanical Engineering In USA
Catering to the MS in mechanical engineering in USA fees doesn’t have to be difficult. Today multiple international students pursue MS in mechanical engineering in USA with the help of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships provide funding opportunities to cover costs such as tuition fees, travel expenses, etc.
Here is an overview of the scholarship opportunities available when studying Masters in mechanical engineering in USA:
Scholarship Name |
Amount/Benefits/Covers/Grant |
Lechner Graduate Grant |
Pursue graduate programs at Texas A & M University
500 USD-2700 USD |
Knight Fellowship |
Pursue Masters in Engineering degree program at Cornell University
Up to 60,000 USD tuition assistance |
Warren V. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies |
Pursue a Masters program at Penn State Great Valley
25,000 USD |
Quad Fellowship |
Provide sponsorship to Indian students who wish to study Masters or Doctorate program via stem courses in USA
50,000 USD |
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation |
Pursue full-time Masters program in USA Up to 100,000 USD |
Suggested: List of scholarships to study Masters in USA
Career Opportunities After Masters In Mechanical Engineering In USA
For an experienced mechanical engineer, the average salary expectations are 73,468 USD/year. Once you complete the best courses for MS in mechanical engineering in USA, there is a range of job profiles to choose from. In fact, BLS (US Bureau of Labour Statistics) revealed that close to 20,200 job openings are projected to be available every year for this job role.
Here is an overview of the salary and popular jobs after MS in mechanical engineering in USA:
Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
Vice President, Engineering |
175,645 USD |
Senior Mechanical Engineer |
101,539 USD |
Mechanical Engineering Manager |
115,468 USD |
Project Engineer |
71,293 USD |
Mechanical Design Engineer |
73,071 USD |
Wrapping Up….
USA’s educational system is trusted by millions of international students because of the high academic standards it offers especially when you study Masters in mechanical engineering specializations in USA. The demand for mechanical engineers is high in USA, making it an ideal destination to gain academic experience and build your career in this field. If you wish to seek further guidance about mechanical MS in USA, speak to our Yocket counsellors right now.