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How to Get a Mechanical Engineering Degree Online

online-learning-800

Did you know that you can get a mechanical engineering degree online? It’s true. In fact, more and more mechanical engineering students are turning to online colleges for their degrees. There are many reasons to choose an online school over a traditional college, but convenience and affordability are the biggest factors.

Online mechanical engineering schools are often much more affordable than traditional colleges. Universities can cost thousands per semester. And when you factor in housing and extra costs, education is very expensive. However, online mechanical engineering schools make it possible for almost anyone to take their mechanical engineering education to the next level.

Also, online mechanical engineering programs are more convenient. You can complete your courses at your own pace. Whether you wish to finish your degree in record time or work on it when you can, the pace is up to you.

Also, you can complete your degree in your free time. Online schools are perfect for students with families and jobs, as you can complete the course work during the evenings or even on weekends. Best of all, you can complete your mechanical engineering bachelor degree online in the comfort and privacy of your own home, without the pressure of a classroom environment.

How do you get a mechanical engineering degree online? The process is much easier than applying to a traditional university. You don’t have to travel the country touring campuses and going through lengthy interviews. Instead, you can research the best online programs right from your home computer. You can select the programs that are best for you.

You’ll want to consider accredited online mechanical engineering schools, as these are the programs employers and graduate programs are looking for. However, your budget is another thing to consider. And, you may want to narrow your areas of specialization for mechanical engineering before you choose a program, so you can ensure you school offers courses in that area.

Once you’ve chosen a school, you’ll need to fill out your enrollment form. This is usually a fairly simple, short application process. The college will likely require a copy of your high school transcript. And, if you’ve completed any college course work, you’ll want to include that as well. You may be able to use them as credit toward your degree.

You can even apply for financial aid for your online mechanical engineering degree. However, this may require more paper work. There are many mechanisms in place to make it possible to get a mechanical engineering degree on line.

Once your application is accepted, it’s time to select your online mechanical engineering courses and get to work! Now, your job is stay motivated and focused on your coursework. Be sure to work on your degree each day so you complete the program in a timely manner. Otherwise, you may find that you lose interest in getting your degree as life gets in the way. With hard work, you can be on your way to completing your degree online.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

mechanical-engineer-2

Mechanical engineering is a subset of general engineering. Engineers use science and mathematical principles to solve technical problems. Since they often create new products to solve these problems, they are in high demand.

Engineers are essentially inventors. By dreaming up ideas and turning them into a reality they push technology to its limits. Therefore, there is a great deal of prestige to be gained by becoming an engineer.

Mechanical engineers are specialized engineers who work with mechanical devices. These may include elevators, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, robots, electric generators. Mechanical engineers design tools used in other engineering disciplines.

As you can imagine, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering specialities.

Mechanical Engineer Salaries

Like most careers, the range in pay for mechanical engineers varies widely. Your pay will be determined by your level of education and experience. But other factors will also play a role. These include location and the type of employment you seek. Typically, mechanical engineers in government or private sectors earn the most.

The average salary for an engineer was reported at $88,190 in 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of all engineers earned more than $128,000.

Remember, these are just estimates. Your salary will depend on a number of factors as well as the current state of the economy.

What Type of Person Makes a Good Mechanical Engineer?

The best mechanical engineers truly enjoy complex problem solving. They are innovators at heart. If you choose engineering as a career, you will turn ideas into reality and solve problems that better society. You will be right on the cutting edge of technology.

Since most mechanical engineers work together, you should be a team player and have excellent communication skills; both written and oral. This will be important when you are planning and creating new projects.

You should also be curious, creative, innovative, and practical about how things work and the world around you. You should have the desire to help people and improve the world around you. At the very least, you should enjoy learning how to make things work more efficiently.

Mechanical engineers are typically very good at math and science. You should especially enjoy working complex math problems.

If you can tackle the math and science hurdles and graduate with your degree in mechanical engineering, you will be positioned to make a very nice salary. Mechanical engineering is thought to be a very prestigious career. Just imagine, you will be working on solving the problems of tomorrow.

What Education is Necessary for a Career as a Mechanical Engineer?

You will at least need a bachelor’s degree from a university engineering program to qualify for a position as a mechanical engineer. The degree must be from a college or university accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

As an alternative to a degree in mechanical engineering (or general engineering), you may also work toward a degree in physics, math (or applied math or physics), or computer science. Regardless of the exact degree you obtain, your course load will be very heavy in math and physics.

So just how much math is involved with most mechanical engineering programs? Well, there’s a heavy course load in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus. There is also a great deal of science to master, including; biology, chemistry and physics. You may also need possible computer programming or computer applications coursework as well.

To get into most mechanical engineering programs, a student is expected to have completed two years of high school algebra and one year of trigonometry. They should have also completed one year of both chemistry and physics.

It is possible to start at a community college and transfer to a 4-year college later. You can also join a co-op program where you will both attend classes and work in an engineering-related job. This allows you to graduate with valuable experience. Otherwise, you may include gain experience at a traditional internship during your college years.

If you are interested in gaining an advanced degree (i.e. a Master’s or Ph.D) in Mechanical Engineering, you will need to take the GRE Test. The GRE is the admissions exam required by most graduate schools.

What is a Career as a Mechanical Engineer Like?

Engineers solve complex problems for society. Mechanical engineers create and build mechanical devices. They apply the fundamentals of science and math to create practical, useful solutions that the rest of us can use.

Mechanical engineers research and develop machines, tools and various mechanical devices and components. A mechanical engineer is concerned with the design, planning and development of machines and equipment ranging from jet engines to minute instruments used in medicine and surgery.

Engineering is a challenging job with decent pay (an engineer’s pay is higher than most with just a bachelor’s degree). Of course, an engineer’s salary ultimately depends on location and specialty.

With a career in mechanical engineering, diversity is the key. You can wind up working in a laboratory or an outdoor construction site. Remember, nearly every mechanical device was created by a mechanical engineer so the possibilities for employment are virtually endless!

Areas of Specialization for Mechanical Engineering

There are many areas of specialization for mechanical engineering. In fact, two mechanical engineers can actually have very different jobs and very different areas of expertise. Choosing an area of specialization for your mechanical engineering career can be as conflicting as choosing a career in general. It’s important to understand the different areas before selecting a specialization.

Mechanical engineering overlaps with several other engineering fields, such as civil engineering, aeronautical engineering, and even petroleum engineering. The field uses concepts from many different disciplines, such as physics, mathematics, and thermodynamics, just to name a few.

Mechanical engineers are called upon to work on a variety of projects. But the type of project you wish to devote your career to may be determined by your area of specialization. Mechanical engineering is such a broad area of study that most engineering students choose one area in which to focus their education.

Areas of specialization allow students to become very knowledgeable and capable in one specific area of mechanical engineering. Then, they can apply their expertise in their work. Otherwise, general mechanical engineering is too broad to study the entire field.

A few areas of specialization include mechanics, kinematics, robotics, structural analysis, and thermodynamics. Students can also choose areas of specialization based on how they wish to apply their knowledge, whether they wish to design vehicles and air craft, medical technology, energy systems, or others.

When choosing a college for your mechanical engineering education, you may want to choose your area of specialization before you choose your school. At the livery least, you may want to have narrowed your choices to a few options. Otherwise, you may find yourself enrolled in a program that does not offer your desired area of specialization.

Also, some colleges have better curriculums for specific areas of specialization than others. One college may be the leader in biomedical engineering but weak in environmental studies. It’s important to research where each school’s strengths and weaknesses lie.

How do you choose an area of specialization for mechanical engineering? First, make a list of all the different possibilities for specialization. Next, make a shorter list of all the areas that interest you. You can start this process by crossing out those that you know are not a fit.
Finally, look into each area of specialization. Research the type of training involved with each area. Also, research the career opportunities associated with each one. Some areas may provide better employment opportunities than others. Not to mention, so areas may promise better salaries than others.

Areas of specialization will be even more important if you attend graduate school. Master’s and doctorate programs in mechanical engineering often require students to identify their areas of specialization in very specific terms.

It’s important to know the market for your desired career before you begin your education. However, it’s just as important to choose a career you can enjoy. In the end, choose the area of specialization that excites you. Choose one that you can feel passionate about. Otherwise, the education process could be a long one. But the career path could be even longer.

Where Do Mechanical Engineers Gain Employment?

Mechanical engineers can find employment at virtually any institute where innovation takes place. They commonly work in the government, research, industry, military, teaching, management or consulting sectors.

More than half the mechanical engineers employed in the U.S. are employed in manufacturing.

Some of the businesses that hire mechanical engineers include: hotels, banks, hospitals, construction firms, consulting firms, electronics manufacturers, textile industries, the aerospace industry, the auto industry, the petroleum industry, and the industrial machinery industry. This list could go on much longer. There are dozens and dozens of jobs within the mechanical engineering field in the private sector.

There are also many jobs in government that can be secured. A few of these jobs are Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. All of these are very important jobs working for very well-known government agencies.

From developing toys to prosthetic legs, the types of projects you can be a part of are as vast as your imagination.

Top 15 Mechanical Engineering Schools in the Plains – 2016 Rankings

plains-400Are you already sure mechanical engineering is the right degree field for you and you’re just trying to narrow down the school? If so, this list will give you to top mechanical engineering schools in the plains.

All the schools in this list are accredited through the ABET and offer either a BS or BSME in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, all are located in the plains region which includes the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Both public and private schools make up the study. The criteria include; student to faculty ratio, tuition (both in-state and out-of-state), percentage of students who receive scholarships, the amount of money the average student receives in scholarships, the percentage of students who are admitted, the percentage of those admitted who enroll, the 8-year graduation rate, and the size of the mechanical engineering department including both undergraduate and graduate students.

Mechanical Engineering College Rankings for the Plains States

Top mechanical engineering colleges and universities in the plains region:

  1. Washington University 
  2. University of St. Thomas 
  3. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities  
  4. Missouri University of Science and Technology
  5. Saint Louis University
  6. University of Missouri – Columbia  
  7. University of Nebraska – Lincoln 
  8. University of Iowa  
  9. University of Missouri – Kansas City  
  10. University of Kansas  
  11. University of Missouri – St. Louis 
  12. Wichita State University    
  13. North Dakota State University
  14. Iowa State University 
  15. South Dakota State University 

The following includes a complete breakdown of the schools by state along with further details about each school.

The details were provided by the National Center for Education Statistics along with the school websites. The statistics are based on the undergraduate program unless otherwise specified. Data were collected in 2016 which means they are often based on the 2015-2106 school year.

Top Iowa Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Iowa, in order by their ranking.

 

University of Iowa                           Score: 55.3

  • Mechanical Engineering, BSE
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public college located in Iowa City, Iowa which is classified as a small city.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 15%
  • Female students: 52%
  • Students 24 and under: 92%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 81%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 25%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 127
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 10

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 30,844 (23,357 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $8,104
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $27,890
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 77% (the average student received $8,816)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 540/ACT Math 22
  • 8-year graduation rates: 71%

Iowa State University                     Score: 48.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a public institute located in the small city of Ames, Iowa.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 4%
  • Female students: 43%
  • Students 24 and under: 95%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 87%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 37%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 316
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 0

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 35,714 (30,034 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 19 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $7,736
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $20,856
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 76% (the average student received $7,381)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 500/ACT Math 21
  • 8-year graduation rates: 70%

Top Kansas Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Kansas, in order by their ranking.

 

University of Kansas                       Score: 50.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a public school located in the small city of Lawrence, Kansas.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 11%
  • Female students: 50%
  • Students 24 and under: 90%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 93%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 30%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 115
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 18

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 27,259 (19,245 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $10,825
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $26,659
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 71% (the average student received $7,560)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: ACT Math 21
  • 8-year graduation rates: 64%

 


Wichita State University                                Score: 49.2

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1961-Present

Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public college located in the large city of Wichita, Kansas.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 25%
  • Female students: 53%
  • Students 24 and under: 72%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 95%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 28%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 79
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 29

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 14,240 (11,501 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $7,528
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $15,851
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 91% (the average student received $4,143)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 480/ACT Math 20
  • 8-year graduation rates: 54%

Top Minnesota Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Minnesota, in order by their ranking.

 

University of St. Thomas               Score: 61.8

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1999-Present

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas is a private, not-for-profit located in the large city of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 5%
  • Female students: 46%
  • Students 24 and under: 94%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 84%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 31%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 84
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 23

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 10,148 (6,143 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $38,105
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $38,105
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 97% (the average student received $19,743)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 510/ACT Math 24
  • 8-year graduation rates: 77%

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities      Score: 59.4

  • Mechanical Engineering, BME
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is a public institute located in the large city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 14%
  • Female students: 52%
  • Students 24 and under: 90%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 45%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 28%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 219
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 67

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 50,678 (34,071 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $13,790
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $22,210
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 57% (the average student received $8,445)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 620/ACT Math 25
  • 8-year graduation rates: 77%

Top Missouri Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Missouri, in order by their ranking.

 

Washington University                  Score: 74.4

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

Washington University

Washington University is a private not-for-profit institute located in the large suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 95%
  • Female students: 53%
  • Students 24 and under: 92%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 17%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 35%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 76
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 43

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 14,688 (7,504 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 8 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $48,093
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $48,093
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 46% (the average student received $32,626)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 710/ACT Math 31
  • 8-year graduation rates: 95%

Missouri University of Science and Technology  Score: 57.4

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1950-Present

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public college located in the remote town of Rolla, Missouri.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 10%
  • Female students: 23%
  • Students 24 and under: 93%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 88%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 47%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 219
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 42

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 8,886 (6,839 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 19 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $9,048
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $24,470
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 91% (the average student received $8,805)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 560/ACT Math 26
  • 8-year graduation rates: 67%

Saint Louis University                     Score: 57.1

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1996-Present

St. Louis University

Saint Louis University is a private not-for-profit institute located in the large city of St. Louis, Missouri.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 44%
  • Female students: 59%
  • Students 24 and under: 92%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 63%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 19%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 20
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 0

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 17,047 (12,401 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $39,226
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $39,226
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 95% (the average student received $20,195)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 560/ACT Math 24
  • 8-year graduation rates: 70%

University of Missouri – Columbia               Score: 53.9

  • Mechanical Engineering, BSME
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Missouri - Columbia

University of Missouri – Columbia is a public school located in the midsize city of Columbia, Missouri.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 6%
  • Female students: 52%
  • Students 24 and under: 94%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 78%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 36%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 127
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 20

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 35,424 (27,791 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 20 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $9,509
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $25,166
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 69% (the average student received $8,451)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 530/ACT Math 23
  • 8-year graduation rates: 71%

University of Missouri – Kansas City         Score: 52.5

  • Mechanical Engineering, BSME
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1978-Present

University of Missouri - Kansas

University of Missouri – Kansas City is a public university located in Kansas City, Missouri, which is classified as a large city.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 41%
  • Female students: 57%
  • Students 24 and under: 80%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 63%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 38%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 32
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 5

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 16,685 (11,243 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $7,837
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $18,366
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 82% (the average student received $7,562)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 520/ACT Math 20
  • 8-year graduation rates: 54%

University of Missouri – St. Louis                               Score: 50.2

  • Mechanical Engineering, BSME
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1999-Present

University of Missouri - St. Louis

The University of Missouri – St. Louis is a public university located in the large suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 58%
  • Female students: 58%
  • Students 24 and under: 74%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 76%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 38%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 27
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 0

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 16,738 (13,545 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $9,394
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $23,812
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 90% (the average student received $12,278)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: ACT Math 19
  • 8-year graduation rates: 50%

Top Nebraska Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here is the top mechanical engineering program in Nebraska.

 

University of Nebraska – Lincoln                                Score: 53.9

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska – Lincoln is a public school located in the large city of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 7%
  • Female students: 47%
  • Students 24 and under: 94%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 76%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 62%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 78
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 21

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 25,260 (20,182 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 21 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $8,367
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $22,534
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 73% (the average student received $7,394)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 500/ACT Math 21
  • 8-year graduation rates: 70%

Top North Dakota Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here is the top mechanical engineering program in North Dakota.

 

North Dakota State University   Score: 49.0

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1940-Present

North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is a public college located in Fargo, North Dakota which is classified as a midsize city.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 11%
  • Female students: 45%
  • Students 24 and under: 92%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 94%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 51%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 95
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 16

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 14,516 (12,037 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $8,098
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $19,392
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 61% (the average student received $4,657)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 500/ACT Math 21
  • 8-year graduation rates: 56%

Top South Dakota Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here is the top mechanical engineering program in South Dakota.

South Dakota State University   Score: 48.2

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public university located in the remote town of Brookings, South Dakota.

Demographics:

  • Percentage of part-time students: 22%
  • Female students: 53%
  • Students 24 and under: 89%

Admissions/Completions:

  • Percent admitted: 92%
  • Percent admitted who enrolled: 48%
  • Mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees awarded: 59
  • Mechanical engineering graduate degrees awarded: 9

Further Statistics:

  • Student population: 12,576 (10,994 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $8,172
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $11,053
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 68% (the average student received $4,069)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 470/ACT Math 18
  • 8-year graduation rates: 59%

Top 15 Rocky Mountain Mechanical Engineering Schools – 2016 Rankings

rocky-mountains-350Thinking about getting a degree in mechanical engineering? Like the beauty, activities, and culture of the Rocky Mountain region?

This list presents you with the top 15 mechanical engineering schools in the Rocky Mountain region. All the schools on this list are accredited through the ABET and offer a Mechanical Engineering BS or BSME. In addition, they are all located within the Rocky Mountains which includes the following states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.

Both public and private schools make up the study. The criteria include; student to faculty ratio, tuition (both in-state and out-of-state), percentage of students who receive scholarships, the amount of money the average student receives in scholarships, the percentage of students who are admitted, the percentage of those admitted who enroll, the 8-year graduation rate, and the size of the mechanical engineering department including both undergraduate and graduate students.

Rocky Mountain Mechanical Engineering College Rankings

Here is the list of the top Mechanical Engineering Colleges and Universities in the Rocky Mountain region:

  1. Brigham Young University
  2. Colorado School of Mines 
  3. University of Denver
  4. University of Utah
  5. University of Idaho
  6. University of Colorado at Boulder
  7. University of Wyoming
  8. Colorado State University
  9. Boise State University
  10. University of Colorado Denver
  11. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
  12. Utah State University
  13. Montana State University – Bozeman
  14. Brigham Young University – Idaho
  15. Idaho State University

You can find the breakdown of the schools by state along with more details below or by clicking on one of the top ranking colleges in the list above.

The details were provided by the National Center for Education Statistics along with the school websites. The statistics are based on the undergraduate program unless otherwise specified. Data were collected in 2016 which means they are often based on the 2015-2106 school year.

Top Colorado Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Colorado, in order by their ranking.

Colorado School of Mines                           Score: 59.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public school located in a large suburb in Golden, Colorado.

Most of the students attend the school full-time. Only 5% of the undergraduate student body attend part-time. Most of the students who attend are 24 or under. The percentage of female students is low. Women make up only 28% of the student population.

Colorado School of Mines admitted 38% of applicants in Fall of 2015. Out of those admitted, 23% ended up enrolling in the school.

The mechanical engineering program at the Colorado School of Mines is large. 131 Bachelor degrees were completed in the 2014-2015 school year. 32 graduate degrees were completed that same year.

Further Colorado School of Mines Statistics:

  • Student population:   6,054 (4,605 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $17,353
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $34,828
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 77% (the average student received $9,741)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 330/ACT Math 28
  • 8-year graduation rates: 72%

University of Denver                                     Score: 58.9

  • Mechanical Engineering, BSME
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1988-Present

University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private, not-for-profit school. It’s located in Denver, Colorado which is a large, metropolitan city.

Most of the students attending the University of Denver attend full-time. About half the student population is female and 95% of the students are 24 and under. 60% are from out-of-state.

The University of Denver admitted 73% of the students who applied in fall of 2015. Of those who were admitted, 13% enrolled.

The mechanical engineering program at the University of Denver is on the small-to-medium side with 26 students completing their Bachelor’s degree in 2015. In addition, the University offers graduate degrees. There were 10 graduate degrees completed in 2015.

Further University of Denver Statistics:

  • Student population: 11,797 (5,758 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $44,178
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $44,178
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 83% (the average student received $25,047)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 560/ACT Math 25
  • 8-year graduation rates: 78%


University of Colorado at Boulder             Score: 51.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/2011-Present

University of Colorado at Boulder

The University of Colorado at Boulder is a public institute in Boulder, Colorado, which is classified as a small city.

It’s a traditional college where only 8% of the student population attends part-time. About half the students are female and most all are 24 years of age or under.

In 2015, the University admitted 80% of its applicants. Of those that were admitted, 25% enrolled.

The University of Colorado at Boulder has a very large mechanical engineering program. In the 2015 school year there were 196 undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering granted. In addition, there were 72 graduate degrees granted that same school year.

Further University of Colorado at Boulder Statistics:

  • Student population: 33,056 (27,142 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $11,091
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $34,125
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 47% (the average student received $9,408)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 540/ACT Math 24
  • 8-year graduation rates: 72%


Colorado State University                            Score: 50.2

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1938-Present

Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Fort Collins is classified as a midsize city. 13% of the school’s undergraduate students attend on a part-time status. The ratio of males to females is about equal. Most of the students are 24 and under with 76% of them coming from in-state.

Colorado State University admit 81% of its fall 2015 applicants. 32% of those admitted enrolled in the school.

The mechanical engineering program at Colorado State is fairly large. 134 students graduated during the 2015 school year with their Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. The school also offers graduate degrees in mechanical engineering with 25 graduating with a Master’s or PhD in the 2015 school year.

Further Colorado State University Statistics:

  • Student population: 30,614 (23,917 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 18 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $10,558
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $27,267
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 59% (the average student received $7,240)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 520/ACT Math 22
  • 8-year graduation rates: 66%


University of Colorado Denver                   Score: 47.1

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1982-Present

University of Colorado at Denver

The University of Colorado Denver is a public college located in Denver, Colorado. Denver is a large, metropolitan city.

The school is fairly progressive with 43% of its undergraduate students attending part-time. About half the student population is female and 76% of its students are 24 and under. 24% of the student population is 25 and over. 91% of the students are from within the state of Colorado.

During the 2015 school year, 67% of all applicants were admitted into the school. Of those, 24% enrolled in the school.

The mechanical engineering program at University of Colorado Denver is midsized. In 2015, 56 undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering were granted. During that same year, 20 graduate degrees in mechanical engineering were granted.

Further University of Colorado Denver Statistics:

  • Student population: 23,671 (14,036 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $8,692
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $23,704
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 54% (the average student received $6,030)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 480/ACT Math 19
  • 8-year graduation rates: 45%


University of Colorado at Colorado Springs           Score: 46.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/2002-Present

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is a public institute located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Colorado Springs is classified as a large city.

25% of the undergraduate students enrolled attend the school part-time. Just 74% of the students are age 24 and under.

In 2015, 92% of the applicants were admitted while 22% of those admitted enrolled.

The mechanical engineering program is mid-sized with 69 Bachelor’s degrees and 17 graduate degrees granted in the 2015 school year.

Further University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Statistics:

  • Student population: 11,988 (9,970 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $7,692
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $17,988
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 58% (the average student received $4,779)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 470/ACT Math 19
  • 8-year graduation rates: 49%

Top Idaho Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Idaho, in order of their ranking.

 

University of Idaho                                         Score: 52.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Idaho

The University of Idaho is a public university located in the rural area of Moscow, Idaho. The population of the school consists of 19% part-time students, nearly equal female to male ratios, and 88% of the students are 24 and under.

From the 2015 pool of applicants, 72% were admitted while 35% of those admitted enrolled.

The mechanical engineering program at the University of Idaho is midsized. In the 2015-2016 school year, 79 students graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Another 15 were granted graduate degrees in mechanical engineering.

Further University of Idaho Statistics:

  • Student population: 11,372 (9,116 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $7,020
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $21,024
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 79% (the average student received $7,482)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 470/ACT Math 20
  • 8-year graduation rates: 57%


Boise State University                                    Score: 48.1

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1997-Present

Boise State University

Boise State University is a public university located in the midsized city of Boise, Idaho. The school is fairly progressive as 37% of the student population attend part-time and 26% are 25 years old or over. Most of the students are from within the state of Idaho.

During Fall of 2015, 80% of the students who applied were admitted while 34% of those admitted enrolled.

The Boise State University mechanical engineering program is fairly large. During the 2015-2016 school year 93 undergraduate and 4 graduate degrees in mechanical engineering were granted.

Further Boise State University Statistics:

  • Student population: 22,086 (19,103 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 17 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $6,876
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $20,926
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 67% (the average student received $8,341)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 460/ACT Math 19
  • 8-year graduation rates: 45%


Brigham Young University – Idaho             Score: 41.1

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/2004-Present

Brigham Young University – Idaho

Brigham Young University is a private not-for-profit school located in the distant town of Rexburg, Idaho. This school is associated with the Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church).

The student population is progressive in as much as 61% of the students attend part-time and 45% are 25 years old or over. 57% of the school is female and 79% are from out-of-state.

In the Fall of 2015, 100% of the applicants were admitted while 47% who were admitted enrolled.

The mechanical engineering program is fairly large with 103 undergraduate degrees granted in the 2015 school year. There were no graduate degrees granted during that time-frame.

Further Brigham Young University – Idaho Statistics:

  • Student population: 43,803 (all undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 25 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $3,830
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $3,830
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 50% (the average student received $3,049)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 450/ACT Math 18
  • 8-year graduation rates: 72%


Idaho State University                                   Score: 37.3

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1998-Present

Idaho State University

Idaho State University is a public college located in the small city of Pocatello, Idaho. 38% of the student population attends the school part-time. 29% of the student body is 25 years of age and over. Idaho State University has an open admission policy.

The mechanical engineering program at Idaho State is fairly small with 15 undergraduate degrees and 2 graduate degrees granted during the 2015 school year.

Further Idaho State University Statistics:

  • Student population: 13,078 (11,200 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 15 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $6,784
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $20,182
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 67% (the average student received $5,920)
  • 8-year graduation rates: 38%

Top Montana Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here is the top mechanical engineering program in Montana.

 

Montana State University            Score: 43.6

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

Montana State University

Montana State University is a public school located in the remote town of Bozeman, Montana.

During the Fall of 2015, 83% of the applicants were admitted while 25% of those admitted chose to enroll.

The mechanical engineering program at Montana State University is large with 118 undergraduate degrees awarded during the 2015-2016 school year. An additional 5 graduate mechanical engineering degrees were also awarded.

Further Montana State University Statistics:

  • Student population: 15,236 (13,633 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 19 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $6,849
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $22,081
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 78% (the average student received $5,973)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 510/ACT Math 21
  • 8-year graduation rates: 53%

Top Utah Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here are the top mechanical engineering programs in Utah, in order by their ranking.

 

Brigham Young University                            Score: 63.5

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1960-Present

byu

Brigham Young University is a private not-for-profit school located in the midsize city of Provo, Utah. The school is affiliated with the Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church).

The make-up of the school includes 48% female students; 89% 24 and under, 10% attending part-time, and 62% out-of-state.

Brigham Young University admitted 48% of the applicants who applied in the fall of 2015. 80% of those who were admitted enrolled in the school.

Brigham Young University has a large mechanical engineering program. There were 127 undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering granted during the 2015 school year. In addition, 50 graduate degrees were granted during the 2015 school year.

Further Brigham Young University Statistics:

  • Student population: 33,469 (30,221 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 20 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $5,150
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $5,150
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 51% (the average student received $4,629)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 580/ACT Math 26
  • 8-year graduation rates: 86%

University of Utah                                          Score: 55.9

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1936-Present

University of Utah

The University of Utah is a public school located in the midsized city of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The student population is made up of 44% female students with 73% of both men and women attending being in the 24 and younger age bracket. 29% of the students attend part-time.

During the Fall of 2015 school year, 81% of the applicants were admitted while 34% of those admitted enrolling.

The University of Utah of mechanical engineering program is large. There were 138 undergraduate degrees granted during the 2015 school year. In additional 68 graduate degrees were also granted which makes this school one of the largest mechanical engineering granting graduate programs in the Rocky Mountain region.

Further University of Utah Statistics:

  • Student population: 31,592 (23,794 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 16 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $8,197
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $26,022
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 68% (the average student received $7,725)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 510/ACT Math 20
  • 8-year graduation rates: 74%

Utah State University                                     Score: 46.5

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1961-Present

Utah State University

Utah State University is a public university located in the small town of Logan, Utah.

The school is comprised of a nearly equal ratio of men to women. 79% of the student body is 24 years old and under while 32% attend on a part-time basis.

During Fall of 2015, 97% of the applicants were admitted with 30% ultimately enrolling.

The mechanical engineering program at Utah State University is large with 102 undergraduate degrees and 19 graduate degrees granted during the 2015 school year.

Further Utah State University Statistics:

  • Student population: 28,622 (25,259 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 22 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $7,260
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $19,760
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 74% (the average student received $7,382)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 470/ACT Math 19
  • 8-year graduation rates: 59%

Top Wyoming Mechanical Engineering Schools

Here is the top mechanical engineering program in Wyoming.

University of Wyoming                                  Score: 51.5

  • Mechanical Engineering, BS
  • ABET Accreditation: 10/01/1941-Present

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is a public school located in the remote town of Laramie, Wyoming. It is fairly progressive with 16% of the student body attending part-time and 44% attending from out-of-state. In addition, 52% of the student body is female and 78% are 24 years of age and under.

During Fall of 2015, 96% of the applicants were admitted while 38% of those admitted enrolled.

The mechanical engineering department at the University of Wyoming is midsized with 43 undergraduate and 5 graduate degrees in mechanical engineering granted during the 2015-2016 school year.

Further University of Wyoming Statistics:

  • Student population: 12,648 (10,045 undergraduate)
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: 14 to 1
  • Tuition and fees (in-state): $4,892
  • Tuition and fees (out-of-state): $15,632
  • Percentage of undergrads receiving grant or scholarship aid: 87% (the average student received $7,029)
  • Test scores (25th Percentile) for enrolled first-time students: SAT Math 490/ACT Math 21
  • 8-year graduation rates: 58%