The United States is home to the world’s leading institutions for mechanical engineering. In fact, 6 of the top 10 universities in the world (for mechanical engineering programs) are in the USA.
In this guide, we will explore some of these top universities in detail. We will also examine the key factors to consider when choosing an MS in Mechanical Engineering program, the application process, getting an education loan, and FAQs for the program and the universities that offer it in the USA.
Top universities in the USA for an MS in Mechanical Engineering (with tuition fees, rankings, and application deadlines)
Here is a list of the top universities for Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
| Ranking In The USA | Global Ranking | Name | Overall Score |
| 1 | 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 96.8 |
| 2 | 2 | Stanford University | 93.2 |
| 3 | 5 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 90.1 |
| 4 | =7 | Harvard University | 89.1 |
| 5 | 14 | Georgia Institute of Technology | 87.5 |
| 6 | 15 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 87.1 |
| 7 | 16 | Purdue University | 86.8 |
| 8 | 17 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 86.0 |
| 9 | 26 | Pennsylvania State University | 81.4 |
| 10 | 27 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 81.1 |
Next, let us find out more about the top three universities that offer the MS in Mechanical Engineering program in the USA.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Website: https://www.mit.edu/
Rank: #1, by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering
Overview
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has earned its reputation as a global leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. It offers a combination of rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and a history of innovation and excellence. Famous alumni from MIT include Richard Feynman (the world-renowned theoretical physicist) and Buzz Aldrin (the second man to walk on the moon).
Program Structure
To earn the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree, students must complete a minimum of 72 credits.
The curriculum requires students to take:
- At least three graduate subjects in mechanical engineering sciences.
- One graduate mathematics subject (12 credits) from the MIT Mathematics Department.
Writing a thesis is mandatory for SMME graduation. The thesis has to involve original research supervised by faculty members.
The entire program generally takes about 1.5 to 2 years to complete.
Application Deadline
MIT School of Engineering offers a single intake in September. Applications for the upcoming academic year must be submitted by December 15th of the current academic year.
Application Fee
The application fee for the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is $75.
Tuition Fee
Tuition fee for graduate programs at MIT is around $29,875 annually. Students should also consider living expenses, food, and health insurance costs.
Although the exact numbers for MSME students are unavailable, MIT charges its doctoral students $18,528 annually for co-sharing a 2-bedroom apartment.
Stanford University
Website: https://www.stanford.edu/
Rank: #2, by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering
Overview
Stanford consistently ranks among the top 10 national universities in the USA. It has excellent academic programs that attract the brightest minds from around the world. A 6:1 student-to-professor ratio allows plenty of faculty interaction with students. From Larry Page (founder of Google) to Sundar Pichai, the list of notable Stanford alumni stretches very long. The list of companies founded by alumni of Stanford includes the world’s most recognizable brands such as Cisco, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Instagram, LinkedIn, Netflix, Gap, and Nike.
Program Structure
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) at Stanford University equips students with advanced knowledge of engineering and is structured as a 45-unit course of study. While a thesis is not mandatory, students can opt to engage in research projects during their studies.
Application Deadline
Stanford University offers two start dates:
Winter Quarter 2025-2026: The application deadline is October 14, 2025
Autumn Quarter 2026-2027: The application deadline is December 2, 2025
Application Fee
The application fee for a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) at Stanford University is $125.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for 3 quarters each year is $65,082.
The other costs for living on campus (quarterly basis)
- Housing: $6,210
- Food: $2,405
- Personal Expenses: $2,885
- Transportation: $610
- Books and Supplies: $180
- Campus Health Service Fee: $261
- Cardinal Care Health Insurance: $2,540
For three quarters the total is $45,273.
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
Website: https://www.harvard.edu/
Rank: #5, by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering
Overview
Even among legendary institutions, Berkeley is in a class all its own. Alumni, faculty, and students include 107 Nobel laureates, 25 Turing awards, and 14 Fields medalists. 16 elements on the periodic table were discovered at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory between 1940 and 1974. Famed alumni like Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple) often visit the campus and interact with students. Many famous Indian entrepreneurs like Sanjay Mehrotra, the co-founder of SanDisk, have attended UC Berkeley.
Program Structure
The MS program at UC Berkeley is a full-time, one-year degree. The program consists of three main components, totaling a minimum of 25 credits:
- Technical Specialization:
- Students select a concentration within their engineering discipline and complete 4 pre-approved courses in that area, accounting for 12-16 units.
- Leadership Curriculum:
- A core component includes 4 units of leadership and management courses. They have been designed to develop skills in organizational behavior, negotiations, and technology management.
- Capstone Project:
- A significant part of the program is the integrative two-semester capstone project, which comprises 5 units. This project involves teamwork to tackle real-world engineering challenges. Students have to create a presentation about their findings and experience.
Application Deadline
For the fall of 2025, the application deadline at UC Berkeley is December 2, 2024.
Application Fee
The application fee at UC Berkeley is $155.
Tuition Fee
The per semester tuition and fees at Berkeley College of Engineering amount to $28,134. The program is 3 semesters long.
The university estimates your living costs will be above $28,000 each year.
How to choose the best MS in Mechanical Engineering program in the USA
You have to be careful when you choose an MS in Mechanical Engineering program in the USA. It would depend on which domain you are interested in, its prospects, and the total cost of education.
You need to envision your future in mechanical engineering and choose a course to propel you forward. To do this, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Discover your interest
Mechanical engineering is a vast field that encompasses manufacturing, fabrication, and design. It stretches from robotics to using new materials for product manufacturing. Identify your specific interests so that you can identify a program that helps you build relevant skills in that area. So, whether you’re drawn to automotive design, aerospace technology, or sustainable engineering, select a program whose curriculum aligns with your interest.
Balance theory and practice
Look for programs combining classroom learning with hands-on experience through labs and industry placements. This approach helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for engineering success.
Specialization is the key
Mechanical engineering offers various specializations, such as controls and robotics, materials science, and machine design and development. Choose a program that matches current industry trends and future requirements. For example, doing a specialization in the design of internal combustion engines will have little value since ICE vehicles are going to be phased out between 2030 and 2040 across the world. On the other hand, a specialization in renewable energy systems aligns well with the growing global focus on sustainability.
Align with the industry’s needs
Stay updated on industry trends and select a program that prepares you for emerging fields like renewable energy. All branches of engineering are set to undergo a seismic shift with the introduction of more automation and machine learning. What you learn in class must prepare you for the world we expect in 2030.
In brief, you have to be well-informed about industry trends before you choose a program. Of course, this is easier said than done, with hundreds of excellent MS in Mechanical Engineering programs in the USA. Fortunately, SelectRight simplifies this process.
Find the perfect program with SelectRight
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Here’s how it works:
- Sign up and provide your profile details.
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- Compare the shortlisted programs and evaluate their pros and cons.
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If you’re aiming for admissions in Spring 2025, now is the perfect time to set up your profile on SelectRight.
Application process for top universities in the USA for MS in Mechanical Engineering programs
Applying to top universities for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA consists of multiple steps. We will present an outline of the steps common to most universities’ application process.
- Fill out the online application form provided by the university.
- You will need to submit a Statement of Purpose. This document should outline your reasons for choosing the specific program and university.
- You need a minimum of two letters of recommendation. These should be from professors and employers who can attest that you are indeed suitable for the program.
- Upload official copies of your academic transcripts. Upon admission, you will need to provide official transcripts.
- The GRE is not required for many programs such as MIT and Berkeley. It depends on the university. Always check the specific requirements for the program you are applying to.
- If your native language is not English, you will need to submit IELTS (preferred) or TOEFL scores. Berkeley accepts IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 (Academic IELTS only) or at least 80 in TOEFL (100 is preferred).
- Once all components of your application are complete, submit your application before the deadline.
Eligibility for studying an MS in Mechanical Engineering in top USA colleges
To get admission to top universities for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA, you must meet a few criteria. These include:
- A four-year undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) in mechanical engineering or a related field such as aerospace engineering.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score might be required. It is optional at most top institutions. Most good programs need a GRE score of at least 290.
- If a GRE score is not required you need to have exceptional academic achievement in high school and undergraduate level. A CGPA of 7.5 – 8 is recommended for admission to top universities in the USA for MS in Mechanical Engineering.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 – 7 or a TOEFL score between 80 and 100 is also usually required.
- Your Statement of Purpose must be well written. The SOP provides admissions committees with a deeper understanding of an applicant beyond their academic qualifications.
- Besides you would need proof of sufficient funds to secure an F-1 visa as a student. It can be a scholarship, an education loan, or your family resources.
GMAT/GRE requirements for enrollment in an MS in Mechanical Engineering program in the USA
Many universities have dropped the requirement for a mandatory GRE score.
Some of the more famous institutions that have taken this step include:
- UC Berkeley
- MIT
- Harvard
- Georgia Tech
- Caltech
In place of the GRE, they scrutinize academic performance in high school and college. A good GPA is therefore a must-have.
Scholarships to study MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Pursuing an engineering degree can be a significant financial investment. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help reduce costs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of various scholarship opportunities:
| Scholarship Program | Degree Level | Funding Details |
| Fulbright Scholarships USA | Master’s/PhD | Fully funded; covers tuition, living stipend, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance. |
| Stanford University Scholarships | Master’s/PhD | Fully funded; covers tuition, travel allowance, living allowance, and academic expenses. |
| Yale University Scholarships USA | Undergrad/Master’s/PhD | Varies from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year (average over $50,000). |
| University of New Haven Scholarship | Master’s | 75% tuition assistance, hourly wage, and experiential learning opportunities. |
| University of Memphis Scholarships | Undergrad/Master’s | Varies; covers the difference between international and domestic tuition. |
| University of Minnesota Fellowship | Master’s | Fully funded; covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance. |
| AAUW International Fellowship Program | Master’s/PhD/Postdoctoral | $18,000 to $30,000 per year, contingent upon renewal. |
| ACI Foundation Scholarship | Undergrad/Master’s/PhD/Postdoctoral | $10,000 – $15,000 stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials. |
| Onsi Sawiris Scholarship | Undergrad/Master’s | Fully funded; covers tuition, living allowance, travel, and health insurance (Stanford, Chicago, Harvard, Penn). |
| Rotary Peace Fellowship Program | Master’s/Certificate | Fully funded; covers tuition, fees, room & board, travel, internship & field study expenses (USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Thailand). |
These scholarships provide excellent financial support for Indian students at top universities for Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA.
Education loans for a Master’s in the USA
The cost of a degree from top universities for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA can be steep. Including food and board, you can spend close to $70,000 per year.
That is a large sum of money. That’s why most Indian students require an education loan to fund these expenses.
You can get an education loan at reasonable rates ranging from 8.2% to 15% at public and private sector banks. Some of the reputed ones are:
You can get an education loan at reasonable rates ranging from 8.2 – 15% at public and private sector banks. The most reputed are:
Public Banks
- State Bank of India
- Bank of Baroda
Private Banks
- IDFC First Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Union Bank of India
- HDFC Credila
- Axis Bank
- Yes Bank
Private Providers
- Tata Capital
- Auxilo
- InCred
- Leap Finance
- Avanse Financial Services
- Mpower Finance (NBFC)
- Prodigy Finance (NBFC)
While there are many banks and NBFCs that offer education loans, comparing them isn’t easy. Most students don’t look beyond the top 2 or 3 banks, and in doing so, miss out on vital savings in terms of low interest rates and other value-added services. This is where FundRight offers the perfect solution.
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If you are aiming for Spring 2025 admissions to top universities in the USA for an MS in Mechanical Engineering, create your FundRight profile today.
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Benefits of studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Studying at top universities for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA is a dream come true for many Indian students. Let’s look at the compelling reasons behind it:
Well recognized degrees
Degrees from universities in the USA are highly esteemed worldwide due to exceptional educational standards and modern curricula. This means that after graduating, you can get professional opportunities in any part of the world.
Research opportunities
Good universities receive a lot of funds from donors and rank well consistently. The advanced infrastructure supports cutting-edge research. This means that as a student, you will have access to everything a budding engineer might need.
Student support
In most universities in the USA, there are numerous student clubs on campus and workshops and seminars with luminaries in your field. Moreover, a low student-to-teacher ratio makes it easy to approach your professor and seek personal guidance.
Career and job opportunities after doing an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Mechanical engineers with a postgraduate degree are quite well paid even as beginners.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total annual pay for a Mechanical Engineer is approximately $136,264. The median base salary is $106,188 and the total pay range is between $107K and $176K per year.
Mechanical engineers are in demand in various sectors, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Energy
- Biomedical
- Manufacturing
As a graduate of top universities in the USA with an MS in Mechanical Engineering, you could advance to senior roles such as VP of Production within five years. If you add an executive MBA by your 40s the C-suite is well within reach.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between an MEng and an MS in engineering?
MEng programs are typically shorter, between 12-18 months. MS programs usually take 2 years or more to complete. Also, MS programs are research-oriented while Master’s in Engineering degrees focus more on applying engineering theories to real-world scenarios.
2. Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is not in an engineering discipline?
Yes, some universities allow admission to MS degrees even if your undergraduate degree is not in an engineering discipline. If you have a degree in an allied field, such as civil engineering, you may still be eligible. However, you might be required to complete a bridge course to cover foundational knowledge. Keep in mind that it could be challenging to keep up with peers who have a BE or BTech in mechanical engineering.
3. Is it possible for me to defer my admission if I do not receive an education loan?
If you are contemplating this, inform the university immediately. Many would allow you to take up classes from next semester. Most universities have financial aid available for needy students. This is not always advertised up front but is disbursed when needed. You might qualify for such aid. Be frank in your communication and you might be pleasantly surprised.
