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2027 Best General Mechanical Engineering Schools in the Great Lakes Region

61 Colleges in the United States
7,484 General Mechanical Engineering Degrees Awarded
$71,501 Avg Early-Career Salary

General Mechanical Engineering programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 61 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for general mechanical engineering students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for General Mechanical Engineering in the Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the general mechanical engineering degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in General Mechanical Engineering

1

No school ranked higher than University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign this year for general mechanical engineering. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. There were roughly 446 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $92,881 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

2
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. This very large public university is located in the city of West Lafayette. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. There were roughly 1,148 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $101,895. Typical student debt for the program is $19,937. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Purdue University Main Campus

3

Students looking for a strong general mechanical engineering program will find one at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 461 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $92,369 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,750. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

4

University Of Wisconsin Madison is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general mechanical engineering, ranking #4. This very large public university is located in the city of Madison. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. University Of Wisconsin Madison awarded about 309 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Wisconsin Madison earn around $81,716 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Wisconsin Madison

5

Northwestern University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Evanston. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 147 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $79,616. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $15,334 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Northwestern University

6

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 303 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Ohio State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Ohio State University Main Campus earn around $88,747 in the first couple years of their career. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Ohio State University Main Campus

7

University Of Notre Dame landed the #7 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Notre Dame. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 142 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Notre Dame earn around $84,999 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete this degree. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for University Of Notre Dame

8
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #8 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. Michigan State University awarded about 275 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Michigan State University earn around $80,259 in the first couple years of their career. Michigan State University graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Michigan State University

9

University Of Detroit Mercy earned the #9 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Detroit, University Of Detroit Mercy is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. University Of Detroit Mercy graduates 67% of students within six years. There were roughly 27 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Detroit Mercy in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Detroit Mercy earn a median of $78,552 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $29,053. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Detroit Mercy

10

Case Western Reserve University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Cleveland. Case Western Reserve University graduates 87% of students within six years. About 114 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Case Western Reserve University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University earn around $76,736 in the first couple years of their career. Case Western Reserve University graduates carry a median of $24,855 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Case Western Reserve University

11

University Of Toledo placed #11 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. University Of Toledo is a large public school located in the city of Toledo. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. There were roughly 141 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Toledo in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $77,011. University Of Toledo graduates carry a median of $17,900 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Toledo

12

Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology earned the #12 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology graduates 78% of students within six years. About 151 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology generally make around $78,732. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $25,612 in student loans. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology

13

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #13 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus awarded about 327 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $83,881 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,998. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

14

University Of Dayton came in at #14 for general mechanical engineering this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Dayton. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 210 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Dayton in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $71,911 in their early career. University Of Dayton graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for University Of Dayton

15
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. Oakland University graduates 58% of students within six years. About 134 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Oakland University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $91,832. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Oakland University

16
North Central College crest
North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College earned the #16 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Naperville, North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. North Central College graduates 64% of students within six years. About 14 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at North Central College in the most recent year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of North Central College earn a median of $46,247 early in their careers. North Central College graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from North Central College

17

University Of Michigan Dearborn earned the #17 position for general mechanical engineering this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Dearborn. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 139 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Dearborn in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $87,958 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,950 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Michigan Dearborn

18

Kettering University landed the #18 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Flint. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. There were roughly 133 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Kettering University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Kettering University generally make around $79,307. Kettering University graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Kettering University

19

Lawrence Technological University came in at #19 for general mechanical engineering this year. Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Southfield. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. There were roughly 66 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Lawrence Technological University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Lawrence Technological University generally make around $77,321. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Lawrence Technological University

20

Michigan Technological University came in at #20 for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 305 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Michigan Technological University in the most recent year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Michigan Technological University earn a median of $80,888 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Michigan Technological University

21

University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #21 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. About 62% of students finish within six years. About 216 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $69,871 in their early career. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Illinois At Chicago

22

University Of Southern Indiana placed #22 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. About 21 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Southern Indiana in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Southern Indiana earn around $47,216 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Southern Indiana

23

North Park University came in at #23 for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Chicago, North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 12 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at North Park University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from North Park University generally make around $51,611. Students borrow a median of $27,360 to complete this degree. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for North Park University

24

Bradley University earned the #24 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 76% of students finish within six years. About 56 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Bradley University in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $71,746 in their early career. Bradley University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Bradley University

25

Wayne State University ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. Wayne State University graduates 58% of students within six years. About 79 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Wayne State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $85,140 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,140. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Wayne State University

Rest of the Top 50 General Mechanical Engineering Schools

These schools also placed among the best for general mechanical engineering this year:

26
27
28
29
30
Marquette University crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Lake Superior State University crest
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI
43
44
45
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
46
Valparaiso University crest
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN
47
48
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
49
Stark State College crest
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
50
Cedarville University crest
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 61 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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