Mechanical Engineering

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What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering is one the most diverse fields in engineering. This program applies mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles. Students study forces acting on bodies of solids or fluids as well as the resulting dynamic motion of those bodies. With these principles, we are able to design and control machines and systems. Examples include systems that apply loads, transport matter and energy, and convert one form of energy to another. If you’re interested in how the world around you moves and changes, this major might be for you.

Career Options

Aerospace
Automotive work
Computer software & electronics
Defense & security
Environment
Health & biological work
Manufacturing, energy, & transportation
Research & development

Post-Graduation Success¹

98% employed or continuing education

68% employed after graduation

30% attending graduate school

$83,251 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Milwaukee Tool, Caterpillar, Sargent & Lundy, SpaceX, Tesla, Northrop Grumman, General Motors, John Deere, Procter & Gamble View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Stanford University, The Chicago School, Mount Saint Mary's University, Northeastern University, University of Pennsylvania, Rush University, Carnegie Mellon University, Ketchum University View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Interest in improving society through engineering
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.9 years to degree

94% returned for second year

70% graduated within 4 years

89% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Aerospace Engineering - ENG

Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ENG) - ENG

Civil Engineering - ENG

Engineering Mechanics - ENG

Industrial Engineering - ENG

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.