Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in Michigan

Michigan has 13 colleges offering Mechanical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,627 recent graduates. Graduates in Michigan earn $74,762 on average within two years — 16% above the national average of $64,630, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: University of Michigan-Dearborn graduates earn $80,486 while Grand Valley State University graduates earn $69,338 — a $11,148 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in MI

$74,762

MI Avg. Earnings

$64,630

National Avg.

297

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Mechanical Engineering in Michigan

Public Schools (11)

$74,135

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (2)

$78,213

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $4,078 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Mechanical Engineering Schools in Michigan, Ranked by Earnings

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public

$80,486

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $72,006

Graduates: 104

Acceptance: 58.6%

Kettering University

Flint, MI · Private

$80,255

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $76,471

Graduates: 202

Acceptance: 79.1%

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public

$76,962

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $73,808

Graduates: 129

Acceptance: 70.2%

Lawrence Technological University

Southfield, MI · Private

$76,170

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $71,908

Graduates: 66

Acceptance: 80.3%

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public

$76,070

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $75,414

Graduates: 239

Acceptance: 17.9%

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

$75,936

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $71,321

Graduates: 247

Acceptance: 83.9%

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public

$75,921

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $71,849

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 82.0%

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

$74,200

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $66,978

Graduates: 59

Acceptance: 91.0%

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public

$73,378

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,762

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 72.9%

#10

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI · Public

$71,637

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $69,541

Graduates: 282

Acceptance: 87.9%

#11

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public

$70,776

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,834

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 68.8%

#12

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public

$70,776

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,557

Graduates: 99

Acceptance: 84.7%

#13

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public

$69,338

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $70,095

Graduates: 56

Acceptance: 94.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Mechanical Engineering in Michigan?

University of Michigan-Dearborn ranks #1 for Mechanical Engineering in Michigan with median graduate earnings of $80,486 within two years of graduation. There are 13 schools offering Mechanical Engineering programs in the state.

How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates earn in Michigan?

Mechanical Engineering graduates in Michigan earn an average of $74,762 within two years of graduation. This is 16% above the national average of $64,630 for this major.

What is the hardest Mechanical Engineering school to get into in Michigan?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is the most selective Mechanical Engineering program in Michigan with an acceptance rate of 17.9%. The average acceptance rate across Mechanical Engineering programs in the state is 74.8%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Mechanical Engineering in Michigan?

In Michigan, private Mechanical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $78,213 vs $74,135 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Michigan

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $78,199 Computer Engineering $77,621 Industrial Engineering $73,496 Chemical Engineering $73,272 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $72,128 Materials Engineering $71,516 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $70,187 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $69,677

All colleges in Michigan →

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.