ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best General Mechanical Engineering Schools in the Great Lakes Region

56 Colleges in the United States
7,289 General Mechanical Engineering Degrees Awarded
$72,160 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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 75 schools to find the best for general mechanical engineering students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/engineering/me-mechanical-engineering/general-mechanical-engineering/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 14.19), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Automotive & Engine Repair)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Automotive & Engine Repair)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for General Mechanical Engineering in the Great Lakes Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall general mechanical engineering education in the Great Lakes Region.

Top Schools in General Mechanical Engineering

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign the best school in the country for a degree in general mechanical engineering. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 398 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $92,881 in their early career. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the top schools for general mechanical engineering. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. About 341 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $81,716. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Wisconsin Madison

3
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general mechanical engineering, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. About 83% of students finish within six years. About 819 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $101,895 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,937 to complete this degree. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Purdue University Main Campus

4

A rank of #4 makes Northwestern University one of the top schools for general mechanical engineering. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. About 142 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Northwestern University in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $79,616 in their early career. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $15,334 in student loans. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Northwestern University

5

Students looking for a strong general mechanical engineering program will find one at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Ohio State University Main Campus awarded about 346 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $88,747 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Ohio State University Main Campus

6

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #6 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. About 93% of students finish within six years. About 466 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $92,369 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,750 to complete this degree. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

7

University Of Notre Dame ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. University Of Notre Dame awarded about 145 general mechanical engineering degrees 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. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Notre Dame

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

Michigan State University earned the #8 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. There were roughly 312 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State University 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

Case Western Reserve University landed the #9 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. About 87% of students finish within six years. Case Western Reserve University awarded about 85 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $76,736 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,855 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Case Western Reserve University

10

University Of Toledo came in at #10 for general mechanical engineering this year. This large public university is located in the city of Toledo. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 144 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Toledo in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $77,011 in their early career. University Of Toledo graduates carry a median of $17,900 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Toledo

11

University Of Dayton earned the #11 position for general mechanical engineering this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Dayton. About 80% of students finish within six years. About 226 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Dayton in the most recent 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. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Dayton

12

Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology landed the #12 spot 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 114 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology earn around $78,732 in the first couple years of their career. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology graduates carry a median of $25,612 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology

13

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earned the #13 position for general mechanical engineering this year. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates 74% of students within six years. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus awarded about 272 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $83,881 early in their careers. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates carry a median of $25,998 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

14

University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. University Of Michigan Dearborn graduates 58% of students within six years. About 150 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Dearborn in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Michigan Dearborn generally make around $87,958. Students borrow a median of $23,950 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Michigan Dearborn

15
North Central College crest
North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College earned the #15 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. North Central College awarded about 20 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from North Central College earn around $46,247 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,699 to complete this degree. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for North Central College

16
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Oakland University graduates 58% of students within six years. Oakland University awarded about 142 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data 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

17

University Of Detroit Mercy came in at #17 for general mechanical engineering this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Detroit. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. University Of Detroit Mercy awarded about 24 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Detroit Mercy earn around $78,552 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $29,053. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for University Of Detroit Mercy

18

Kettering University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Flint, Kettering University is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Kettering University awarded about 162 general mechanical engineering degrees 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

University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #19 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. About 218 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Illinois At Chicago earn around $69,871 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for University Of Illinois At Chicago

20

Lawrence Technological University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Southfield, Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Lawrence Technological University awarded about 64 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Lawrence Technological University earn a median of $77,321 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Lawrence Technological University

21

Michigan Technological University landed the #21 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Houghton. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 299 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. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Michigan Technological University

22

Wayne State University earned the #22 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. Wayne State University graduates 58% of students within six years. About 98 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Wayne State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Wayne State University earn around $85,140 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,140 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Wayne State University

23

University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #23 for general mechanical engineering this year. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Platteville. University Of Wisconsin Platteville graduates 61% of students within six years. University Of Wisconsin Platteville awarded about 162 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn a median of $71,612 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Wisconsin Platteville

24

Bradley University came in at #24 for general mechanical engineering this year. Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Peoria. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. About 62 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Bradley University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Bradley University earn around $71,746 in the first couple years of their career. Bradley University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Bradley University

25

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #25 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Indianapolis. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. About 175 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in the most recent year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $80,192 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,450. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

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

Narrow General Mechanical Engineering Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All General Mechanical Engineering Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 75 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options