2026 Best General Mechanical Engineering Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

No school ranked higher than Washington University In St Louis this year for general mechanical engineering. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of St. Louis. Washington University In St Louis graduates 94% of students within six years. About 164 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $79,569 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Washington University In St Louis

2

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general mechanical engineering, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities awarded about 238 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $81,813 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,077. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

3

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general mechanical engineering, ranking #3. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 369 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Iowa State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $85,726. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete this degree. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Iowa State University

4

Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Rolla, MO

A rank of #4 makes Missouri University Of Science And Technology one of the top schools for general mechanical engineering. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Rolla. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 246 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Missouri University Of Science And Technology in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Missouri University Of Science And Technology generally make around $89,596. Students borrow a median of $22,786 to complete this degree. Get the full general mechanical engineering details for Missouri University Of Science And Technology

5

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in general mechanical engineering, ranking #5. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 184 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Missouri Columbia in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $71,800 in their early career. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Missouri Columbia

6

Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Paul. Bethel University Minnesota graduates 71% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Bethel University Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Bethel University Minnesota earn around $61,465 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Bethel University Minnesota

7

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 137 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Iowa in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $71,732 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,109. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Iowa

8

University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Saint Paul. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. There were roughly 104 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of St Thomas Minnesota in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn around $84,990 in the first couple years of their career. University Of St Thomas Minnesota graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of St Thomas Minnesota

9

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas came in at #9 for general mechanical engineering this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Lawrence. About 69% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 138 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Kansas in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Kansas earn around $70,726 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Kansas graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Kansas

10

Benedictine College
Atchison, KS

Benedictine College came in at #10 for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the town of Atchison, Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. There were roughly 28 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Benedictine College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Benedictine College earn around $71,539 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,990. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Benedictine College

11

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University earned the #11 position for general mechanical engineering this year. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. About 71% of students finish within six years. About 141 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at Kansas State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $72,627 in their early career. Kansas State University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for Kansas State University

12

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. University Of Nebraska Lincoln awarded about 129 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Nebraska Lincoln earn around $71,318 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Nebraska Lincoln graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. See the full general mechanical engineering program report for University Of Nebraska Lincoln

13

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #13 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 112 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at University Of Minnesota Duluth in the most recent year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $67,764 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Minnesota Duluth

14

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #14 position for general mechanical engineering this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 139 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at North Dakota State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $72,158 early in their careers. North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at North Dakota State University Main Campus

15

Saint Louis University Main Campus
Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus earned the #15 position for general mechanical engineering this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Saint Louis. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Saint Louis University Main Campus awarded about 24 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $74,209 in their early career. Saint Louis University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $25,665 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Saint Louis University Main Campus

16

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best general mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Rapid City, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public institution. About 52% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 93 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology earn a median of $69,667 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology

17

University Of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota landed the #17 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. There were roughly 86 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Dakota in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $73,603 early in their careers. University Of North Dakota graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of North Dakota

18

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #18 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. This large public university is located in the city of Kansas City. About 54% of students finish within six years. University Of Missouri Kansas City awarded about 53 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from University Of Missouri Kansas City earn around $71,072 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $26,068 to complete this degree. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at University Of Missouri Kansas City

19

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University landed the #19 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. About 81 general mechanical engineering degrees were awarded at South Dakota State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $67,791. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from South Dakota State University

20

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Wichita State University earned the #20 position for general mechanical engineering this year. This large public university is located in the city of Wichita. About 51% of students finish within six years. Wichita State University awarded about 74 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. General Mechanical Engineering graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $68,018 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,658. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Wichita State University

21

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #21 for general mechanical engineering this year. This large public university is located in the city of Mankato. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. There were roughly 41 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State University Mankato in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general mechanical engineering program make about $68,919 in their early career. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates carry a median of $27,886 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Minnesota State University Mankato

22

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University placed #22 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. About 39% of students finish within six years. Saint Cloud State University awarded about 37 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general mechanical engineering degree from Saint Cloud State University earn around $70,179 in the first couple years of their career. Saint Cloud State University graduates carry a median of $27,090 in student loans. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Saint Cloud State University

23

Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA

Dordt College placed #23 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Sioux Center. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Dordt College awarded about 13 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Dordt College generally make around $54,926. Dordt College graduates carry a median of $21,812 in student loans. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from Dordt College

24

Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University placed #24 among the best general mechanical engineering schools. Set in the city of Davenport, Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Saint Ambrose University graduates 61% of students within six years. Saint Ambrose University awarded about 11 general mechanical engineering degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from Saint Ambrose University generally make around $73,622. Typical student debt for the program is $26,996. Read more about the general mechanical engineering program at Saint Ambrose University

25

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis landed the #25 spot for general mechanical engineering this year. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. About 57% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 23 general mechanical engineering students who graduated with this degree at University Of Missouri St Louis in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, general mechanical engineering degree recipients from University Of Missouri St Louis generally make around $69,638. Students borrow a median of $32,274 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general mechanical engineering from University Of Missouri St Louis