Best Schools for Manufacturing Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering graduates earn a median of $67,653 within two years of graduation, ranking #14 out of 292 tracked majors — 91% above the median across all fields. There are 12 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 295 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: National University graduates earn $78,343 while Texas State University graduates earn $57,318 — a $21,025 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Manufacturing Engineering graduates see an average 4% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

12
Schools
$67,653
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#14
of 292 Majors
295
Graduates

Public vs Private: Manufacturing Engineering

Public (8 schools)
$66,306
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (4 schools)
$70,347
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $4,041 more in early earnings on average for Manufacturing Engineering graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Manufacturing Engineering by State

Top Manufacturing Engineering Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
N

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

$78,343
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#2
B

Bradley University

Peoria, IL · Private

$69,897
2yr Earnings
1yr: $62,628
Grads: 30
Acceptance: 76.7%
#3
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr: $63,805
Grads: 42
Acceptance: 73.7%
#4
O

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 78.8%
#5
O

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 68.4%
#6
D

Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, MN · Private

$67,660
2yr Earnings
1yr: $65,552
Grads: 30
Acceptance: 98.5%
#7
N

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public

$67,660
2yr Earnings
1yr: $62,687
Grads: 17
Acceptance: 95.8%
#8
F

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public

$66,941
2yr Earnings
1yr: $66,348
Grads: 45
Acceptance: 80.6%
#9
B

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT · Private

$65,486
2yr Earnings
1yr: $65,857
Grads: 40
Acceptance: 69.2%
#10
S

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public

$65,387
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 95.0%
#11
U

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public

$65,131
2yr Earnings
1yr: $67,550
Grads: 47
Acceptance: 84.7%
#12
T

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public

$57,318
2yr Earnings
1yr: $55,495
Grads: 44
Acceptance: 89.5%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Manufacturing Engineering?
National University ranks #1 for Manufacturing Engineering with median graduate earnings of $78,343 within two years. There are 12 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Manufacturing Engineering graduates earn?
Manufacturing Engineering graduates earn an average of $67,653 within two years of graduation. This is 91% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $57,318 to $78,343 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Manufacturing Engineering program?
The average acceptance rate across Manufacturing Engineering programs is 82.8%. The most selective program is at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus with a 68.4% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Manufacturing Engineering?
Private Manufacturing Engineering programs average $70,347 in early earnings vs $66,306 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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