Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 14 colleges offering Mechanical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,374 recent graduates. Graduates earn $65,911 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $64,630.

School choice matters significantly: University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $80,858 while Wilkes University graduates earn $53,219 — a $27,639 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in PA

$65,911

PA Avg. Earnings

$64,630

National Avg.

297

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Mechanical Engineering in Pennsylvania

Public Schools (3)

$64,858

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (11)

$66,198

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,340 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Mechanical Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$80,858

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $78,166

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 5.9%

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$75,921

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $68,038

Graduates: 58

Acceptance: 11.4%

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private

$71,575

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $70,426

Graduates: 100

Acceptance: 25.1%

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

$69,710

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $68,497

Graduates: 95

Acceptance: 29.3%

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

$69,002

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $68,748

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 32.0%

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$67,101

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,863

Graduates: 243

Acceptance: 77.5%

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Johnstown, PA · Public

$66,728

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,419

Graduates: 240

Acceptance: 95.9%

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public

$66,728

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,419

Graduates: 240

Acceptance: 49.7%

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private

$65,486

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,784

Graduates: 44

Acceptance: 31.5%

#10

Widener University

Chester, PA · Private

$63,275

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,959

Graduates: 61

Acceptance: 84.0%

#11

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public

$61,119

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $61,636

Graduates: 150

Acceptance: 82.9%

#12

Gannon University

Erie, PA · Private

$58,673

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,757

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 76.7%

#13

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private

$53,219

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $61,200

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 91.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Mechanical Engineering in Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania ranks #1 for Mechanical Engineering in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $80,858 within two years of graduation. There are 14 schools offering Mechanical Engineering programs in the state.

How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates earn in Pennsylvania?

Mechanical Engineering graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $65,911 within two years of graduation. This is 2% above the national average of $64,630 for this major.

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

University of Pennsylvania is the most selective Mechanical Engineering program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. The average acceptance rate across Mechanical Engineering programs in the state is 55.7%.

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

In Pennsylvania, private Mechanical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $66,198 vs $64,858 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 11 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

Computer Science $80,288 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $75,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $75,030 Industrial Engineering $72,729 Business/Managerial Economics $71,719 Materials Engineering $71,420 Chemical Engineering $71,371 Computer Engineering $71,016

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Mechanical Engineering in Other States

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