MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Colleges & Fees

The US has a lot of opportunities for students to pursue mechanical engineering degrees. The mechanical engineering degree is a diverse and challenging field. It is a discipline that is highly sought after by employers and it has been on the rise in recent years. It involves the study of design, manufacturing, and operation of machinery and mechanical systems. The degree is geared towards solving problems in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical engineering, construction equipment, energy production and transmission, food processing equipment and packaging machinery. 

MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA Highlights 

Top 10 MS in Mechanical Engineering Colleges in the USA 

The list of top 10 MS in Mechanical Engineering colleges in the USA according to THE World University Rankings 2024 for Mechanical Engineering is as follows:

MS in Mechanical Engineering Cost in the USA 

The cost of an MS in Mechanical Engineering can vary from school to school. The average tuition can cost around INR 25 Lakhs per annum. Many schools offer a full scholarship for their Mechanical Engineering program. This is typically reserved for students who have a high GPA and strong test scores. Some schools offer a partial scholarship to those who demonstrate financial needs. Along with the tuition fees, you also need to consider living expenses which can approximately be in the range of INR 8 Lakhs for a year.

Student Visa Cost for USA 

To be eligible for a student visa, the applicant must be accepted in a school that the United States approves. The application for a student visa is submitted to the embassy of the country where you are applying from. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate Services website has information on how to apply for a student visa, as well as an online application form available for download. A student visa for Indians might cost up to USD 350 plus a visa application fee of USD 160 at the moment. The F-1 and J-1 visas are the two categories of student visas available. For students pursuing programmes that require more than 18 hours of study each week, an F1 visa is required. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programmes. The J-1 visa is a form of student exchange programme that permits students from one nation or region to spend time learning about the culture, language, and other aspects of another country or region.

MS in Mechanical Engineering Requirements for USA - Eligibility criteria 

• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

• Overall grade point average i.e. GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.

• A good score in English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL

• Good GRE score 

• Statement of Purpose + 2-3 Letters of Recommendation 

• F1 Student Study Visa + Valid Passport + CV

• Proof of financial aid 

• Work experience (wherever applicable)

Work Permit after MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA 

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants work permits to international students who have graduated from a U.S. university with an M.S. or higher degree in engineering, mathematics, physical science, computer science, or other fields of study.

The work permit after MS in Mechanical Engineering is a long-term visa that allows the holder to live and work in the USA. It is granted to those who have completed a Master's degree or higher degree in the United States, and it can be obtained by applying for an H1B visa.

An F1 student visa allows international students to work for up to a year in a profession that is closely related to their academic topic of study. Optional Practical Training (OPT), one-year employment, and stay-back permission are available to international students who finish a degree programme in the United States.

MS in Mechanical Engineering Scholarships in the USA 

The list of scholarships for international students pursuing Mechanical Engineering is long and varied, but some stand out. One of them is the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship Program which provides up to USD 34,000 for a graduate student in any field of science or engineering, mathematics or computer science. Another is the Society of Women Engineers Scholarship which provides USD 1,000 annually for female students with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in mechanical engineering and who demonstrate financial need. Some other scholarships are - the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Scholarship, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Scholarship and the Edward E. Dean Scholarship Fund.

MS in Mechanical Engineering Jobs and Salaries in the USA 

Mechanical engineers are in high demand in the US and around the world. The job market is booming, and salaries are on the rise. The average annual salary for a mechanical engineer in the United States is USD 87,000 according to Payscale.

The following are some of the most popular jobs for mechanical engineers:

• Manufacturing Engineer
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Automotive Engineer

A lot of Indian students have this question in mind - how to do an engineering job in the US after a master's from India? The answer to this question is simple, the applicant will have to look for jobs in the USA after pursuing their degree in Engineering from India and look for those employers who can sponsor them for an H1B visa. 

Top Recruiters for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA 

The mechanical engineering program is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students to be leaders in the design and development of mechanical systems. The top recruiters for Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the USA are:

• General Motors
• Boeing
• Ford Motor Company
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• General Electric Company