Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Explore the best online mechanical engineering degree programs to enhance your career opportunities and skills in the field.
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Updated June 15, 2023

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Careers and Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers provide vital services for society. They improve mechanical systems and troubleshoot issues. Some mechanical engineers create prototypes for new machines.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for mechanical engineers to increase 7% from 2020-2030. This growth projection is about as fast as the average for all U.S. occupations.

Mechanical engineers need at least a bachelor's degree. This guide covers the requirements for earning online bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering. The following sections also explore licensure and career options for graduates.

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Questions About Mechanical Engineering

How many years does it take to become a mechanical engineer?

Online bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering take about four years to earn. For licensure, many states require four years of professional experience.

Do mechanical engineers make good money?

Yes. According to the BLS, mechanical engineers earn a median salary of $90,160 per year. This is much higher than the median salary of $41,950 for all occupations.

What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?

Most graduates become mechanical engineers. Degree-holders can pursue careers in subfields such as auto research and robotic engineering.

Featured Online Mechanical Engineering Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

An online degree in mechanical engineering can lead to meaningful work and high salaries. This STEM degree allows learners to enter the workforce quickly. Unlike many positions in STEM fields, mechanical engineering careers require only a bachelor's degree.

The best online mechanical engineering programs typically require fieldwork. Distance learners often complete internships locally. Many learners continue to work while earning an online degree in mechanical engineering.

Distance learners often save on tuition and commuting costs. The following section covers the cost of earning online bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering.

How Much Does a Mechanical Engineering Degree Cost?

According to a 2021 report by the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of an online bachelor's degree is ​​$51,091. However, the average cost at private schools is $60,593.

College Choice ranks Stanford's offering as number one on its list of the best online mechanical engineering programs. Tuition for Stanford's online degree in mechanical engineering costs $16,695 as of June 9, 2021.

Full-time learners typically earn their bachelor's degree in four years. In addition to tuition costs, degree-seekers should budget for living expenses.

Additional Online Student Fees

Prospective degree-seekers should also budget for fees. Of the schools the Education Data Initiative surveyed, only 17% waived campus fees for online students.

Additionally, online learners often pay a technology fee. This fee covers resources such as database subscriptions. The technology fee may also pay for virtual classroom platforms, such as Blackboard Learn.

Other fees may impact students' college budget. Many schools charge for official transcript requests and graduation ceremonies. Graduates may also need to pay for licensing exams. For example, the Fundamentals of Engineering exam costs $175.

How Much Do Mechanical Engineering Majors Make?

According to Dec. 2021 Payscale data, professionals with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering earn an average salary of $82,000 per year.

Experienced professionals often earn higher salaries. Mechanical engineers with less than one year of experience earn an average annual salary of $64,150, according to Payscale Dec. 2021 data. Those with four years of experience earn an average of $70,010 per year.

Geographic location also impacts earning potential. According to BLS data, mechanical engineers in California earn an average annual salary of $110,070, compared to $85,100 for professionals in Ohio.

Courses in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students learn how to safely design and test mechanical prototypes. Degree-seekers learn to troubleshoot failures and conduct research.

Most online bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering require about 128 credits. Full-time students typically graduate in four years. Accelerated programs may require only three years. Students who pursue a concentration, such as auto research or heating and cooling systems, may need longer to graduate.

The following list highlights three courses common to mechanical engineering programs. Available classes vary by program. Learners should contact their prospective school for curriculum details.

Featured Online Engineering Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer

Aspiring mechanical engineers begin by earning a bachelor's degree. Learners should choose a program with accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Mechanical engineering students hone critical thinking skills. They discover how machines operate. Most programs require an internship, during which students complete office work and fieldwork.

Most graduates of mechanical engineering programs take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Passing exam scores and four years of professional experience qualify graduates for mechanical engineering licensure.

Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

#1 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a mechanical engineering career? Check out the bachelor's in mechanical engineering at The University of Alabama. A total of 11 bachelor's programs are available remotely for the 5,041 online learners receiving a premier education at the public college.

The program's broad curriculum gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the mechanical engineering field. Classes cover both foundational concepts and advanced topics in mechanical engineering. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Learners can benefit from internships and externships, or industry-specific research projects. During the course of their program, students can speak with academic advising and career services for guidance.

Applicants who qualify can reduce their degree's cost with internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships. A benefit of attending a leader in remote education, degree-seekers get connected to funding opportunities to support their academic journey, with 79% of them receiving aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
38,100
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
13% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Degree-seekers from all walks of life pick Old Dominion University because the public institution provides flexible education opportunities. The Norfolk, Virginia-based school supports 12,854 learners attending remotely from all over the United States, offering 20 online bachelor's programs. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor's in engineering technology program is a great choice for people planning to start a career in engineering or a related field.

Enrollees benefit from connecting with top faculty members and engaging with supportive peers . Degree-seekers can advance their personal and professional goals by completing coursework and projects in a remote learning space. Many learners get involved with faculty-driven research projects, internships, or externships. It's possible for enrollees to mold the program to their needs and interests by working with a faculty advisor to create a customized plan of study and pick electives.

Since the cost of an education can be expensive, the college offers many internal and external funding opportunities. Different kinds of financial aid, such as scholarships and fellowships, benefit eligible students. Lowering educational expenses is easier for the 94% of enrollees who receive some kind of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,029
Out-of-state
$26,664
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,207
Out-of-state
$29,851
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
23,675
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Indiana State University

  • Terre Haute, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the engineering field should consider Indiana State University's bachelor's in engineering technology. The public college supports 23 online bachelor’s programs, connecting 5,748 online learners with a premier undergraduate education.

Learners gain the tools needed for a successful engineering career from this program. Enrollees learn about both foundational concepts and advanced topics. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Internships, externships, and applied research projects benefit learners. Students can get help from their academic advisor and career counselor throughout the program.

Funding opportunities from internal and external sources, such as scholarships and fellowships, help applicants offset the price of their degree. The college supports degree-seekers in their educational journey with financial assistance, providing aid to 92% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,036
Out-of-state
$19,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,542
Out-of-state
$14,814
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
12,144
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

All kinds of degree-seekers choose University of North Dakota because the public institution offers learning opportunities with a great deal of flexibility. From its main campus in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the college supports 16 online bachelor’s programs, reaching 6,163 distance learners across the country. Many learners interested in a mechanical engineering-related career find that the highly rated bachelor's in mechanical engineering program meets their needs.

Top faculty members and a supportive student body benefits students enrolled in mechanical engineering. The remote classroom environment lets degree-seekers do coursework and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Enrollees work with advisors to tailor the program to their needs and interests with individualized coursework and hand-picked electives.

An education at the college is less pricey through the variety of internal and external opportunities for financial assistance that are available. Students who meet the eligibility requirements may benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial assistance. The college reports that 92% of all enrollees receive some form of aid to offset educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,534
Out-of-state
$18,434
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  • Charlotte, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a career? Look at University of North Carolina at Charlotte's bachelor's in electrical engineering. The 8,713 online learners at the public college receive a premier education, choosing from five bachelor's programs offered remotely.

The program prepares students for a fulfilling career by giving them the tools needed for success. The curriculum includes a variety of coursework, giving enrollees broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced topics. Degree-seekers strengthen their industry knowledge through experiential learning opportunities, furthering their career goals. Applied research projects, externships, and internships impart learners with valuable knowledge. Students can speak with their academic advisor and career services to receive guidance throughout the duration of their studies.

Internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships help applicants lower their degree costs. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 74% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,812
Out-of-state
$17,246
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,337
Out-of-state
$17,771
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
29,615
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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