2024 Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Mechanical Engineering programs in California. We looked at 33 programs to put our Mechanical Engineering rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Mechanical Engineering in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Mechanical Engineering is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Mechanical Engineering: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Mechanical Engineering in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Mechanical Engineering degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Mechanical Engineering Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Mechanical Engineering in California?

California State University Maritime Academy is the best university for majoring in Mechanical Engineering based on earnings data. On average, graduates from California State University Maritime Academy earned an average of $85,206 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Mechanical Engineering in California?

California State University-Fresno is the cheapest university for majoring in Mechanical Engineering based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,311 to attend California State University-Fresno.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Mechanical Engineering in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in Mechanical Engineering based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,277 to attend University of Southern California (USC).

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#31 Best College for Mechanical Engineering
Average Salary $59,912
Average Debt $19,673
Program Size 240
University of California-Riverside (UCR)
4 Year
Riverside, CA
Video Rating
University of California-Riverside (UCR), located in Riverside, CA has 240 students majoring in Mechanical Engineering. On average, graduates earn $59,912.
Acceptance Rate 56%
Undergraduates 5,454 students
Tuition $13,527
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#32 Best College for Mechanical Engineering
Average Salary $59,124
Average Debt $20,514
Program Size 237
California State University-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Video Rating
California State University-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 237 students majoring in Mechanical Engineering. On average, graduates earn $59,124.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 6,512 students
Tuition $6,355
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#33 Best College for Mechanical Engineering
Average Salary $57,770
Average Debt $23,000
Program Size 230
University of California-Merced
4 Year
Merced, CA
Video Rating
University of California-Merced, located in Merced, CA has 230 students majoring in Mechanical Engineering. On average, graduates earn $57,770.
Acceptance Rate 61%
Undergraduates 1,367 students
Tuition $13,208
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