MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

Last Updated on August 30, 2024

The USA has a lot of opportunities for students who want to pursue mechanical engineering degrees. MS in Mechanical engineering in USA degree is a diverse and challenging field. It is a discipline program of 2 years that is high so after employers and has been on the rise. In recent years, it has involved the study of manufacturing, operation, and design of machinery and mechanical systems. This degree is clear for solving problems in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, equipment, energy, production, transmission and biomedical engineering, food processing, equipment, and packaging machinery. This course has a high earning potential and has shown a steady growth of employment at 10 percent, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of pursuing an MS in mechanical engineering in USA. 

MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA: Highlights

Total number of MS in mechanical engineering in USA colleges	172+ approximately
MS in mechanical engineering in USA total cost	Tuition expenses are equal to approximately INR 2500,000 for one year Living expenses are equal to approximately INR 800,000 for one year
Top specializations	Thermodynamics, Mechatronics, Piping design, Fluid mechanics, 3-D modeling, Heat transfer
Admission process	Bachelor’s degree + Application letter + Letters of recommendation + Academic transcripts +  English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL) + CV + Statement of purpose +Work experience if applicable + GRE score if necessary

Why choose MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA? 

Pursuing the course MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA from a leading American university helps students to stay at a level with the developments and required skills in the field. According to a Forbes article, a Master’s degree adds 20% to an individual’s remuneration along with the improvements in the current position. After completing an MS in Mechanical Engineering, students can expect to have a higher scope of competitive salaries, employment, and a rewarding career.

Michigan and California are other cities that employ the highest number of mechanical engineers in the USA. However, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Michigan are the cities with the highest numbers. Students who want to pursue a Doctoral or PhD degree can also benefit from this course, as most universities require candidates to have a Master’s degree before planning their PhD.

Top Universities to pursue MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

US universities continuously rank the highest according to the QS rankings in the engineering category, with MIT topping the charts. The top programs and their respective programs for MS in Mechanical Engineering include- 

QS Rankings 2024	Top Universities and Programs	Application Deadline	Annual Tuition Fees in USD
#1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MS Mechanical Engineering	15 September 2024	89,625
#5	Stanford University, MS Mechanical Engineering	30 November 2024	41,780
#10	University of California, Berkeley MEng Mechanical Engineering	5 January 2024	59,751
#33	University of Michigan MS Mechanical Engineering	15 December 2024	72,560
#97	Georgia Institute of Technology MS Mechanical Engineering	1 October 2024	24,300
#15	California Institute of Technology MS Mechanical Engineering	15 December 2024	60,816
#99	Purdue University MS Mechanical Engineering	15 September 2024	30,228
#29	University of California, Los Angeles MS Mechanical Engineering	15 May 2024	33,238
#13	Cornell University MS Mechanical Engineering	1 December 2024	29,500
#47	Northwestern University MS Mechanical Engineering	1 December 2024	64,650

The cost of an MS in mechanical engineering varies from university to university. The average tuition cost is around INR 25 lakhs per annum at many universities, with full scholarships for the mechanical engineering program. It is typically reserved for students who have a high GPA and strong test scores. Some colleges offer partial scholarships to those who demonstrate financial needs along with the tuition fees. You also need to consider the living expenses, which can be approximately INR8 lakhs per year.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

In order to be eligible for an MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA, you need to meet the following criteria- 

• Undergraduate degree or coursework in mechanical engineering or related field 
• Overall grade point average, that is, a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent 
• Good scores in English language proficiency exams like IELTS (6.5-7.0), TOEFL(90), PTE(61), or DET(110)
• Good GRE score (can strengthen the application but is not compulsory)
• Statement of Purpose
• Official transcripts with strong academic record 
• Letters of recommendation 
• F1 Student Study Visa
• Valid passport
• Curriculum vitae or Resume
• Proof of financial aid
• Work experience (if applicable)

Admission Process for Studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

The process to study MS in mechanical engineering in US is as follows-

• Step number one: Choose a university to apply- you need to shortlist a handful of universities and apply to them
• Step number two: Check their eligibility criteria and proceed accordingly 
• Step number three: Gather the relevant documents required and the necessary documentation to apply at the university
• Step number four. Apply to the university and start the application process on the university website. Pay the required application fee, submit it, and wait for the approval.
• Step number five is to apply for a student visa application after being accepted by the university. For this, you’ll have to pay a part of the tuition fees and SEVIS fee as mentioned in their offer letter. After this, they are enrolled in the university’s SEVIS system, and the i20 form will be sent. Now, the student can apply for their student visa to the USA with all these documents in hand.

Student Visa Cost for MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

To be eligible for a student visa, the candidate must be accepted in the college that the United States approves. The application for a student visa is to be submitted to the embassy of the country where you are applying from the US Embassy, and the counseling service 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 Indian students might cost up to USD 350+ a visa application fee of USD 160 at the moment.

The F1 and G1 visas are the two categories of student visas available for students pursuing programs that require more than 18 hours of study each week, and an F1 visa is required. This includes all undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The J1 Visa is a form of student exchange program that permits students from one nation or region to spend time learning about the culture, language, and other aspects of the region or nation.

Living Costs in the USA for Indian Students

The living expenses in the USA will depend on various factors of the student. These include the type of student accommodation opted for in the US, the lifestyle of the students and the university, and the province they choose from. The breakdown of the cost of living in the US is as follows.

• Low-end $ 10,000- $ 15,000 per year. This could be economical but might be difficult to maintain in most locations.
• Moderate end $ 15,000- $ 25,000 per year. This is a more realistic budget for many students.
• High-end $ 25,000+ per year. This would allow for a more comfortable lifestyle with more expenses on activities and travel.

Scholarships for MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

Studying in the USA is quite beneficial for your career, but it could be heavy on your pocket. Nonetheless, American universities offer numerous scholarships and bursaries for Indian students. Some of the top scholarships available to Indian students in the USA are listed below-

Name of the Scholarship/Institute offering	Amount in USD
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for Engineers	7500
The Fulbright Scholarships	tuition and other expenses
The American Association of University Women	20,000 to 50,000
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship	50% grant and 50% loan
National Science Foundation, graduate fellowship program	34,000
BrokerFish International Student Scholarship	health insurance
Go Clean Scholarship	tuition fee waiver
Comindware Scholarship	tuition fee waiver
Society of Women Engineering Scholarship	1000 annually

Jobs and Salaries after MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

Mechanical engineers are in most demand in the US and around the globe. The job market is the same as women’s, and salaries are on the rise. The following table mentions the demand for career opportunities for students after completing the MS in mechanical engineering in USA-

Job Designation	Salaries in USD	Salaries in INR
Mechanical engineering manager	1,57,787	1.3,00,00,000s
Robotics engineer	1,07,887	89.39 lakhs
Automation engineer	87,041	72.12 lakhs
Mechanical inspector	81,300	67.36 lakh
Mechanical engineer	78,113	64.72 lakhs
Ceramic engineer	88,784	73.56 lakhs
HVAC Engineer	90,000	74.57 lakhs
Marine engineer	86,219	71.44 lakhs
Mechanical design engineer	77,531	64.24 lakhs
Nuclear engineer	98,489	81.61 lakhs

Work Permit after MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA

The United States Citizenship and immigration services (USCIS) grants work permits to international students who graduated from Aus University with an MS or a higher degree in mathematics engineering, computer science, physical science, or any other field of study. The work permit after MSSA mechanical engineering in the USA 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 a 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 in a profession that is closely related to their academic topic of study for up to a year. Optional, practical training (OPT) is a one-year employment and state bank permission available to international students who finished a degree program in the United States. 

Conclusion

MS in mechanical engineering in USA from an American institution can help you build your engineering career. The average annual wage for mechanical engineers in the US is around USD 99640. If you are an aspiring engineering university, the MSME program could be the perfect choice for you due to the strong job market, high salary, potential, and access to cutting-edge education.

FAQs

Can I obtain an MS in mechanical engineering in USA without a GRE?

Yes, absolutely, you can attain an MS in mechanical engineering in USA without the GRE, and some of the universities offering such a choice are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Purdue Univesity. 

Who are the top recruiters for MS in mechanical engineering in USA?

The top recruiters for an MS in mechanical engineering in USA include General Motors, Boeing, Ford Motor Company, General Electric Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

How much can I earn with the MS in mechanical engineering in USA?

An entry-level mechanical engineer can make up to 4300 USD, while an experienced professional can earn up to 103000 USD. This makes MS in mechanical engineering in USA a lucrative program with a higher return investment.

What is the cost of pursuing an MS in mechanical engineering in USA?

The average cost of pursuing an MS in mechanical engineering in USA is between INR 20 lakhs to 75 lakhs.

What is the GPA prerequisite for admission to MS in mechanical engineering in USA?

For Masters program, the GPA required is approximately 3.0 to 3.5. This is equivalent to 85 to 90 percent. The grade equivalent of the same is B and B plus.