Mechanical Engineering · California

Mechanical Engineering colleges in California

CampusPin lists 267 U.S. colleges in California that offer Mechanical Engineering programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Mechanical Engineering applies physics, materials, and design to machines and mechanical systems, suiting students who want to build, analyze, and test physical hardware.

Schools in California that offer Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 267 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

267

Public / private

24 / 26

Universities / 2-year

44 / 6

Cities represented

39

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$57,946

Median in-state tuition

$10,217

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

30% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Mechanical Engineering program

  • Statics, dynamics, and the mechanics of materials
  • Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
  • Machine design and mechanical component analysis
  • CAD modeling and finite-element / simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS)
  • Manufacturing processes and materials science
  • Control systems, instrumentation, and mechatronics
  • Calculus through differential equations and engineering mathematics
  • Senior capstone design project, often industry-sponsored

Where a Mechanical Engineering degree can lead

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Manufacturing / Process Engineer
  • HVAC / Energy Systems Engineer
  • Robotics / Mechatronics Engineer

Typical pay: Early-career wages vary by industry and region (BLS, 2024 mechanical engineers median $102,320)

A Mechanical Engineering (ME) major is a broad, ABET-accredited engineering discipline built on a heavy math and physics core, calculus through differential equations, plus statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and the mechanics of materials. Upper-division coursework adds machine design, control systems, manufacturing processes, and CAD/simulation, and most programs culminate in a senior capstone design project, often industry-sponsored.

The standard credential is a Bachelor of Science, which is credit-heavy relative to a BA and typically includes substantial lab and design-studio time. Graduates who pursue licensure begin by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then work toward a Professional Engineer (PE) license after supervised experience.

Mechanical engineers design and test products and systems across automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, HVAC, manufacturing, and consumer hardware, and many move into project management, R&D, or graduate study. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of mechanical engineers to grow about 9.1% from 2024 to 2034, with a 2024 median wage of $102,320.

Mechanical Engineering in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Mechanical Engineering schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 267+ Mechanical Engineering programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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