30 Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering in California 2024

Mechanical engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and building machines and mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers use principles of physics and mathematics to create everything from small devices like engines and sensors to large systems like cars, airplanes, and industrial machinery. Here are the 30 Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering in California 2024. We will share details like GPA requirements, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and more.

30 Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering in California

1. Stanford University

GPA Requirement: 4.0
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, top SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $90,000.

Professional Outcomes: Stanford graduates work in leading tech and engineering companies, research, and academia. They often pursue advanced degrees and are innovators in their fields.

Academic Highlights: Stanford’s mechanical engineering program is renowned for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. Students engage in hands-on projects and internships.

2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

GPA Requirement: 4.0
Median SAT: 1550
Median ACT: 35
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, top SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $95,000.

Professional Outcomes: Caltech graduates are leaders in engineering and technology, working in prestigious companies and research institutions. Many continue their studies at top graduate programs.

Academic Highlights: Caltech offers a rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The small student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized learning.

3. University of California, Berkeley

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $88,000.

Professional Outcomes: UC Berkeley graduates excel in diverse industries, including technology, aerospace, and automotive. They are sought after by top employers for their skills and innovation.

Academic Highlights: UC Berkeley’s program is known for its excellence in research, with access to advanced laboratories and facilities. Students benefit from a vibrant academic community.

4. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA graduates work in various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and energy. They are known for their strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers a comprehensive mechanical engineering program with opportunities for research, internships, and hands-on learning. The faculty includes leading experts in the field.

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5. University of Southern California (USC)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $85,000.

Professional Outcomes: USC graduates are employed by top companies in industries like aerospace, automotive, and robotics. Many also start their own ventures or continue with advanced studies.

Academic Highlights: USC’s program emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship. Students have access to modern labs, internships, and a strong network of alumni and industry connections.

6. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 31%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $82,000.

Professional Outcomes: UCSD graduates are employed in diverse fields, including defense, biotechnology, and energy. They are recognized for their technical expertise and innovative thinking.

Academic Highlights: UCSD offers a strong mechanical engineering program with a focus on research and practical experience. Students participate in cutting-edge projects and internships.

7. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1340
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: UCSB graduates are employed in various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and environmental engineering. They are valued for their innovative solutions and leadership skills.

Academic Highlights: UCSB offers a collaborative learning environment with strong research opportunities. The program is known for its excellence in materials and mechanical systems.

8. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1330
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: UC Davis graduates work in industries like automotive, agriculture, and renewable energy. They are known for their practical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Academic Highlights: UC Davis offers a comprehensive program with a focus on sustainable engineering and innovation. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.

9. University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1330
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $80,000.

Professional Outcomes: UC Irvine graduates are employed in diverse fields, including aerospace, medical devices, and consumer products. They are known for their strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Academic Highlights: UC Irvine offers a balanced curriculum with a focus on both theory and practical experience. The program includes opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects.

10. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly)

GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1290
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Cal Poly graduates work in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. They are known for their practical skills and ability to quickly adapt to new technologies.

Academic Highlights: Cal Poly emphasizes a “learn by doing” philosophy, providing students with extensive hands-on experience. The program is known for its strong industry connections and job placement rates.

11. San Diego State University (SDSU)

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $75,000.

Professional Outcomes: SDSU graduates work in various sectors, including aerospace, defense, and energy. They are valued for their technical skills and practical experience.

Academic Highlights: SDSU offers a solid mechanical engineering program with opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects. The program is known for its collaborative learning environment.

12. University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside)

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: UC Riverside graduates are employed in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They are recognized for their innovative solutions and problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: UC Riverside offers a comprehensive program with a focus on sustainable engineering and innovation. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.

13. Santa Clara University

GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $78,000.

Professional Outcomes: Santa Clara graduates work in industries like technology, robotics, and renewable energy. They are known for their strong technical skills and ethical decision-making.

Academic Highlights: Santa Clara offers a balanced curriculum with a focus on both theory and practical experience. The program includes opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects.

14. Pepperdine University

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $76,000.

Professional Outcomes: Pepperdine graduates work in various sectors, including technology, consulting, and research. They are valued for their leadership skills and innovative thinking.

Academic Highlights: Pepperdine offers a comprehensive mechanical engineering program with a focus on ethics and social responsibility. Students engage in hands-on projects and internships.

15. San Jose State University

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $74,000.

Professional Outcomes: San Jose State graduates are employed in industries like technology, automotive, and aerospace. They are known for their practical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Academic Highlights: San Jose State offers a solid mechanical engineering program with opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects. The program is known for its strong industry connections.

16. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: CSULB graduates work in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. They are valued for their technical skills and practical experience.

Academic Highlights: CSULB offers a balanced curriculum with a focus on both theory and practical experience. The program includes opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects.

17. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1130
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.

Professional Outcomes: CSUF graduates are employed in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. They are known for their practical skills and ability to quickly adapt to new technologies.

Academic Highlights: CSUF offers a comprehensive program with a focus on sustainable engineering and innovation. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.

18. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)

GPA Requirement: 3.5
Median SAT: 1120
Median ACT: 23
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $71,000.

Professional Outcomes: CSULA graduates work in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and consulting. They are valued for their strong technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Academic Highlights: CSULA offers a solid mechanical engineering program with opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects. The program is known for its collaborative learning environment.

19. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1140
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.

Professional Outcomes: Cal Poly Pomona graduates work in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. They are known for their practical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Academic Highlights: Cal Poly Pomona emphasizes a “learn by doing” philosophy, providing students with extensive hands-on experience. The program is known for its strong industry connections and job placement rates.

20. California State University, Sacramento (CSUS)

GPA Requirement: 3.4
Median SAT: 1100
Median ACT: 22
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.

Professional Outcomes: CSUS graduates work in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and energy. They are recognized for their innovative solutions and problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: CSUS offers a comprehensive program with a focus on sustainable engineering and innovation. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.

21. University of the Pacific

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $73,000.

Professional Outcomes: University of the Pacific graduates are employed in industries like technology, consulting, and research. They are valued for their leadership skills and innovative thinking.

Academic Highlights: University of the Pacific offers a solid mechanical engineering program with opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects. The program is known for its collaborative learning environment.

22. Loyola Marymount University

GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $76,000.

Professional Outcomes: Loyola Marymount graduates work in various sectors, including technology, consulting, and research. They are valued for their leadership skills and innovative thinking.

Academic Highlights: Loyola Marymount offers a comprehensive mechanical engineering program with a focus on ethics and social responsibility. Students engage in hands-on projects and internships.

23. Santa Clara University

Professional Outcomes: Santa Clara graduates work in industries like technology, robotics, and renewable energy. They are known for their strong technical skills and ethical decision-making.

24. Pepperdine University

Professional Outcomes: Pepperdine graduates work in various sectors, including technology, consulting, and research. They are valued for their leadership skills and innovative thinking.

Academic Highlights: Pepperdine offers a comprehensive mechanical engineering program with a focus on ethics and social responsibility. Students engage in hands-on projects and internships.

25. San Jose State University

26. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Professional Outcomes: CSULB graduates work in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. They are valued for their technical skills and practical experience.

Academic Highlights: CSULB offers a balanced curriculum with a focus on both theory and practical experience. The program includes opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on projects.

27. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)

Academic Highlights: CSUF offers a comprehensive program with a focus on sustainable engineering and innovation. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.

28. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)

29. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)

30. California State University, Sacramento (CSUS)

Professional Outcomes: CSUS graduates work in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and energy. They are recognized for their innovative solutions and problem-solving skills.

Academic Highlights: CSUS offers a comprehensive program with a focus on sustainable engineering and innovation. Students have access to advanced labs and research facilities.

Best Universities for Mechanical Engineering – Conclusion

Choosing the right college for mechanical engineering is important. Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering in California offers many great options. Schools like Stanford and Caltech are known for their research and high salaries. UC Berkeley and UCLA also offer strong programs. Cal Poly schools focus on hands-on learning. Other California State Universities provide good value. When deciding, think about your interests, budget, and career goals. Good luck in your journey to becoming an engineer!