Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor's degree · University of California-San Diego · La Jolla, CA
How this program compares
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at University of California-San Diego earn a median of $69,555 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $92,135 four years after graduating (middle half: $77,715–$109,121). Median debt is $20,000, about 29% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's degree) at other California schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| Cal Poly Maritime Academy Vallejo | $92,315 | $19,690 |
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $88,497 | $13,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $83,356 | $14,250 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $83,011 | $20,500 |
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $81,865 | $19,000 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara | $81,108 | $15,000 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $79,016 | $16,500 |
| University of San Diego San Diego | $77,962 | $26,187 |
| University of the Pacific Stockton | $76,785 | $28,000 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $75,231 | $13,867 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona | $75,040 | $16,940 |
| California State University-Chico Chico | $73,297 | $22,353 |
| San Francisco State University San Francisco | $72,647 | $21,250 |
| California Baptist University Riverside | $72,224 | $27,000 |
| California State University-Northridge Northridge | $71,359 | $17,000 |
Other programs at University of California-San Diego
- Computer ScienceMaster's degree
$148,262 - Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralMaster's degree
$146,806 - Engineering, OtherMaster's degree
$142,225 - Education, GeneralDoctoral degree
$122,372 - Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical StudiesMaster's degree
$121,264 - Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and AdministrationMaster's degree
$117,115 - Mechanical EngineeringMaster's degree
$112,996 - Computer ScienceBachelor's degree
$112,006 - Electrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringMaster's degree
$111,009 - Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and AdministrationDoctoral degree
$109,337 - Biomedical/Medical EngineeringMaster's degree
$100,166 - Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's degree
$98,870 - Health and Medical Administrative ServicesMaster's degree
$98,377 - Computer EngineeringBachelor's degree
$96,256 - ChemistryDoctoral degree
$93,148 - Mathematics and Computer ScienceBachelor's degree
$89,651 - Civil EngineeringMaster's degree
$89,543 - PhysicsDoctoral degree
$89,022 - Electrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringBachelor's degree
$80,687 - Biology, GeneralDoctoral degree
$80,294
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of California-San Diego make?
The median salary is $69,555 one year after graduation and $99,554 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $20,000.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.