Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Blacksburg, VA

CIP 14.19

$78,280Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$96,376Median earnings 4 years after
$97,664Median earnings 5 years after
$22,500Median federal debt
342Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn a median of $78,280 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 $22,500, about 29% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.

Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's degree) at other Virginia schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville
$74,366$19,000
George Mason University
Fairfax
$73,570$24,113
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
$73,355$22,220
Old Dominion University
Norfolk
$71,774$25,000
Liberty University
Lynchburg
$65,794$27,000
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington
$47,837$19,971

Highest-paying Mechanical Engineering programs nationwide →

Other programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Mechanical Engineering graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University make?

The median salary is $78,280 one year after graduation and $97,664 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $22,500.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.