Compare 5 Manufacturing Engineering. programs in the West. Average earnings: $77,083.
The highest-earning Manufacturing Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $18K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Manufacturing Engineering program leads with graduates earning $83,569. Oregon State University follows at $81,549, while the regional average sits at $77,083. This demonstrates how program-specific strengths matter more than overall school rankings in driving career outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University graduates borrow $11,069 and face just a 2.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with graduates able to pay off debt with about 2 months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $83,569
Strong outcomes with 74% acceptance
2.6% payment burden | Excellent
5.3% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $83,569 | 39 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $81,549 | 48 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Manageable |
| #3 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $80,317 | 48 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #4 | $74,119 | 17 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $65,863 | 27 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
