Compare 15 Manufacturing Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $84,802. Top programs: $97,819+.
The highest-earning Manufacturing Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $32K earnings gap across 15 programs—from $65K to $98K—the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Where you study manufacturing engineering matters far more than how that school ranks overall.
Northwestern University leads with Manufacturing Engineering graduates earning $98K—well above the $85K field average. But the more telling finding is #2: Grand Valley State University, a regional Michigan public with an 83% acceptance rate, delivers $95K in graduate earnings. Accessible admissions and strong outcomes aren't mutually exclusive in this field.
Brigham Young University makes the strongest case for debt-conscious enrollment: graduates borrow just $11,069 in student loans and carry a 2.2% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating. When parent loans enter the picture, BYU still leads nationally with a 4.4% family burden, also rated 'Excellent.' Strong earnings, minimal debt pressure. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $97,819
Strong outcomes ($95,416) with 83% acceptance rate
2.2% payment burden | Excellent
4.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $97,819 | 27 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Good |
| #2 | $95,416 | 20 | $24,500 | Excellent | $26,392 | Good | |
| #3 | $93,042 | 46 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #4 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $92,122 | 31 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #5 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $88,995 | 43 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Good |
| #6 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | $88,690 | 16 | $27,000 | Excellent | $41,405 | Manageable |
| #7 | $87,431 | 13 | $23,000 | Excellent | $11,000 | Excellent | |
| #8 | $85,911 | 16 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Good | |
| #9 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $85,369 | 88 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Good |
| #10 | $85,314 | 18 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Good | |
| #11 | $83,438 | 22 | — | — | — | — | |
| #12 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $80,996 | 32 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,849 | Good |
| #13 | Robert Morris UniversityPrivate | $74,446 | 6 | $26,950 | Excellent | $38,989 | Challenging |
| #14 | $67,660 | 11 | — | — | — | — | |
| #15 | $65,387 | 8 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
