Compare 5 Mechanical Engineering. programs in Oregon. Average earnings: $83,219.
With top graduates earning $84,855, Mechanical Engineering stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $2K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Oregon State University's Mechanical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $84,855, while the average across Oregon's 5 programs sits at $83,219. The tight earnings range reflects the concentrated excellence in Oregon's engineering programs, with Portland State University close behind at $82,358.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Oregon State University graduates borrow $21,221 and face just a 4.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $84,855 | 273 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Good |
| #2 | $84,855 | 11 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Good | |
| #3 | $82,358 | 115 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,859 | Good | |
| #4 | University Of PortlandPrivate | $82,138 | 53 | $21,370 | Excellent | $57,555 | Challenging |
| #5 | $81,889 | 55 | $22,500 | Excellent | $22,978 | Good |
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 →
