Compare 8 Mechanical Engineering. programs in Tennessee. Average earnings: $75,642.
Mechanical Engineering programs in Tennessee produce graduates earning between $64,493 and $84,813—a $20K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 8 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Vanderbilt University's Mechanical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $84,813, but the story extends beyond prestige. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga follows at $81,689 with 77% acceptance, while University of Memphis delivers $80,981 with 93% acceptance—proving accessible programs compete with elite institutions on outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Vanderbilt graduates borrow $14,000 and face just a 3.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Tennessee Tech leads with a 7.0% family burden, also rated 'Excellent'—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $84,813
Strong outcomes ($81,689) with 77% acceptance
3.1% payment burden | Excellent
7.0% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $84,813 | 49 | $14,000 | Excellent | $30,844 | Good |
| #2 | $81,689 | 70 | $19,500 | Excellent | $17,353 | Good | |
| #3 | University Of MemphisPublic | $80,981 | 44 | $23,300 | Excellent | $15,393 | Good |
| #4 | $80,833 | 191 | $20,500 | Excellent | $30,610 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $79,608 | 151 | $15,650 | Excellent | $11,640 | Excellent | |
| #6 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | $67,725 | 29 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,298 | Manageable |
| #7 | $64,990 | 19 | $27,000 | Good | $18,771 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $64,493 | 24 | $27,000 | Good | $20,923 | 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 →
