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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Mechanical Engineering (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region

19 Ranked Colleges
282 Degrees Awarded
$32,500 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

Mechanical Engineering is the 20th most popular major in the country with 47,598 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, mechanical engineering graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $64,495 and had an average of $23,104 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Far Western US region, there were 7,340 mechanical engineering graduates with average earnings and debt of $64,492 and $21,066 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 282 mechanical engineering graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,342 and $136,270 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 19 colleges that offered a degree in mechanical engineering. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality mechanical engineering programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the mechanical engineering program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Mechanical Engineering Schools

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 19 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Mechanical Engineering (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#1 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Stanford University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k. This fairly large school is located in Stanford, California, and it awarded 57 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our far western us region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k list, Stanford has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford are $55,011, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Stanford

Out of the 19 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #2 spot on the list. This large school is located in Berkeley, California, and it awarded 43 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UC Berkeley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Berkeley are $29,347, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley

#3

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Out of the 19 schools in the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #3 spot on the list. UCLA is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 28 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UCLA also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #4. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCLA are $28,131, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of California - Los Angeles

#7 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UW Seattle is a public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a large population, and it awarded 22 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UW Seattle also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #7. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UW Seattle are $30,294.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UW Seattle

#5

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California
#3 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California Institute of Technology. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. California Institute of Technology is a small school located in Pasadena, California that handed out 8 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Caltech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at California Institute of Technology are $56,649.

Full Caltech Mechanical Engineering Report

#10 in overall quality

University of California - Irvine came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UC Irvine is a public institution located in Irvine, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 16 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UC Irvine did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC Irvine are $28,456.

Full University of California - Irvine Mechanical Engineering Report

#6 in overall quality

University of California - Davis did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #7. Davis, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 16 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our far western us region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k list, UC Davis has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Davis are $28,700.

Full UC Davis Mechanical Engineering Report

#14 in overall quality

University of California - Riverside landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UCR is located in Riverside, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 13 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

UCR did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Riverside are $28,686, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of California - Riverside Mechanical Engineering Report

#9

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #9, Washington State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Pullman, Washington is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 13 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wazzu, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Washington State University are $27,561, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Wazzu

#8 in overall quality

University of California - San Diego did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #10. University of California - San Diego is a large school located in La Jolla, California that handed out 19 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UCSD also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #8. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - San Diego are $28,631.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of California - San Diego

#11

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of California - Santa Barbara is a large public school situated in Santa Barbara, California. It awarded 6 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UCSB also took the #12 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCSB are $28,670, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of California - Santa Barbara Mechanical Engineering Report

#12

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
#5 in overall quality

University of Southern California ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 13 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

USC also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #5. Average graduate tuition and fees at USC are $48,715, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of Southern California

#15 in overall quality

University of Nevada - Las Vegas ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UNLV also made our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #15. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNLV are $21,962, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at UNLV

#14

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, Hawaii
#16 in overall quality

University of Hawaii at Manoa came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UH Manoa is a fairly large public school situated in Honolulu, Hawaii. It awarded 1 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

UH Manoa also took the #16 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UH Manoa are $34,550, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at University of Hawaii at Manoa

#17 in overall quality

University of Nevada - Reno ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Nevada - Reno is located in Reno, Nevada and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s ME degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNR, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Nevada - Reno are $21,971, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of Nevada - Reno

#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #16, University of California - Merced did quite well on the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Merced, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s ME degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Merced, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UC Merced are $43,854, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at University of California - Merced

#17

Portland State University

Portland, Oregon
#19 in overall quality

Portland State University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Portland State University is a large public school situated in Portland, Oregon. It awarded 1 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

Portland State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Portland State University are $23,784.

Full Portland State University Mechanical Engineering Report

#18

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon
#11 in overall quality

Oregon State University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Oregon State is a public institution located in Corvallis, Oregon. The school has a large population, and it awarded 10 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Oregon State also took the #11 spot in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Oregon State University are $28,121, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State

#19

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, California
#9 in overall quality

Santa Clara University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value ME Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #19. Santa Clara University is a medium-sized school located in Santa Clara, California that handed out 1 doctorate’s ME degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our far western us region doctor’s degree me students whose families make $30-$48k list, SCU has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Mechanical Engineering Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Santa Clara University are $23,507, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Mechanical Engineering at Santa Clara University

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Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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