Bachelor Programme
Mechanical Engineering
Michigan's ABET-accredited BSE in Mechanical Engineering is built around 45 credits of core courses in five areas: design and manufacturing, mechanics and materials, dynamics and controls, thermal sciences, and labs with technical communication. Students take a three-course design and manufacturing sequence and two lab courses, plus circuits, advanced maths, technical electives and a specialization elective. Optional concentrations in Energy, Manufacturing Systems and Robotics let students focus their upper-level electives, and dual degrees with other engineering programs are possible.
University
University of Michigan
Country
United States
Level
Bachelor
Field
Engineering
Duration
4 years full-time (128 credits)
Language
English
Campus
Ann Arbor
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Mechanical Engineering
Intake
Fall term (classes start in late August or early September). U-M also lists winter, spring and summer deadlines, but first-year students normally start in the fall
Application Deadline
Fall 2027 entry, via the Common Application with a US$75 fee (international students are not typically eligible for fee waivers). U-M offers three plans: Early Decision (binding; apply by 1 November 2026, decision by 24 December, enrolment deposit due 6 January 2027), Early Action (non-binding; apply by 1 November 2026, decision by 29 January 2027) and Regular Decision (apply by 1 February 2027, decision by 2 April 2027). Early Action and Regular Decision admits have until 1 May 2027 to commit. If you choose Early Decision, you, a parent or guardian and your counsellor must sign the agreement, and you must withdraw all other applications if admitted. All required materials must arrive by the deadline for your plan
Tuition Information
2026-27 (fall 2026 and winter 2027, the latest published rates): College of Engineering non-resident tuition and required fees are US$33,744 per term in the lower division (0-54 credits) and US$37,859 per term in the upper division (55+ credits), so about US$67,488 a year for the first two years and US$75,718 after that (the Registrar's tuition-only rates are US$33,497 and US$37,612 per full-time term of 12-18 credits). International students pay the non-resident rate. U-M Financial Aid's 2026-27 budget adds US$17,220 for living expenses (based on a residence hall and the unlimited meal plan), US$1,220 for books and supplies, US$400 for transportation and US$2,458 for personal costs, which puts a first-year engineering budget at roughly US$88,800 (our total of the official figures). Students on F or J visas also pay a US$500 International Fee each term. U-M says international students on temporary visas are not eligible for financial aid, are expected to pay the full cost of attendance, and that scholarships are generally not available. Rates for 2027-28 are set by the Regents each June
Admission Requirements
- School and admission route: apply to the College of Engineering, a first-year admitting unit. Engineering students start undeclared and can declare Mechanical Engineering after at least one full term at Ann Arbor with a U-M GPA of 2.0 or better, good standing and credit for calculus, calculus-based physics or chemistry and a first-year engineering course (ENGR 100/101/151), with a C or better in every maths, science and engineering course taken (the ME department also asks for a C or better in any ME requirement taken before declaring)
- Testing: test-optional for fall 2027. SAT/ACT scores are considered only if you ask for them on the application (self-reported scores are accepted, and U-M superscores); Early Decision/Early Action applicants must report them by 1 November. Applicants are not disadvantaged without scores. AP, IB and other international exam results are considered in context with your academic record either way
- English proficiency (if English is your second language): TOEFL iBT in the 100 range with 23+ in listening and reading and 21+ in speaking and writing (or 5-6 with 5+ in every section on the scale used from 21 January 2026); IELTS 7.0 range with 6.5+ in each section; PTE Academic 68; MET 64 with 59+ in each section; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 185 with 180+ in all sections; or an ECPE certificate. The Duolingo English Test is not accepted. You can be exempt with SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 650+ (or ACT Reading and English 27+) plus at least four recent years of rigorous study in a listed English-speaking country. U-M does not offer conditional admission with English make-up courses
- Application materials: Common Application with the U-M essays, high school transcript (with an official English translation if not in English), School Report and one teacher evaluation (a counsellor recommendation is encouraged). Review is holistic, looking at grades, course rigour, recommendations, activities and essays