Mechanical Engineering at University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno's mechanical engineering program starts graduates at $62K—nearly $9,000 below the national median for mechanical engineering majors and trailing its in-state competitor, UNLV, by $5,000. While this places the program in just the 5th percentile nationally, Nevada offers limited options for mechanical engineering students (only two programs statewide), and UNR still lands near the middle of that small pack at the 40th percentile.

The program's strength lies in manageable debt and solid earnings growth. At $22,750, graduates borrow slightly less than both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—comfortable territory for STEM fields. More encouragingly, earnings jump 25% by year four to $77K, suggesting graduates gain traction as they accumulate experience. With an 85% admission rate, UNR provides accessible entry into engineering for Nevada students.

The bottom line: If your child is committed to staying in Nevada and studying mechanical engineering, UNR offers an affordable path with reasonable outcomes, though you shouldn't expect top-tier starting salaries. For families comparing across state lines or considering UNLV, know that this program underperforms the national mechanical engineering market significantly. It works as a value play for Nevada residents, but out-of-state students should look elsewhere for stronger return on investment.