Best Mechanical Engineering Degrees in Everett Washington

Key Takeaways

• Washington State University Everett offers the most direct four-year mechanical engineering pathway in Everett, with strong ties to aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers.
• Everett Community College provides a cost-effective engineering transfer route that feeds into top public universities in Washington.
• ABET accreditation is essential when choosing a mechanical engineering degree in Washington.
• Everett’s proximity to Boeing and advanced manufacturing firms creates powerful internship and career pipelines.
• Students should evaluate tuition, transfer agreements, graduation outcomes, and local employer partnerships before applying.

Why Study Mechanical Engineering in Everett, Washington?

Everett is one of Washington State’s most strategic locations for mechanical engineering students. As a major aerospace and manufacturing hub north of Seattle, it provides access to career pathways in aircraft production, robotics, industrial systems, marine technology, and advanced materials.

Mechanical engineers in Washington earn strong salaries, with statewide averages often exceeding $105,000 annually according to federal labor data. The region’s economy is heavily influenced by aerospace, naval operations, clean energy initiatives, and precision manufacturing, making Everett an ideal launchpad for engineering careers.

If you are searching for the best mechanical engineering degrees in Everett Washington, your decision should balance academic quality, accreditation, affordability, and industry connections.

Top Mechanical Engineering Programs Near Everett

1. Washington State University Everett (WSU Everett)

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Accreditation: ABET-accredited
Location: Downtown Everett

WSU Everett is widely regarded as the strongest mechanical engineering option physically located in Everett. The program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with direct connections to aerospace and manufacturing partners.

Why WSU Everett Stands Out

• ABET accreditation ensures national recognition and licensure eligibility.
• Strong partnerships with Boeing and regional manufacturers.
• Small class sizes compared to larger research universities.
• Capstone projects often sponsored by industry leaders.

Students benefit from modern lab facilities focusing on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, robotics, and design. The curriculum integrates engineering theory with real-world application, which is especially valuable in a city anchored by aerospace production.

Estimated Tuition: In-state undergraduate tuition at Washington public universities typically ranges between $11,000 and $13,000 per year, excluding housing and fees.

Ideal For: Students who want a direct four-year bachelor’s degree in Everett with strong employer visibility.

2. Everett Community College (EvCC) Engineering Transfer Program

Degree: Associate in Science – Engineering (Pre-Mechanical Engineering Track)
Purpose: Transfer pathway to four-year universities
Location: Everett

Everett Community College offers one of the most affordable entry routes into mechanical engineering. While EvCC does not offer a standalone bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, its engineering transfer program prepares students to enter junior-level programs at universities such as Washington State University, University of Washington, and Eastern Washington University.

Advantages of the Transfer Pathway

• Lower tuition rates compared to four-year institutions.
• Smaller foundational math, physics, and engineering classes.
• Direct articulation agreements with Washington public universities.
• Flexible scheduling for working students.

Students complete core courses such as calculus series, differential equations, calculus-based physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering design before transferring.

Estimated Tuition: Washington community colleges often range from $4,000 to $5,000 per year for in-state students.

Ideal For: Budget-conscious students or those seeking academic preparation before enrolling in a competitive four-year engineering program.

3. Nearby Universities Worth Considering

While Everett itself offers strong options, some students may consider expanding their search within commuting distance.

University of Washington (Seattle)

• Highly ranked mechanical engineering program.
• Extensive research funding and laboratories.
• Competitive admissions process.

Eastern Washington University (Cheney)

• ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program.
• Smaller campus environment.
• Often more accessible admission standards.

Students in Everett frequently begin locally and later transfer into these larger institutions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

SchoolDegree TypeABET AccreditedLocationBest ForWSU EverettBachelor'sYesEverettDirect 4-year pathway with industry tiesEverett CCAssociate (Transfer)N/AEverettLower-cost transfer routeUniversity of WashingtonBachelor's & GraduateYesSeattleTop-tier research environmentEastern Washington UniversityBachelor'sYesCheneyAccessible public university option

What to Look for in a Mechanical Engineering Degree

1. ABET Accreditation

Graduating from an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program is critical if you intend to pursue professional licensure or work for major aerospace firms.

2. Industry Partnerships

Everett’s strongest advantage is its proximity to Boeing and advanced manufacturing suppliers. Look for internship pipelines, co-op placements, and employer-sponsored senior design projects.

3. Facilities and Labs

High-quality laboratories in materials science, fluid dynamics, control systems, and robotics hardware significantly impact your hands-on readiness.

4. Career Outcomes

Ask about job placement rates, average starting salaries, and graduate school acceptance rates. Strong programs can demonstrate measurable employment outcomes within six to twelve months of graduation.

Career Opportunities in Everett for Mechanical Engineers

Everett is closely tied to aerospace manufacturing, defense systems, and maritime industries. Common local career paths include:

• Aerospace systems engineer
• Manufacturing process engineer
• Mechanical design engineer
• Quality and reliability engineer
• Robotics or automation engineer

Internships during junior and senior years often lead directly to employment. Employers in the region prioritize practical experience with CAD software, thermodynamics analysis, materials testing, and lean manufacturing processes.

Admission Requirements Overview

For Four-Year Programs

• Strong high school GPA
• Completion of calculus-ready math coursework
• Physics and chemistry preparation
• Competitive admission for direct engineering entry

For Transfer Students

• Completion of calculus I-III and differential equations
• Physics with calculus sequence
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 to 3.0 or higher for engineering

Transfer pathways require careful course planning with an academic advisor to ensure smooth credit articulation.

Cost and Financial Aid Considerations

Mechanical engineering degrees are rigorous but financially manageable with strategic planning. Washington residents benefit from:

• Lower in-state tuition rates.
• Washington College Grant eligibility for qualifying students.
• STEM-specific scholarships.
• Work-study opportunities in campus labs.

Starting at a community college and transferring can reduce total tuition expenses significantly while maintaining access to an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree.

Choosing the Right Path in Everett

If your goal is to earn a full bachelor’s degree without leaving the city, Washington State University Everett offers the clearest and most industry-connected pathway. If affordability and flexibility are priorities, Everett Community College’s engineering transfer route provides a strategic stepping stone to leading Washington engineering schools.

The best mechanical engineering degree in Everett Washington ultimately depends on your budget, academic preparation, and long-term career ambitions within aerospace, manufacturing, or advanced mechanical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mechanical Engineering Degrees in Everett, Washington

What is the most direct four-year mechanical engineering program in Everett?

Washington State University Everett offers a direct four-year Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in downtown Everett, with ABET accreditation and strong ties to aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers.

How can you start at Everett Community College and become a mechanical engineer?

You can complete the Associate in Science – Engineering (pre-mechanical engineering track) at Everett Community College, then transfer as a junior into a mechanical engineering bachelor’s program at schools such as WSU, the University of Washington, or Eastern Washington University.

Why is ABET accreditation important for mechanical engineering in Washington?

ABET accreditation helps you qualify for professional engineer licensure, meet many employer hiring standards, and ensure your coursework meets national quality benchmarks for mechanical engineering.

What career opportunities are there for mechanical engineers in Everett?

In Everett, you can pursue roles such as aerospace systems engineer, manufacturing process engineer, mechanical design engineer, quality engineer, and robotics or automation engineer, often with employers linked to Boeing and advanced manufacturing.

How much does it cost to study mechanical engineering near Everett?

In-state tuition at Washington public universities is often around $11,000–$13,000 per year for undergraduates, while community colleges such as Everett Community College are usually about $4,000–$5,000 per year, not including housing and fees.