Best universities for MS in automotive engineering in the USA

Investing 1-2 years in an MS in Automotive Engineering in the USA can be a game-changer for your career. With flexible options like on-campus training, online classes, and full- or part-time study, you can tailor the program to fit your needs. Top universities for automotive engineering in USA offer this degree as a mechanical engineering specialization. For the 2024-2025 academic year, admissions are open for Fall, Summer, and Spring semesters. You’ll need a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering or a related field and strong GRE scores. 

The average annual tuition fees for top programs range from USD 14,281 (INR 11 lakhs) to USD 55,100 (INR 45 lakhs). After graduating, students can earn between USD 72,000 (INR 60 lakhs) – USD 89,620 (INR 74 lakhs) annually.

Why Pursue an MS in Automotive Engineering in the USA?

As a leader in global car production alongside Germany, China, and Japan, the USA offers excellent career opportunities for automotive engineers. International students are attracted to top universities for automotive engineering in USA thanks to these exciting job market trends:

• The U.S. automotive engineering job market employs 286,100 professionals, with an expected growth of 10% between 2022 and 2032.
• The average annual salary is $82,211, with a range of $57,000 to $118,000 and an average hourly rate of $39.52.
• Salaries for automotive engineers have increased by 7% over the last decade, rising by $9,966 since 2014.
• California, Arizona, and Nevada offer the highest salaries, while Iowa, Mississippi, and Hawaii have the lowest averages.
• A student having an MS degree in Automotive Engineering in the USA makes 29% more money than those with a Bachelor’s Degree holder.

Top universities for automotive engineering in USA

The top universities for Masters in automotive engineering in USA are:

• Clemson University
• University of Michigan
• University of Wisconsin
• Ohio State University
• Minnesota State University

 

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a top public research institution established in 1817, ranks #21 among U.S. national universities according to U.S. News. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 33,488 and 18,335 graduate students, making it one of the top 5 public universities in the country.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits  of MS in Automotive
Ann Arbor, Michigan	Approx Rs 45 lakhs	44	Approx Rs 7511.18	Strong industry connections, advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary approach

• University of Wisconsin – Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, founded in 1848, is the oldest public university in Wisconsin and one of the top universities for automotive engineering in USA. International students can choose from 600 undergraduate and graduate courses across 20 schools and colleges.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Madison, Wisconsin	Approx Rs 21 lakhs	116	Approx Rs 6259.32	Research in energy-efficient and autonomous vehicles, close industry ties

• Ohio State University (OSU)

Ohio State University is a leader in automotive engineering education with its Center for Automotive Research, offering students unique access to industry experts and cutting-edge research. 

Location	Tuition Fees (per year) (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Columbus, Ohio	Approx. Rs 11.74 lakh	208	Approx. Rs 5868.66	Opportunities for financial aid, support for research and academic excellence,

• Minnesota State University (MSU)

Minnesota State University, Mankato, originally founded as Minnesota Normal School, is a respected institution offering over 220 degree programs across six academic colleges. It is considered one of the top universities for automotive engineering in USA.

Location	Tuition Fee(per year)	QS  Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Mankato,Minnesota	Approx. Rs 8.5 lakhs	203	Approx Rs 3338.30	Affordability, focus on sustainable technologies, small class sizes

• Clemson University

Founded in 1889, Clemson University is a leading public research institution in the USA. It provides 70 undergraduate and 130 graduate programs to nearly 47,000 students and is ranked among the top 100 national universities.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Clemson, South Carolina	Approx. Rs 33.95 lakh	9511-1000	Approx. Rs 7511.18	Strong industry collaboration, access to real-world projects, good association with automotive companies

• Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University offers an innovative education with over 100 programs, focusing on Architecture, Design, Business, and Information Technology. It’s a top choice among top universities for automotive engineering in the USA.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Southfield, Michigan	Approx. Rs 28.77 lakh	–	Approx. Rs 4172.88	Focus on innovation and technology, strong ties to Detroit automotive companies.

• University of Michigan – Dearborn

Established in 1959, the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a top public research university, ranking #1 among regional public schools in Michigan and #3 in the Midwest according to U.S. News. 

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Dearborn, Michigan	Approx. Rs 23.6 Lakh	–	Approx. Rs 5,030.28	Proximity to Detroit, specialization in smart mobility and sustainability

• University of Tennessee – Chattanooga (UTC)

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a public institution founded in 1886, offers an MS program in automotive engineering with a focus on electric vehicle technologies and automation.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Chattanooga, Tennessee	Approx Rs 19.34 lakhs	–	Approx. Rs 3338.30	Focus on electric vehicle technologies, small class sizes, affordable tuition

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT Knoxville), founded in 1794, is one of the oldest and largest universities in Tennessee. It serves as the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system and includes 14 degree-granting colleges and schools.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Knoxville, Tennessee	Approx. Rs 26 lakhs	–	Approx. Rs 5007.45	Collaboration with Oak Ridge National Lab, focus on advanced vehicle technologies.

• Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology offers 200 degree programs across various levels and is one of the top universities for automotive engineering in USA. Its FastTrack master’s programs allow undergraduates to take graduate-level courses.

Location	Tuition Fees (per year)	QS Ranking	Application Fees (in INR)	Benefits of MS in Automotive
Melbourne, Florida	Approx Rs 35 lakhs	301-350	Approx. Rs 5007.45	Focus on electric vehicles and autonomous driving, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities.

Specializations: Master in Automotive Engineering in USA

For students pursuing a Master’s in Automotive Engineering in the USA, several specialized fields offer unique opportunities for advanced study and research at some of the top universities for automotive engineering in USA. Below is a table outlining key specializations and the colleges that offer these programs:

Specialization	Colleges
Vehicle Dynamics	Clemson University, Lawrence Technological University
Powertrain Engineering	University of Michigan, Clemson University
Embedded Systems and Electronics	Clemson University, Lawrence Technological University
Manufacturing and Production	Lawrence Technological University, University of Michigan
Automotive Mechatronics	University of Michigan, Lawrence Technological University

Document for Masters in Automotive Engineering in the USA

To apply for a Master’s at the top universities for automotive engineering in USA, students must meet the following common requirements:

• Original or attested high school diploma
• Complete and official transcripts from all high schools and/or colleges attended
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Proof of English language proficiency or Band required for Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• CV/Resume 
• Financial documents
• Copy of a valid passport
• Copy of current I-20 form (for international students)

Eligibility for Masters in Automotive Engineering in the USA

To secure admission into the top universities for automotive engineering in USA, candidates must meet specific academic and language proficiency standards. Here are the key eligibility criteria.

University	GPA	GRE	Proof of English Language Proficiency	Additional Documents
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor	Not specified	Verbal: 153; Quant: 163	IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 88, Duolingo: 130	Academic Statement of Purpose (500 words), Resume/CV, Personal Statement, 3 LORs
University of Wisconsin- Madison	3.0 out of 4.0	Not required	IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 92	Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, 3 LORs
Minnesota State University (MSU)	Not specified	Not required	IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL iBT: 79, Duolingo: 95, PTE: 47	Resume
Clemson University	Not specified	Not required	IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 80, Duolingo: 115	2 LORs, Resume
Lawrence Technological Institute	3.0 out of 4.0	Required	TOEFL iBT: 79, IELTS: 6.0, Duolingo: 105	1 LOR, Resume, Statement of Purpose (optional)
University of Tennessee- Chattanooga	2.7 out of 4.0	Not required	IELTS: 6.0, Duolingo: 100, TOEFL iBT: 83	Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, LORs
University of Tennessee- Knoxville	3.0 out of 4.0	Not required but recommended	IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 83	Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, LORs
Florida Institute of Technology	3.0 out of 4.0	Required	IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79, PTE: 58, Duolingo: 100	Resume/CV, 2 LORs, Statement of Purpose

Cost of Studying in the USA

For international students pursuing a Master’s in Automotive Engineering at top universities in the USA, the cost of living encompasses more than just tuition fees. Below is a breakdown of the average costs for the academic year, covering tuition, housing, books, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Particulars	Cost (in USD)	Cost (in INR)
Total Tuition Fees for Fall and Spring Semesters (approximate)	14,070	11.7 lakhs
Room & Board (9 months)	10,198	8.5 lakhs
Books & Supplies	1,400	1.6 lakhs
Health Insurance	2,150	1.7 lakhs
Personal Expenses	1,700	1.4 lakhs
Total Estimated Expenses for 9-Month Academic Year	29,516	24 lakhs

Scholarships for MS in Automotive Engineering in the USA

These scholarships and awards are available for automotive engineering in USA, offering significant financial support for students pursuing advanced degrees in this field.

Scholarship/Award	Benefits	Value in INR	Offered by
Panther Fund Merit Scholarship	Covers 50% of tuition	–	Florida Institute of Technology
Seaton Graduate School Fellowship	5,000 USD	4.17 lakhs	The University of Tennessee: Knoxville
ISD Merit Scholarship	20,000 USD	16.6 lakhs	University of Michigan
Graduate Fellowships	Full tuition (including non-resident fees), stipend, and   subsidized health insurance	–	The Ohio State University
King-Morgridge Scholars Program	Covers tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, health insurance, airfare, and a stipend for miscellaneous expenses	–	University of Wisconsin-Madison

Work Permit Visas for the USA

The United States offers various work visas for employment, catering to both temporary and permanent positions. Here are key types of temporary work visas:

Visa Type for USA	Description
H1B Visa	For specialty jobs requiring a higher education degree. Includes high-merit fashion models and government-related projects. Major sponsors: Amazon, Google, Ernst & Young.
H-2B Visa	For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work. Available to citizens of specific countries.
L1 Visa	For transferring employees to a U.S. branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary in a managerial or specialized role. Requires 1 year of continuous employment abroad.

Also Read: How to get a student visa for USA | Your A-Z guide

Job Opportunities After Master’s in Automotive Engineering in the USA

Automotive engineers with a mechanical background are highly sought after by top employers like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, GE, and NASA. The US and Canada both offer a booming job market for skilled automotive engineers.  For those looking to enhance their qualifications, top universities for automotive engineering in USA provide excellent programs to prepare for these exciting career opportunities. You can also check 5 best career options after MBA in the USA

Professions	Average Salary Packages for Indian Students (INR)
Mechanical Engineer	₹73.65 lakhs
Test Engineer	₹77.79 lakhs
Project Engineer	₹57.93 lakhs
Controls Engineer	₹66.22 lakhs
Product Development Engineer	₹65.39 lakhs
Design Engineer	₹59.60 lakhs

• The average salary in the US | Factors and job types
• Top 10 jobs in the USA for Indians

Key Takeaways

• The top universities for automotive engineering in USA offer both on-campus and online MS programs with full-time and part-time options, available for Fall, Summer, and Spring semesters.
• The automotive engineering field in the USA is thriving, with a projected 10% job growth and competitive salaries between USD 72,000 and USD 89,620 annually.
• Graduates from the top universities for automotive engineering in USA enjoy a high return on investment, earning 29% more than those with a bachelor’s degree, and are well-positioned to lead in the evolving automotive industry.

Read more: 4 best places in the USA every student must know about

FAQs

Q1. Why should I study MS in automotive engineering in the USA?

Ans- The USA is the nation where the demand for automotive engineering courses is on the rise. The US provides a better course curriculum and a great learning experience. In addition to that, reputed automakers are hiring recent graduates and offering them good salary compensation.

Q2. After receiving my MS in automotive engineering from the USA, am I eligible to work in other nations?

Ans- The MS certificate is recognized in all significant nations, and you can get a job with good salary packages everywhere.

Q3. Who Are the Top Employers for Automotive Engineers in the USA?

Ans- Leading companies hiring automotive engineers include Ford, Toyota, General Electric, and Honeywell. Other big names are Boeing, IBM, Intel, and Johnson & Johnson.