Master of Science [MS] (Mechanical Engineering)
Field of Study:
$37,554 /Yr
Auburn University Master of Science (M.S.) Mechanical Engineering is a 30-credit, full-time, on-campus graduate degree in Auburn, Alabama, normally planned across two academic years. Eligibility is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a 3.0/4.0 grade point average. The Indian equivalent is approximately 75% to 80% or 7.5 to 8.0 on 10; Spring 2027 is rolling with US$53,259 (INR 50.90 Lakhs) annual proof.
The programme trains students to define, formulate and solve advanced mechanical engineering problems through graduate coursework, research and a faculty-approved plan of study. Auburn does not publish a country-specific grade conversion, so Indian applicants should treat the range above as approximate. It suits applicants choosing between a research thesis and a coursework-led non-thesis path, but the thesis route demands research planning and a final oral examination.
- The thesis option includes 6 credits of MECH 7990 research and thesis within the 30-credit requirement.
- The non-thesis option places at least 21 credits in 6000 to 8999 mechanical engineering coursework and adds 9 science or engineering credits.
- Auburn’s research areas include robotics, controls, additive manufacturing, fluid dynamics, thermal sciences and mechanics.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 8 October 2026 planning cutoff.
Auburn publishes rolling departmental admission and asks international applicants to submit all materials at least three months before term start. The date above is calculated from the 6 January 2027 Spring start, not a hard programme deadline.
Also Check: Auburn University graduate admission
Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Fees and Living Costs 2027
Fees are not a single confirmed figure for Spring 2027 because Auburn’s live official pages publish two annual tuition bases. The safest applicant budget uses the university’s US$53,259 financial-proof total (INR 50.90 Lakhs) and treats the tuition difference as a billing issue to resolve.
The international cost page lists US$36,246 (INR 34.64 Lakhs) for tuition and fees. Institutional Research lists US$37,554 (INR 35.89 Lakhs) for full-time non-resident graduate tuition and student services. Both figures are 2026-27 official references, so do not add them together or transfer online-route rates to this on-campus course.
Published fee anchors: The following table separates the official annual estimates and the non-refundable application charge; rows are not additive.
| Fee item | Official amount (US$) | INR equivalent | Planning meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| International graduate tuition and fees estimate | US$36,246 | INR 34.64 Lakhs | International estimate for one academic year |
| Non-resident graduate full-time tuition and student services | US$37,554 | INR 35.89 Lakhs | Two-semester Institutional Research schedule |
| International application fee | US$70 | INR 6,690 | Non-refundable charge |
| International student health insurance | US$2,013 | INR 1.92 Lakhs | 2026-27 annual estimate |
| One-year financial-proof total | US$53,259 | INR 50.90 Lakhs | Includes tuition, fees, living, health insurance, room and board, books and personal expenses; transport excluded by the footnote |
Source: Auburn International Student and Scholar Services 2026-27 estimate, Auburn Graduate School financial statement and Auburn Institutional Research tuition schedule.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.5699 as of 15 August 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- The US$37,554 schedule (INR 35.89 Lakhs) is the higher tuition planning anchor, but Auburn’s international estimate still governs the financial-proof request.
- The US$70 application charge (INR 6,690) is separate from tuition and is not refundable after submission.
- The US$53,259 proof (INR 50.90 Lakhs) covers one academic year, so a two-year plan must allow for future rate changes.
Cost of Living in Auburn for Mechanical Engineering Students
Auburn’s international estimate gives one combined living allowance rather than separate rent, food or transport figures. It covers US$15,000 (INR 14.34 Lakhs) for 12 months, so use it as a planning allowance rather than a city-specific rent quote.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined living expenses | US$1,250 | INR 1.19 Lakhs | US$15,000 | INR 14.34 Lakhs |
The published living allowance is separate from the US$2,013 health insurance estimate (INR 1.92 Lakhs) and the student visa maintenance requirement. Because Auburn does not publish a breakdown, applicants should obtain an Auburn-area housing quote before finalising a loan amount.
For a 30-credit plan spanning two academic years, a calculated planning illustration is US$106,518 (INR 1.02 Crore). It equals two times the official US$53,259 annual proof and excludes travel.
Read More: USA cost of living for international students
Fee verification
Auburn’s official pages publish different annual tuition bases, so budget with the higher schedule until billing confirms your course and credit load. Verify the target cycle on the international cost page.
Student perspective
A 2025 university-level review from an M.S. student described off-campus housing as the practical constraint, citing rent around US$400 to US$600 (INR 38,228 to INR 57,342) per month. It also described Auburn as quieter and less diverse than major U.S. cities, so Indian applicants should shortlist housing before arrival; read the student reviews for context.
These comments are anecdotal and do not replace official Auburn University data.
Key insight: Auburn’s official 2026-27 annual financial proof is US$53,259 (INR 50.90 Lakhs), so secure funds before relying on an assistantship or an uncertain tuition base.
Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Admission 2027
Spring 2027 is the next applicant-accessible intake because Auburn’s Mechanical Engineering department accepts fall, spring and summer applications on a rolling basis.
The on-campus route offers thesis and non-thesis plans, both requiring 30 graduate credits, but the thesis plan adds research and an oral defense.
Intakes and academic eligibility
The academic threshold is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus GPA 3.0/4.0; Auburn reviews each applicant individually.
A related engineering or science background is preferred, while other technical degrees may require undergraduate mechanical engineering prerequisites.
Academic requirements: The table pairs Auburn’s published threshold with the preparation an Indian applicant should document.
| Requirement | Auburn official policy | Indian applicant decision |
|---|---|---|
| Previous degree | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an institution of recognized standing | Submit all post-secondary transcripts and the final degree certificate with certified English translations |
| Minimum GPA | GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale | Approximately 75% to 80% or 7.5 to 8.0 on a 10-point scale; Auburn makes the equivalency decision |
| Mechanical engineering preparation | Mechanical engineering or equivalent background is eligible | Show core mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, design and mathematics coursework |
| Other technical degrees | Science, technology, engineering and mathematics applicants may be admitted with prerequisites | Expect faculty review of gaps and possible undergraduate mechanical engineering courses |
| Thesis option | 30 credits including 15 graded mechanical engineering credits, 6 MECH 7990 credits and 9 science or engineering credits | Prepare a research rationale and identify faculty areas that match your interests |
| Non-thesis option | 30 credits including 21 mechanical engineering credits and 9 science or engineering credits | Use a coursework and advanced-practice narrative rather than a thesis proposal |
| Graduate Record Examination | Current official pages conflict on whether the General Test is optional or required | Plan for the score unless Auburn confirms a waiver in writing |
Mechanical Engineering is not limited to applicants with a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree, but a non-aligned transcript can add undergraduate prerequisites and extend the study plan. Technical course descriptions and a focused statement help the committee judge readiness when your prior degree is civil, aerospace, engineering science or another related field.
English language proficiency tests
Auburn’s current international policy accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Duolingo English Test (DET).
The policy changed TOEFL scales on 21 January 2026, so use the scale printed on your result rather than a self-converted score.
Official scores must be sent directly, and applications are not considered until one accepted score reaches the Graduate School; see the international applicant instructions.
English score thresholds: The component minimums below apply to international graduate applicants unless the department requires more.
| Test | Minimum overall | Minimum components | Indian applicant action |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT26 after 21 January 2026 | 4.5 | 4.0 in listening, reading, speaking and writing | Use the revised 1.0 to 6.0 scale exactly as reported |
| TOEFL iBT before 21 January 2026 | 79 | 16 in listening, reading, speaking and writing | Use the earlier 0 to 120 scale exactly as reported |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall band | Not separately published on the general international page | Check departmental conditions before sending the report |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | 110 in listening, reading, speaking and writing | Send the official score to Auburn |
- A 4.5 TOEFL iBT26 total is not a converted 79, so submit the scale shown on your test report and verify acceptance before dispatch.
- Teaching assistant roles have higher speaking thresholds, including IELTS 7 or TOEFL iBT26 speaking 4.5.
- A previous degree from the United States may support an English waiver, while other exemptions are assessed case by case after official transcripts arrive.
GRE policy check
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) policy is inconsistent across official Auburn pages. The department FAQ calls it optional, while the current programme page asks applicants to upload GRE scores, so verify the requirement on the current programme page before submitting.
Tip for Indian students: The 3.0 GPA floor, prerequisite review and TOEFL scale change make document preparation central; submit detailed course descriptions with the final score report.
Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Application 2027
Auburn uses rolling departmental review for fall, spring and summer, while international applicants should submit all materials at least three months before term start.
For Spring 2027, the department recommends submitting by 1 September 2026 for spring consideration. The Graduate School’s 90-day processing rule gives 8 October 2026 as a calculated planning date from the 6 January 2027 start.
Application timeline for all intakes
The table lists every intake Auburn currently identifies and distinguishes a departmental recommendation from the international processing rule.
Cycle status: Spring 2027 is the target intake, and its dates below are forward-looking planning points rather than a published hard programme deadline.
| Intake | Department timing | International planning date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | Rolling; 1 September 2026 recommended for spring consideration | 8 October 2026 calculated from the 6 January 2027 start | Open |
| Summer 2027 | Rolling; no department target date published | 16 February 2027 calculated from the 17 May 2027 start | Rolling |
| Fall 2027 | Rolling; 15 January 2027 target for full funding consideration | Use the three-month rule after the official start date is published | Rolling |
Spring 2027 is open under the rolling policy, but international processing and visa paperwork make the calculated 8 October 2026 date the practical file-completion target. No programme-specific decision date is published; the department reviews applications continuously and the Graduate School communicates the outcome.
Application file
Submit the online graduate application, US$70 fee (INR 6,690), official transcripts, English score, resume, statement of purpose and three recommendation letters.
International transcripts require the original-language record, final diploma and certified English translations, while financial sponsorship documents are needed before Form I-20 release.
- Write a 1 to 2 page Statement of Purpose that connects prior technical work with thesis or non-thesis fit.
- Ask recommenders early for specific evidence of engineering analysis, research ability or advanced coursework.
- Send official English scores directly from the testing service after self-reporting the result in the application.
- Prepare certified financial evidence because Auburn requires proof of funds before issuing the Form I-20.
Read More: Auburn University engineering courses and fees
Application tip: Complete the Spring 2027 file by 1 September 2026 for departmental timing and use 8 October 2026 as the calculated international planning date; missing records can delay review.
Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Scholarships 2027
Funding for this M.S. is primarily assistantship-led rather than a fixed international scholarship, and Auburn says full-time teaching assistants and some research assistants receive tuition scholarships.
The department pays assistantship stipends monthly, but availability is competitive and award terms depend on the hiring unit, faculty project and semester.
Current published funding routes: Auburn does not publish a target-cycle award schedule or guaranteed amount for this M.S.
Cycleless awards below are planning leads rather than confirmed Spring 2027 offers.
| Funding route | Applicant fit | Published benefit (US$) | INR equivalent | Route and timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Research Assistantship | Applicants with research interests and faculty alignment | Monthly stipend plus possible tuition scholarship; amount not published | Amount not published | Discuss research fit and availability with faculty |
| Graduate Teaching Assistantship | Full-time graduate students with teaching readiness | Tuition costs covered for full-time teaching assistants plus monthly stipend; amount not published | Tuition remission; stipend amount not published | Department selection depends on instructional need |
| Graduate Tuition Fellowship | Graduate assistants meeting the appointment criteria | Tuition fellowship for eligible assistantship appointments; amount not published | Tuition remission; amount not published | Graduate School programme with no separate application |
| Departmental Fellowship | High-achieving master’s or doctoral applicants | Merit-based fellowship; amount not published | Amount not published | Mechanical Engineering FAQ lists 15 January for fall fellowship consideration |
| Engineering fellowship package | High-achieving master’s or doctoral applicants with research fit | US$24,000 to US$32,000 stipend plus tuition fellowship | INR 22.94 Lakhs to INR 30.58 Lakhs plus tuition fellowship | Current engineering-wide publication; selections are made in mid-March |
Assistantships can change the financial calculation materially because tuition remission may cover most tuition while fees and living costs remain. The published US$24,000 to US$32,000 stipend range (INR 22.94 Lakhs to INR 30.58 Lakhs) is engineering-wide and is not a guaranteed offer for this course.
- Contact faculty whose current research matches your proposed area because research assistantships depend on project funding and faculty decisions.
- Prepare for the 15 January fall fellowship date because the department connects limited merit awards with assistantship-supported applicants.
- Keep the US$53,259 annual proof (INR 50.90 Lakhs) available until a written funding package states tuition, fees, stipend and insurance coverage.
Read More: Auburn University scholarships and funding options
Scholarship reality: Auburn’s clearest M.S. funding route is a competitive assistantship with possible tuition remission, so build a faculty match and retain the full financial-proof plan.
Auburn University Mechanical Engineering Salary 2027
Course-specific salary and offer-rate data are not published on Auburn’s checked Mechanical Engineering M.S. pages. The closest official evidence is a Mechanical Engineering major-level First Destination Survey proxy, while Auburn’s online page separately cites a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) market benchmark.
The first two rows below describe graduate responses across the Mechanical Engineering major, not only this M.S. course. The final row is an external occupation benchmark cited by Auburn, not a graduate outcome.
Outcome scope: Salary figures are shown with their cohort or benchmark scope so applicants do not read a market wage as a placement guarantee.
| Evidence scope | Cohort or source | Measure | Amount (US$) | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering major proxy | 2024-2025 Auburn First Destination Survey, graduate responses | Median starting salary | US$86,105 | INR 82.29 Lakhs |
| Mechanical Engineering major proxy | 2024-2025 Auburn First Destination Survey, graduate responses | Mean starting salary | US$88,798 | INR 84.86 Lakhs |
| University-cited external market benchmark | Auburn online M.S. page citing Bureau of Labor Statistics | Median annual wage for mechanical engineers | US$99,510 or more | INR 95.10 Lakhs or more |
Source: Auburn Engineering Mechanical Engineering pathway, 2024-2025 First Destination Survey and Auburn Engineering online programme page citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These figures do not establish a course placement rate or guaranteed pay because the first two rows are major-level rather than exact M.S. outcomes. Career roles listed by Auburn include product, process, quality, research and systems engineering, but role, location and work authorization affect gross salary.
Take-home pay will be lower than gross salary after federal, state and payroll deductions, so test a location-specific budget with the IRS tax withholding estimator.
ROI for Indian applicants
ROI turns on funding rather than the salary headline because the course has no exact employment report. A calculated two-year planning illustration using the official annual proof is US$106,518 (INR 1.02 Crore), before travel and future rate changes.
- The US$53,259 annual proof (INR 50.90 Lakhs) sets a large cash requirement, so compare loan repayment with a funded and unfunded scenario.
- The graduate median proxy is US$86,105 (INR 82.29 Lakhs) for a Mechanical Engineering major cohort, so treat it as a scope-limited benchmark rather than a personal forecast.
- Assistantship tuition remission can reduce direct tuition, so pursue faculty alignment before assuming the US$106,518 planning total (INR 1.02 Crore).
- The standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) route is up to 12 months, so confirm the exact STEM designation before counting a longer work window.
ROI reality: Auburn’s graduate median salary proxy is US$86,105 (INR 82.29 Lakhs), but its major-level scope and funding uncertainty require an unfunded-case budget before enrolment.
USA Visa for Auburn Mechanical Engineering Students 2027
International students normally use F-1 student status and receive a Form I-20 after showing financial capacity. Auburn’s 2026-27 proof is US$53,259 (INR 50.90 Lakhs).
The visa application fee is US$185 (INR 17,680), and the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is US$350 (INR 33,449). SEVIS records the student’s school and immigration information used for the Form I-20 and visa process.
- OPT normally provides up to 12 months, while a 24-month STEM extension depends on the exact degree code, so confirm Auburn’s code before relying on 36 months.
- H-1B specialty occupation status has no single course-specific salary threshold; employers must meet the higher of actual or prevailing wage.
- There is no fixed permanent residence timeline because employment category, sponsorship and visa availability control the route.
- F-2 status can cover a spouse and unmarried minor children, but F-2 dependants are not employment-authorized.
Check Out: USA student visa requirements
Visa reality: The 12-month OPT baseline is usable only for degree-related employment, and a longer STEM window is conditional, so do not build repayment on an unverified extension.
Auburn Mechanical Engineering Ranking 2027
Auburn Mechanical Engineering is ranked in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
ARWU places the subject in the 101 to 150 global band, which is a research and subject signal rather than a course-level teaching or placement result.
Programme-relevant ranking: The table uses the latest verified subject-level ranking and does not convert an overall university position into a course claim.
| Ranking body | Edition | Subject scope | Auburn position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) | Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 | Mechanical Engineering | #101 to 150 globally |
The ranking covers the Mechanical Engineering subject across Auburn, not the M.S. cohort or thesis and non-thesis options separately. Use it to inspect research supervision, labs and faculty fit, because rankings do not resolve the GRE conflict, tuition conflict or assistantship availability.
Read More: Auburn University subject rankings
Honest take: The 2025 ARWU 101 to 150 band supports Auburn’s research profile, but applicants should choose the degree option and advisor before treating it as a decision driver.
Auburn University’s 30-credit M.S. Mechanical Engineering fits engineers who want a choice between thesis research and non-thesis advanced coursework in an on-campus setting. The programme is especially suitable for applicants with a related technical bachelor’s degree, clear research or design interests and funds for the official annual proof. The material tradeoffs are the conflicting tuition bases, assistantship uncertainty and the need to resolve the GRE requirement before submission. For Spring 2027, prepare the complete file around the department’s 1 September 2026 recommendation and the calculated 8 October 2026 international planning date.
Auburn University Mechanical Engineering FAQs
Ques. Should I choose the thesis or non-thesis option in Auburn’s Mechanical Engineering M.S.?
Ans. The thesis option uses 6 credits of MECH 7990 and a research defense, while the non-thesis option uses 21 mechanical engineering coursework credits. Choose thesis if research preparation matters, or non-thesis if advanced coursework and professional practice are the priority.
Ques. Can I apply without submitting the GRE for Auburn Mechanical Engineering?
Ans. Auburn’s department FAQ calls the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) optional, but the current programme page asks applicants to upload GRE scores. Because official pages conflict, submit a score unless Auburn confirms your waiver in writing.
Ques. What budget should an Indian applicant use for Auburn Mechanical Engineering?
Ans. Use the official US$53,259 one-year financial-proof baseline (INR 50.90 Lakhs) for initial planning. Tuition pages separately list US$36,246 (INR 34.64 Lakhs) and US$37,554 (INR 35.89 Lakhs), so confirm the bill before finalising a two-year loan.
Ques. When should I apply for Auburn Mechanical Engineering Spring 2027?
Ans. Spring 2027 is open on a rolling basis, with 1 September 2026 recommended by the department and 8 October 2026 as a calculated international planning date. No hard programme deadline or decision date is published, so submit complete documents before both planning points.
Ques. Does Auburn Mechanical Engineering guarantee a U.S. job or extended OPT?
Ans. Exact M.S. salary or placement outcomes are not published; Auburn’s 2024-2025 Mechanical Engineering graduate proxy reports median US$86,105 (INR 82.29 Lakhs). OPT normally provides up to 12 months, while a longer STEM extension depends on exact degree-code eligibility, so employment remains conditional.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $37554 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses (Housing/Food) | $16124 |
| Transportation | $3232 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $35986 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Semester Start and End Date for Spring Intake | |
| Semester Start and End Date for Summer Intake | |
| Semester Start and End Date for Fall Intake | Aug 17, 2026 - Dec 4, 2026 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
- Application
- Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
- Test Scores
- Recommendation Letters
- Transcripts
- Application Fee Payment

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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 20,000/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (1st Mar 2027) | USD 27,045 /Yr |
| ||
Final Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (15th Nov 2026) | USD 23,925 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Sep 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (1st Dec 2026) Final Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2026) | USD 25,740 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 32,400 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 29,784 /Yr |
|
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