Academic Index Last updated: June 23, 2026

9 Best Universities in California for Mechanical

Focusing specifically on Mechanical, our data science engine identified the 9 most influential universities in California. Our methodology evaluated 2.66M subject-specific papers and 141.63M citations to find the strongest faculties. This targeted approach bypasses general university reputation, directly revealing the strongest programs.

Active Filters: Mechanical California Clear All

Ranking Methodology Notice

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Field of Study

Sub-Branch

1

Stanford

Stanford University

For Mechanical Engineering

#2 in United States #2 in North America

4% Acceptance

47,335 Enrollment

1545 Avg SAT

1885 Founded

2

Berkeley

University of California – Berkeley

For Mechanical Engineering

#4 in United States #4 in North America

11% Acceptance

26,133 Enrollment

1175 Avg SAT

1868 Founded

3

Los Angeles

University of California – Los Angeles

For Mechanical Engineering

#16 in United States #17 in North America

9% Acceptance

37,297 Enrollment

1500 Avg SAT

1919 Founded

4

San Diego

University of California-San Diego

For Mechanical Engineering

#18 in United States #19 in North America

27% Acceptance

47,335 Enrollment

1500 Avg SAT

1960 Founded

5

Los Angeles

University of Southern California

For Mechanical Engineering

#25 in United States #27 in North America

10% Acceptance

47,335 Enrollment

1500 Avg SAT

1880 Founded

6

Pasadena, CA

California Institute of Technology

For Mechanical Engineering

#29 in United States #31 in North America

3% Acceptance

26,133 Enrollment

1535 Avg SAT

1891 Founded

7

Davis

University of California – Davis

For Mechanical Engineering

#33 in United States #38 in North America

42% Acceptance

25,685 Enrollment

1545 Avg SAT

1905 Founded

8

San Francisco

University of California – San Francisco

For Mechanical Engineering

#35 in United States #41 in North America

13% Acceptance

2,942 Enrollment

1100 Avg SAT

1864 Founded

9

Santa Barbara

University of California – Santa Barbara

For Mechanical Engineering

#39 in United States #46 in North America

33% Acceptance

45,882 Enrollment

1535 Avg SAT

1921 Founded