Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, ID · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
76
Optimistic
74
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,943/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 41.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #41 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $815K $780K $674K
Earnings Multiple 43.8x 41.9x 36.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 76 74 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$18,624
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$28,524
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,290
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,245
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $68,943 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 41.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,290 in median debt against $68,943 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Brigham Young University-Idaho ranks #41 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 25% earnings increase from $68,943 to $86,245 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 42,090 in Rexburg, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at Brigham Young University-Idaho →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Brigham Young University-Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University-Idaho?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University-Idaho?
The 53% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Brigham Young University-Idaho one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?
Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Brigham Young University-Idaho's #41 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →