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Mechanical Engineering at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $79,391/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #240 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs

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 $928K $881K $746K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.4x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,777
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $79,391/yr, edging above the $70,527 national average for Mechanical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $19,500 in median debt against $79,391 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #240 out of 320 programs, Bucknell University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $79,391 to $99,777 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University admits 32% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 3,818 students in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell University →

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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Bucknell University

Computer Engineering ($90,171) Chemical Engineering ($80,653) Civil Engineering ($80,231) International Relations and National Security Studies ($77,312) Accounting and Related Services ($75,776) Economics ($70,946) Marketing ($70,868) Political Science and Government ($53,012)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bucknell University's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Bucknell University trails the majority of Mechanical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →