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Mechanical Engineering at Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $65,531/yr (-7% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (10.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #188 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	$799K	$766K	$664K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.8x	15.2x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.1x	10.7x	9.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	71	69	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,452

Out-of-state: $71,892 (10.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,260

-27% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,000

4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$83,818

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $65,531/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 15.2x 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.

With first-year pay of $65,531 far exceeding the $23,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #188 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Cleveland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 28% earnings increase from $65,531 to $83,818 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 9,077 in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland State 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

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Cleveland State University?

At 69/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Cleveland State University?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →