Mechanical Engineering Technology at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
68
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,747/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #19 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $721K $708K $653K
Earnings Multiple 13.2x 13.0x 12.0x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 68 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$54,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,808
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,204
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $66,747 at Ferris State University come in 7% above the national median of $62,227 for Mechanical Engineering Technology programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering Technology's typical career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $66,747 far exceeding the $23,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #19 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Technology programs, Ferris State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $66,747 to $86,204 over five years — a 29% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Ferris State University

Ferris State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Ferris State University →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Technology at Ferris State University?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Mechanical Engineering Technology field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →