Mechanical Engineering at Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,819/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #293 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 $811K $776K $672K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$145,484
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,247
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $70,819/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Gonzaga University land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.6x 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 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $23,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #293 out of 320 programs, Gonzaga 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 $70,819 to $86,247 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Gonzaga University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Gonzaga University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,098 in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $145,484 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Gonzaga 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

Other Majors at Gonzaga University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gonzaga University's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Gonzaga 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 →