Home › Iowa State University › Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $72,900/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #79 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	$831K	$794K	$684K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.8x	18.9x	16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.5x	7.2x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	73	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,988

Out-of-state: $110,732 (7.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,660

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,822

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$88,697

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $72,900 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 18.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,822 in median debt against $72,900 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Iowa State University ranks #79 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 22% earnings increase from $72,900 to $88,697 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 25,033 students in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa 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

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University?

At 73/100, 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 Iowa 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.

Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?

Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Iowa State University's #79 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 →