Mechanical Engineering at Lake Superior State University

Sault Ste Marie, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,229/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #250 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 $805K $771K $668K
Earnings Multiple 14.1x 13.5x 11.7x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$57,064
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,472
-1% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $77,229/yr, edging above the $70,527 national average for Mechanical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering's typical career paths, with 53% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #250 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Lake Superior State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Lake Superior State University

With a 68% acceptance rate, Lake Superior State University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,391 in Sault Ste Marie, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Lake Superior 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 Lake Superior State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Lake Superior State University?
This program scores 60/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mechanical Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering careers?
With 53% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $667,898 in decade earnings vs $804,771 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →