Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $73,049 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 4.0x 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.
At $26,500 in median debt against $73,049 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #278 out of 320 programs, Marquette University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $73,049 to $87,345 over five years (20% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.