Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,922/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #187 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 $846K $807K $694K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.0x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 4.9x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$73,568
Out-of-state: $165,360 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,916
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,615
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,922 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Michigan Technological University earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.0x 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 18% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #187 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Michigan Technological University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $74,922 to $90,615 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Michigan Technological University

With 88% of applicants admitted, Michigan Technological University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 5,829 students in Houghton, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan Technological 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 Michigan Technological University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Technological University?
This program scores 69/100 — 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 $693,698 in decade earnings vs $845,526 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →