Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,605/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 21.2x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $698K $686K $634K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.6x 21.2x 19.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.5x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 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)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,000
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,914
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $62,605/yr, Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates from Montana State University land near the $62,227 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 21.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies's typical career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $28,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #7 of 59 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $62,605 to $81,914 over five years — a 31% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Montana State University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Montana State University prioritizes broad access, serving 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana State University →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Montana State University?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
What makes Montana State University's Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies program stand out?
Ranked #7 of 59 programs nationally, Montana State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →