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Mechanical Engineering at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $64,687/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #300 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	$799K	$766K	$665K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.2x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	56	54	52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$241,752

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$140,140

42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,140

3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$83,656

29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $64,687/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from New York University land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,140 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #300 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places New York University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 29% earnings increase from $64,687 to $83,656 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About New York University

With just 9% of applicants admitted, New York University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 29,430 students in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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 New York University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at New York University?

At 54/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at New York 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →