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Mechanical Engineering at Ohio Northern University

Ada, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $72,443/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 5.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #239 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	$827K	$791K	$682K
Earnings Multiple	5.5x	5.2x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	61	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$151,200

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$102,908

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$88,267

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $72,443 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 5.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 in median debt against $72,443 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #239 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Ohio Northern University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 22% earnings increase from $72,443 to $88,267 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,386 students in Ada, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $102,908 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio Northern 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 Ohio Northern University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Ohio Northern University?

At 61/100, 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 Ohio Northern 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 →