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Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,263/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #254 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 $851K $812K $697K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.6x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$228,064
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$118,776
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$91,471
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $76,263 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Rochester Institute of Technology earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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.

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.

A #254 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Rochester Institute of Technology in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $76,263 to $91,471 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Rochester Institute of Technology

With 71% of applicants admitted, Rochester Institute of Technology prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,225 in Rochester, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $118,776 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Rochester Institute of Technology →

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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Rochester Institute of Technology

Computer Science ($94,611) Computer Engineering ($90,829) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($89,032) Computer Programming ($83,875) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,726) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($78,298) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($75,227) Engineering-Related Fields ($74,923)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology?
At 60/100, 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 Rochester Institute of Technology?
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 →