Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
76
Optimistic
75
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,754/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 27.2x earnings multiple (11.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 5%

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 $952K $903K $761K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 28.7x 27.2x 23.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.8x 11.2x 9.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 76 75 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (11.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,499
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,279
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $69,754/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 27.2x 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 20% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $69,754 far exceeding the $19,499 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #16 of 320 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $69,754 to $99,279 over five years — a 42% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University?
This program scores 75/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
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 $761,413 in decade earnings vs $952,498 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes San Diego State University's Mechanical Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #16 of 320 programs nationally, San Diego State University lands in the top 5%. 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 →