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Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $75,001/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 19.8x earnings multiple (11.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #42 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 25%

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	$825K	$789K	$681K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.7x	19.8x	17.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	12.0x	11.5x	9.9x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	76	74	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$39,760

Out-of-state: $68,792 (11.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$78,960

-99% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,437

4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$88,564

18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $75,001 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Southern University and A & M College earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 19.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $28,437 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Southern University and A & M College ranks #42 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $75,001 to $88,564 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Southern University and A & M College

Southern University and A & M College accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 5,323 in Baton Rouge, LA. 65% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern University and A & M College →

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 Southern University and A & M College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A & M College?

At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Southern University and A & M College?

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.

Is Southern University and A & M College one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?

Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Southern University and A & M College's #42 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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