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Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,729/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 21.1x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 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 $938K $890K $752K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.2x 21.1x 17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.7x 7.3x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 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)
$42,240
Out-of-state: $121,400 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,720
-75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,920
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,629
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Stony Brook University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $68,729/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 21.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,920 in median debt clears quickly against $68,729 in annual earnings.

Stony Brook University ranks #49 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 42% earnings increase from $68,729 to $97,629 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University's 49% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 17,420 students in Stony Brook, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Stony Brook 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

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 Stony Brook University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($94,853) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($92,286) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($92,165) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($90,673) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,571) Computer Engineering ($73,820) Chemical Engineering ($72,868) Civil Engineering ($71,856)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University?
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 Stony Brook 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.
Is Stony Brook University one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?
Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Stony Brook University's #49 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 →