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Mechanical Engineering at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,789/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #287 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 $954K $904K $762K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,391
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $66,789/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

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

With first-year pay of $66,789 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #287 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Syracuse University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 47% earnings increase from $66,789 to $98,391 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Syracuse University

A 42% admission rate makes Syracuse University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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 Syracuse University

Computer Engineering ($84,793) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,494) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,378) Accounting and Related Services ($75,294) Civil Engineering ($74,748) Information Science/Studies ($73,033) Chemical Engineering ($72,864) Finance and Financial Management Services ($72,819)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Syracuse University?
At 58/100, 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 Syracuse 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 →