Mechanical Engineering at Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
76
Optimistic
74
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,785/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 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 $911K $866K $735K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.4x 16.5x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.4x 4.6x
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)
$52,396
Out-of-state: $161,312 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,696
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,389
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,743
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,785 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Texas A & M University-College Station earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 16.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% 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 $19,389 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Texas A & M University-College Station ranks #60 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 26% earnings increase from $77,785 to $97,743 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas A & M University-College Station

Texas A & M University-College Station accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 59,099 students enrolled in College Station, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas A & M University-College Station →

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 Texas A & M University-College Station

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Texas A & M University-College Station?
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 Texas A & M University-College Station?
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 Texas A & M University-College Station one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?
Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Texas A & M University-College Station's #60 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 →