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Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
59
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,441/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #264 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 $884K $842K $718K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.1x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 59 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$141,740
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,250
2.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,235
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $78,441 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Tufts University earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $16,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #264 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Tufts University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 21% earnings increase from $78,441 to $95,235 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Tufts University

With just 10% of applicants admitted, Tufts University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 6,804 in Medford, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $141,740 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Tufts 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 Tufts University

Mathematics ($110,512) Computer Science ($105,659) Cognitive Science ($75,672) Chemical Engineering ($75,367) Economics ($75,125) Political Science and Government ($67,713) Research and Experimental Psychology ($56,504) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($56,418)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University?
At 59/100, 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 Tufts 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 →