Mechanical Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,984/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 17.1x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 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 $845K $807K $693K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.0x 17.1x 14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.6x 8.2x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 73 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,080
Out-of-state: $98,648 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,520
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,675
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,362
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $73,984/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Alabama in Huntsville land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 17.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $22,675 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #67 out of 320 programs, University of Alabama in Huntsville's Mechanical Engineering program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $73,984 to $90,362 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Alabama in Huntsville

With 74% of applicants admitted, University of Alabama in Huntsville prioritizes broad access, enrolling 6,650 students in Huntsville, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Alabama in Huntsville →

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 University of Alabama in Huntsville

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Alabama in Huntsville's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 73/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Alabama in Huntsville's Mechanical Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Alabama in Huntsville rank so high for Mechanical Engineering?
The #67 ranking out of 320 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →