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Mechanical Engineering at University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $71,501/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 28.2x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #14 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 5%

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	$896K	$852K	$725K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	29.6x	28.2x	24.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.3x	9.8x	8.4x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	77	75	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,264

Out-of-state: $86,772 (9.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,120

-82% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,000

2.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$94,609

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $71,501/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Alaska Anchorage land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 28.2x 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 $16,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Alaska Anchorage ranks #14 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 32% earnings increase from $71,501 to $94,609 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Anchorage accepts 67% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 6,916 in Anchorage, AK.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Alaska Anchorage →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Alaska Anchorage?

At 75/100, 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 University of Alaska Anchorage?

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 University of Alaska Anchorage one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?

Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Alaska Anchorage's #14 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 →