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Mechanical Engineering at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $68,448/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #164 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	$833K	$796K	$685K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.8x	15.1x	13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.2x	6.0x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	72	70	68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$52,848

Out-of-state: $133,624 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,872

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$87,796

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $68,448 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 15.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 in median debt against $68,448 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #164 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Kentucky in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 28% earnings increase from $68,448 to $87,796 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,189 in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Kentucky?

At 70/100, 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 University of Kentucky?

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 →