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Mechanical Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $73,972/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #166 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	$893K	$849K	$724K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.9x	12.2x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.4x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	72	70	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$69,428

Out-of-state: $157,172 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,764

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,292

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$94,995

28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $73,972/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 12.2x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,292 in median debt clears quickly against $73,972 in annual earnings.

A #166 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Massachusetts-Amherst in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 28% earnings increase from $73,972 to $94,995 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 23,694 students in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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 Massachusetts-Amherst

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 Massachusetts-Amherst?

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 →