Mechanical Engineering at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,688/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #120 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $955K $905K $763K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.0x 15.1x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.2x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,776
Out-of-state: $125,440 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,616
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,846
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Michigan-Dearborn's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $70,688/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

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 20% 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 — $22,500 in median debt clears quickly against $70,688 in annual earnings.

A #120 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Michigan-Dearborn in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 41% earnings increase from $70,688 to $99,846 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Michigan-Dearborn

University of Michigan-Dearborn's 59% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 5,882 in Dearborn, MI. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Dearborn →

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 Michigan-Dearborn

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Michigan-Dearborn?
At 72/100, 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 Michigan-Dearborn?
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 →