Mechanical Engineering at University of North Texas

Denton, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
70
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,173/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (8.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #178 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 $768K $738K $645K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 16.5x 14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.7x 7.6x
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)
$44,656
Out-of-state: $84,976 (8.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,408
-29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,583
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,391
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $68,173 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 16.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,583 in median debt against $68,173 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #178 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of North Texas in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $68,173 to $81,391 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of North Texas

University of North Texas has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 33,680 students in Denton, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Texas →

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 North Texas?
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 North Texas?
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 →