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Mechanical Engineering at University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,876/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #242 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 $1,173K $1,099K $901K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.2x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,416
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,916
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,910
2.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$116,366
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $66,876 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 4.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $12,910 in median debt against $66,876 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #242 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Pennsylvania in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $66,876-to-$116,366 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania admits 6% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 10,768 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $124,916 over four years represents a 53% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pennsylvania →

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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at University of Pennsylvania

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($146,204) Statistics ($129,732) Computer Science ($124,678) Finance and Financial Management Services ($122,698) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($104,502) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($93,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($91,443) Economics ($89,097)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Pennsylvania?
At 61/100, 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 Pennsylvania?
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.
What do students actually pay for Mechanical Engineering at University of Pennsylvania?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,416. At a net cost of $124,916, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →