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Mechanical Engineering at University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $73,828/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #286 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	$866K	$825K	$707K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.2x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	58	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$257,392

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$120,992

53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,000

3.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$92,363

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $73,828 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

An earnings multiple of 3.2x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering's typical career paths, with 53% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

At $21,000 in median debt against $73,828 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #286 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Rochester falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $73,828 to $92,363 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Rochester

University of Rochester admits 36% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, enrolling 6,488 students in Rochester, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $120,992 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rochester →

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 Rochester

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at University of Rochester?

This program scores 58/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mechanical Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering careers?

With 53% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $706,561 in decade earnings vs $865,844 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is University of Rochester a hidden gem for Mechanical Engineering?

After financial aid, the average student pays $120,992 over four years — 53% below the $257,392 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →