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Mechanical Engineering at University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $70,046/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 32.1x earnings multiple (11.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #18 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 10%

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	$863K	$823K	$705K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	33.7x	32.1x	27.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	12.5x	11.9x	10.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	76	75	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$25,640

Out-of-state: $69,296 (11.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$40,172

-57% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,586

3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$91,161

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $70,046/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of South Florida land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 32.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $22,586 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #18 ranking out of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs nationally puts University of South Florida in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $70,046 to $91,161 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of South Florida

University of South Florida accepts 41% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 36,299 students in Tampa, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Florida →

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

How does University of South Florida's Mechanical Engineering program score?

A score of 75/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of South Florida's Mechanical Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

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