Engineering Mechanics at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $72,612/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (51% exposed)
Job Market Large (46,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 2 Engineering Mechanics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering Mechanics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $784K $758K $658K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.5x 16.9x 14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.7x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 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)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,480
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $72,612 track close to the $77,173 national median for Engineering Mechanics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 16.9x 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 Engineering Mechanics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,500 in median debt against $72,612 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Engineering Mechanics is offered at just 2 schools in our analysis. University of Wisconsin-Madison's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

The limited growth from $72,612 to $86,480 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering Mechanics at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Mechanics at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 70/100, the score looks reasonable — but Engineering Mechanics 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 Engineering Mechanics at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The 51% 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 →