Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $80,962/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #212 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 $1,075K $1,012K $839K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 3.9x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,804
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$179,504
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,995
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$113,966
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $80,962/yr, edging above the $70,527 national average for Mechanical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 3.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $25,995 in median debt against $80,962 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #212 out of 320 programs, Villanova University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $80,962 to $113,966 shows 41% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Villanova University

Villanova University admits 25% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a mid-sized student body of 7,005 in Villanova, PA. The average net cost of $179,504 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Villanova University →

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 Villanova University's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 64/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Villanova University trails the majority of Mechanical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
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 →