Mechanical Engineering at Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,062/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #290 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 $810K $776K $671K
Earnings Multiple 4.8x 4.6x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$169,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$110,800
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,211
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Wilkes University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $63,062/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

The 4.6x 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 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $63,062 in annual earnings.

At #290 out of 320 programs, Wilkes 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 $63,062 to $84,211 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Wilkes University

A 91% acceptance rate means Wilkes University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,893 students in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The average net cost of $110,800 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Wilkes 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

Other Majors at Wilkes University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wilkes University's Mechanical Engineering program score?
A score of 58/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Wilkes 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 →