Mechanical Engineering at Alfred University

Alfred, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,747/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #285 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 $794K $762K $661K
Earnings Multiple 5.0x 4.8x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$90,804
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,912
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $63,747/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Alfred University land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 4.8x 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 17% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #285 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Alfred University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $63,747 to $82,912 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Alfred University

Alfred University accepts 48% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,401 students in Alfred, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $90,804 over four years — 43% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Alfred 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 Alfred University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Alfred University?
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 $661,266 in decade earnings vs $794,293 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →