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Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,284/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 24.1x earnings multiple (13.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #110 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $778K $747K $651K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.1x 24.1x 21.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.1x 13.5x 11.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 72 69
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,016
Out-of-state: $55,304 (13.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,340
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,570
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $74,284 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Arkansas State University earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 24.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering programs nationally.

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 16% gap from the optimistic case.

At #110 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Arkansas State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 7,994 students in Jonesboro, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas State 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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Arkansas State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,423) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($60,202) Accounting and Related Services ($58,152) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($56,697) Plant Sciences ($49,536) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($46,227) Marketing ($44,051) Agricultural Business and Management ($43,804)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas State University?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
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 $650,914 in decade earnings vs $777,938 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →