Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,765/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 22.4x earnings multiple (13.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #73 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 25%

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 $761K $661K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.3x 22.4x 19.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.7x 13.1x 11.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,032
Out-of-state: $58,008 (13.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,684
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,953
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,124
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $68,765 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.4x 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 17% gap from the optimistic case.

At $21,953 in median debt against $68,765 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #73 of 320 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $68,765 to $84,124 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas Tech 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 Arkansas Tech University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas Tech University?
This program scores 73/100 — 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 $661,073 in decade earnings vs $793,988 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Arkansas Tech University's Mechanical Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #73 of 320 programs nationally, Arkansas Tech University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →