Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,384/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #56 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $597K $591K $552K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$206,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$200,836
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$50,250
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $59,384/yr, Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates from Art Center College of Design land near the $62,227 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $50,250 against $59,384/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #56 ranking among 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs places Art Center College of Design in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Art Center College of Design

With 75% of applicants admitted, Art Center College of Design prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,054 in Pasadena, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Art Center College of Design →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Art Center College of Design

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Art Center College of Design?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →