Mechanical Engineering Technology at Art Center College of Design
Pasadena, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
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
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering Technology 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
Median Debt at Graduation
$50,250
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Mechanical Engineering Technology 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 Technology at Art Center College of Design?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Mechanical Engineering Technology 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 →