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Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,005/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 16.4x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #69 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 $861K $821K $704K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 16.4x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.0x 5.2x
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)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$91,940
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Auburn University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $74,005/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 16.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,250 in median debt clears quickly against $74,005 in annual earnings.

Auburn University ranks #69 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 24% earnings increase from $74,005 to $91,940 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Auburn University

Auburn University's 50% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 25,732 in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn 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 Auburn University

Chemical Engineering ($82,217) Computer Engineering ($80,067) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,680) Architectural Engineering ($77,115) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,440) Industrial Engineering ($71,063) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($68,607) Civil Engineering ($68,291)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University?
At 73/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University?
The 53% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Auburn University one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?
Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Auburn University's #69 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →