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Mechanical Engineering at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $76,337/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #263 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs

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	$886K	$843K	$719K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.2x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	59	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$260,672

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$107,984

59% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$94,926

24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $76,337 at Boston University come in 8% above the national median of $70,527 for Mechanical Engineering programs.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $76,337 far exceeding the $25,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #263 out of 320 programs, Boston University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $76,337 to $94,926 shows 24% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Boston University

Boston University's 11% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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 Boston University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boston University's Mechanical Engineering program score?

A score of 59/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Boston University trails the majority of Mechanical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.

How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Mechanical Engineering at Boston University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →