Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University

Provo, UT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
76
Optimistic
75
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,668/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 34.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #28 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 10%

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 $936K $888K $751K
Earnings Multiple 36.0x 34.2x 28.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 76 75 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$25,984
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,948
-123% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,544
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,124
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $67,668/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 34.2x 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 20% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $67,668 far exceeding the $10,544 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #28 of 320 programs, Brigham Young University's Mechanical Engineering program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $67,668 to $97,124 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Brigham Young University

A 69% admission rate makes Brigham Young University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 32,221 students in Provo, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Brigham Young 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University?
This program scores 75/100 — 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 $751,078 in decade earnings vs $936,170 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →