Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $69,178 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 5.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $24,697 in median debt against $69,178 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #255 out of 320 programs, Cedarville University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $69,178 to $81,962 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.