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Mechanical Engineering Technology at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $65,871/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)

Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)

ROI 18.8x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #9 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs Top 25%

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	$702K	$690K	$638K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.1x	18.8x	17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.6x	6.4x	6.0x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	71	70	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)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,190

4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$83,351

27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Central Washington University's Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates start at $65,871/yr — above the $62,227 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering Technology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering Technology's typical career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,190 in median debt clears quickly against $65,871 in annual earnings.

At #9 of 59 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering Technology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $65,871 to $83,351 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Central Washington University

A 90% acceptance rate means Central Washington University is accessible to most applicants, serving 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

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

View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Technology at Central Washington University?

This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering Technology nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

What makes Central Washington University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program stand out?

Ranked #9 of 59 programs nationally, Central Washington University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

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