Mechanical Engineering Technology at Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,827/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #50 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs

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 $536K $534K $503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.7x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.5x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,848
Out-of-state: $97,248 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,324
-58% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Colorado Mesa University's Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates start at $49,827/yr, trailing the $62,227 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 13.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #50 out of 59 programs, Colorado Mesa University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Colorado Mesa University

A 81% acceptance rate means Colorado Mesa University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 7,604 in Grand Junction, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Colorado Mesa University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program score?
A score of 52/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Colorado Mesa University trails the majority of Mechanical Engineering Technology programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Why are Mechanical Engineering Technology earnings lower at Colorado Mesa University?
Lower starting pay at Colorado Mesa University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →