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Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
60
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,267/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #259 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 $934K $887K $750K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.7x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 60 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$242,652
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$153,712
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,766
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,010
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Drexel University's Mechanical Engineering graduates start at $74,267/yr — above the $70,527 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $30,766 in median debt clears quickly against $74,267 in annual earnings.

A #259 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Drexel University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $74,267 to $99,010 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Drexel University

A 78% acceptance rate means Drexel University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,509 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $153,712 over four years represents a 37% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Drexel 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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Drexel University

Computer Engineering ($89,418) Computer Science ($86,930) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($85,441) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,904) Information Science/Studies ($78,755) Materials Engineering ($78,623) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($78,089) Construction Management ($78,030)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University?
The 53% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →