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Mechanical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $68,451/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 41.4x earnings multiple (11.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #38 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 25%

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	$845K	$807K	$694K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	43.3x	41.4x	35.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	12.2x	11.6x	10.0x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	76	74	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$19,516

Out-of-state: $69,296 (11.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$32,004

-64% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,875

3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$89,022

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Florida Atlantic University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $68,451/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 41.4x 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 18% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,875 in median debt clears quickly against $68,451 in annual earnings.

At #38 of 320 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $68,451 to $89,022 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Florida Atlantic University

A 73% acceptance rate means Florida Atlantic University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 23,458 students in Boca Raton, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida Atlantic 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

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University?

This program scores 74/100 — 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 $693,591 in decade earnings vs $845,355 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Florida Atlantic University's Mechanical Engineering program stand out?

Ranked #38 of 320 programs nationally, Florida Atlantic 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 →