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Mechanical Engineering at George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $82,361/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 3.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #246 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	$872K	$831K	$711K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.2x	2.7x
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)

$259,960

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$149,816

42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,375

3.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$94,843

15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $82,361 at George Washington University come in 17% above the national median of $70,527 for Mechanical Engineering programs.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $82,361 far exceeding the $21,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #246 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places George Washington University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $82,361 to $94,843 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About George Washington University

A 44% admission rate makes George Washington University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 10,848 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $149,816 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at George Washington 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

Other Majors at George Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at George Washington 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 George Washington 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 →