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Engineering at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $75,058/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)

ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #7 of 47 Engineering, General programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$852K	$821K	$714K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.3x	12.8x	11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.7x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	69%	63%	47%
DegreeOutlook Score	69	68	65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$63,952

Out-of-state: $173,488 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,004

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,250

3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$96,847

29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $75,058/yr, edging above the $69,222 national average for Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,250 in median debt against $75,058 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Michigan State University ranks #7 among 47 Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 29% earnings increase from $75,058 to $96,847 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr

Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Michigan State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at Michigan State University?

At 68/100, Michigan State University's Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering at Michigan State University?

The 46% 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.

Is Michigan State University one of the best schools for Engineering?

Among 47 Engineering programs, Michigan State University's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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