Engineering-Related Fields at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
71
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,563/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 31 Engineering-Related Fields programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Michigan State's engineering programs consistently stand out due to deep-seated connections with Michigan's robust manufacturing and automotive industries. You'll find strong recruiting pipelines directly into companies like Ford, GM, Stellantis, and numerous tier-one suppliers, as well as opportunities in defense, energy, and general industrial sectors across the Midwest. The curriculum typically emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and a broad engineering foundation, preparing you not just for specialized technical roles but also for leadership positions in areas like project management or industrial production, which the career data reflects. While AI is transforming many engineering tasks, MSU's program likely equips you with the problem-solving and management skills crucial for overseeing these evolving technologies. To maximize your strong potential, actively pursue co-ops and internships early; these experiences are critical for securing top post-graduation roles.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $774K $754K $674K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 11.8x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 71 69

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 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,375
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$96,014
25% growth from Year 1

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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
Industrial production managers $121,440/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering-Related Fields at Other Schools

Other Majors at Michigan State 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Engineering-Related Fields at Michigan State University?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Engineering-Related Fields nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Engineering-Related Fields careers?
With 38% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $673,850 in decade earnings vs $774,152 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Michigan State University's Engineering-Related Fields program stand out?
Ranked #4 of 31 programs nationally, Michigan State 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 →