Engineering at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, General
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
68
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,044/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)
ROI 18.7x earnings multiple (9.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 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 $729K $709K $630K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.7x 16.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.7x 9.4x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 69% 63% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 68 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,960
Out-of-state: $75,440 (9.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,436
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,936
2.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,267
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $68,044 track close to the $69,222 national median for Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 18.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $13,936 in median debt against $68,044 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Minnesota State University-Mankato ranks #8 among 47 Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $68,044 to $81,267 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Minnesota State University-Mankato

Minnesota State University-Mankato has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 11,325 students in Mankato, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Minnesota State University-Mankato →

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 Minnesota State University-Mankato

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at Minnesota State University-Mankato?
At 68/100, Minnesota State University-Mankato'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 Minnesota State University-Mankato?
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 Minnesota State University-Mankato one of the best schools for Engineering?
Among 47 Engineering programs, Minnesota State University-Mankato's #8 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 →