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Mechanical Engineering at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $68,919/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 22.0x earnings multiple (11.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #44 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	$875K	$834K	$713K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	23.1x	22.0x	18.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.6x	11.1x	9.4x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	74	71

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 (11.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,436

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,562

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$91,980

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Minnesota State University-Mankato's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $68,919/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 22.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,562 in median debt clears quickly against $68,919 in annual earnings.

Minnesota State University-Mankato ranks #44 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 33% earnings increase from $68,919 to $91,980 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Minnesota State University-Mankato

A 91% acceptance rate means Minnesota State University-Mankato is accessible to most applicants, 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

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 Minnesota State University-Mankato

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Minnesota State University-Mankato?

At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Minnesota State University-Mankato?

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.

Is Minnesota State University-Mankato one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?

Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Minnesota State University-Mankato's #44 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 →