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Mechanical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,855/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #121 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $853K $814K $698K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.2x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.4x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 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)
$57,112
Out-of-state: $126,712 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,092
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,412
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$91,528
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Missouri University of Science and Technology's Mechanical Engineering graduates start at $75,855/yr — above the $70,527 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering's typical career paths, with 53% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,412 in median debt clears quickly against $75,855 in annual earnings.

At #121 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Missouri University of Science and Technology scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $75,855 to $91,528 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

A 73% acceptance rate means Missouri University of Science and Technology is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,467 in Rolla, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri University of Science and Technology →

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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,204) Metallurgical Engineering ($80,627) Computer Engineering ($78,964) Chemical Engineering ($78,369) Nuclear Engineering ($77,947) Ceramic Sciences and Engineering ($77,305) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($76,869) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($76,183)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering careers?
With 53% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $698,198 in decade earnings vs $852,636 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →