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Mechanical Engineering at Montana Technological University

Butte, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
63
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,901/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 23.1x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #216 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs

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 $774K $744K $649K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.1x 23.1x 20.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.5x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 63 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,200
Out-of-state: $98,920 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,960
-102% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,750
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $73,901/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 23.1x 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 Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $73,901 far exceeding the $25,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #216 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Montana Technological University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Montana Technological University

Montana Technological University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,428 students in Butte, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana Technological University →

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 Montana Technological University

Civil Engineering ($80,327) Public Health ($74,771) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,338) Petroleum Engineering ($69,212) Business/Commerce, General ($46,181) Management Information Systems and Services ($42,543)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Montana Technological University?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at Montana Technological University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →