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Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $57,424/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 26.9x earnings multiple (9.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #125 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	$1,033K	$975K	$812K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	28.5x	26.9x	22.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.8x	9.3x	7.7x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	74	72	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,232

Out-of-state: $105,248 (9.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$33,060

9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$100,852

76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $57,424/yr fall 19% below the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 26.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 in median debt against $57,424 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #125 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $57,424-to-$100,852 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

With a 54% acceptance rate, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,122 in Socorro, NM.

See all programs and financial aid at New Mexico Institute of Mining 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

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology?

At 72/100, 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 New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology?

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 New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology a good choice for Mechanical Engineering despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →