Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $72,154/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 14 Manufacturing Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Manufacturing Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $838K $805K $703K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 14.9x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.6x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
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)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,653
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,078
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $72,154/yr, roughly in line with the $72,238 national median for Manufacturing Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Manufacturing Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Manufacturing Engineering's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $72,154 far exceeding the $20,653 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #3 of 14 nationally, this is a top-5% Manufacturing Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $72,154 to $92,078 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Oregon State University

Oregon State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 29,557 students enrolled in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Manufacturing Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oregon State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Manufacturing Engineering at Oregon State University?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Manufacturing Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Manufacturing Engineering careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $702,511 in decade earnings vs $837,877 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Oregon State University's Manufacturing Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 14 programs nationally, Oregon State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →