Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
70
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,093/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $686K $675K $625K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 16.9x 15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 5.9x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 70 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)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,374
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $67,093 per year, Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies graduates from Purdue University-Main Campus earn slightly above the $62,227 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies's typical career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #10 of 59 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $67,093 to $81,374 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 39,637 students in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies at Purdue University-Main Campus?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
What makes Purdue University-Main Campus's Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies program stand out?
Ranked #10 of 59 programs nationally, Purdue University-Main Campus 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 →