Mechanical Engineering at Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,640/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #318 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 $699K $677K $601K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$212,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$156,828
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $65,640/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $65,640 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #318 out of 320 programs, Quinnipiac University's financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,208 students in Hamden, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Quinnipiac 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

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Quinnipiac University's Mechanical Engineering program score?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Mechanical Engineering. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →