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Mechanical Engineering at Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
65
Optimistic
63
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $82,899/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #218 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 $981K $928K $779K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.0x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 63 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,560
78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,375
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$105,734
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $82,899/yr, edging above the $70,527 national average for Mechanical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 4.0x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $15,375 in median debt against $82,899 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #218 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Rice University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 28% earnings increase from $82,899 to $105,734 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Rice University

Rice University admits 8% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, a compact campus enrolling 4,562 students in Houston, TX. The average net cost of $50,560 over four years represents a 78% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rice 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 Rice University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($131,154) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($96,751) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($88,307) Chemical Engineering ($87,830) Economics ($78,814) Political Science and Government ($54,728) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($51,110) Mathematics ($50,286)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Rice 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 Rice 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.
What do students actually pay for Mechanical Engineering at Rice University?
The 78% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $232,512. At a net cost of $50,560, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →