Mechanical Engineering at Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,396/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #273 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 $832K $795K $685K
Earnings Multiple 4.9x 4.7x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$170,664
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,492
11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,890
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Roger Williams University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $65,396/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

At 4.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $65,396 in annual earnings.

A #273 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Roger Williams University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $65,396 to $86,890 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Roger Williams University

A 88% acceptance rate means Roger Williams University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 3,957 in Bristol, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Roger Williams 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

Other Majors at Roger Williams University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Roger Williams University?
At 59/100, 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 Roger Williams 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →