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Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,732/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #235 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 $862K $822K $704K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,696
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$162,660
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$93,120
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $78,732 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.6x 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.

The median debt load of $25,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #235 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $78,732 to $93,120 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

With 73% of applicants admitted, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,224 students in Terre Haute, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology →

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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Computer Science ($100,294) Computer Engineering ($92,123) Mathematics ($85,977) Chemical Engineering ($82,394) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,062) Civil Engineering ($73,821) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($71,714)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
At 61/100, 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
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 →