Mechanical Engineering at Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,823/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #88 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $827K $790K $682K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.9x 16.1x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 6.9x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,960
Out-of-state: $115,008 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,328
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,679
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,093
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $76,823 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Saginaw Valley State University earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering's typical career paths, with 53% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $26,679 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #88 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, Saginaw Valley State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $89,093 are relatively flat compared to the $76,823 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Saginaw Valley State University

With 73% of applicants admitted, Saginaw Valley State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 6,004 students in University Center, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Saginaw Valley State 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at Saginaw Valley State University?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering careers?
With 53% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $681,679 in decade earnings vs $826,537 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →