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Mechanical Engineering at Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
54
Optimistic
52
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,622/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 5.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #306 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 $772K $742K $647K
Earnings Multiple 5.4x 5.2x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 52 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$142,392
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,000
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,666
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Saint Ambrose University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $73,622/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

A 5.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 16% 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 — $26,666 in median debt clears quickly against $73,622 in annual earnings.

A #306 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Saint Ambrose University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Saint Ambrose University

A 73% acceptance rate means Saint Ambrose University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,101 students in Davenport, IA. The average net cost of $91,000 over four years represents a 36% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Ambrose 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 Saint Ambrose University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($66,151) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($60,163) Accounting and Related Services ($56,691) Finance and Financial Management Services ($56,275) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($49,039) Marketing ($46,480) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,178) Psychology, General ($32,627)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Saint Ambrose University?
At 52/100, 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 Saint Ambrose 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 →