Mechanical Engineering at Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,938/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #294 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 $750K $723K $634K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.1x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$176,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$90,472
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,969
14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $69,938/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Saint Martin's University land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 4.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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.

The median debt load of $27,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #294 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Saint Martin's University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $69,938 to $79,969 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Saint Martin's University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Saint Martin's University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,254 students in Lacey, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $90,472 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Martin's 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 Saint Martin's University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Saint Martin's University?
At 58/100, 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 Martin's 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 →