Program Analysis
Seattle University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $67,851/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.
At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.
The 21% 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 — $22,072 in median debt clears quickly against $67,851 in annual earnings.
A #261 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Seattle University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 49% earnings increase from $67,851 to $101,374 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.