Home › South Dakota State University › Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $67,791/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 20.9x earnings multiple (15.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #130 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	$812K	$778K	$673K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	21.8x	20.9x	18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	15.9x	15.2x	13.1x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	74	72	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)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (15.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$85,669

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

South Dakota State University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $67,791/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 20.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% 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 — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $67,791 in annual earnings.

A #130 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places South Dakota State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 26% earnings increase from $67,791 to $85,669 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About South Dakota State University

A 99% acceptance rate means South Dakota State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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

Other Majors at South Dakota State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University?

At 72/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State 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 →