Mechanical Engineering at Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,161/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #211 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 $838K $801K $689K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.1x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.3x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$88,328
Out-of-state: $149,848 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,876
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,733
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $66,161/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Temple University land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 18% 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 $25,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #211 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Temple University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $66,161 to $87,733 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Temple University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Temple University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,249 in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Temple 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 does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Temple University?
At 64/100, 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 Temple 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 →