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Mechanical Engineering at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $58,191/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 23.5x earnings multiple (9.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #142 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	$869K	$829K	$709K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	24.6x	23.5x	20.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.9x	9.5x	8.1x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	72	71	69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,328

Out-of-state: $87,456 (9.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$70,908

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,250

4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$87,901

51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $58,191/yr fall 17% below the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 23.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

At $20,250 in median debt against $58,191 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #142 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Alabama at Birmingham in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $58,191-to-$87,901 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 12,118 in Birmingham, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Alabama at Birmingham →

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 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Alabama at Birmingham?

At 71/100, 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham?

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.

Is University of Alabama at Birmingham a good choice for Mechanical Engineering despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Alabama at Birmingham's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →