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Mechanical Engineering at University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $66,298/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 33.2x earnings multiple (9.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #37 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 25%

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	$889K	$847K	$722K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	34.9x	33.2x	28.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.9x	9.4x	8.0x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	74	72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$25,472

Out-of-state: $89,868 (9.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$42,600

-67% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,250

3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$92,483

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $66,298 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 33.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 19% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $20,250 in median debt against $66,298 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #37 out of 320 programs, University of Central Florida's Mechanical Engineering program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $66,298 to $92,483 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida admits 40% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 59,095 in Orlando, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Florida →

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

How does University of Central Florida's Mechanical Engineering program score?

A score of 74/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Central Florida's Mechanical Engineering graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Mechanical Engineering to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Mechanical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does University of Central Florida rank so high for Mechanical Engineering?

The #37 ranking out of 320 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

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