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Mechanical Engineering at University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $74,313/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #160 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	$857K	$817K	$701K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.3x	12.7x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.1x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	72	70	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$64,320

Out-of-state: $158,880 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,724

-5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$91,595

23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,313 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Delaware earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 12.7x 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.

The median debt load of $26,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #160 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Delaware in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 23% earnings increase from $74,313 to $91,595 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Delaware

University of Delaware accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 18,812 in Newark, DE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Delaware →

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 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Delaware?

At 70/100, 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 Delaware?

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 →