Mechanical Engineering at University of Idaho

Graduates earn $65,409/yr, roughly in line with the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mechanical Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mechanical Engineering's typical career paths, with 53% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $65,409 far exceeding the $21,125 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #113 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Idaho scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $65,409 to $86,119 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.