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Mechanical Engineering at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $70,726/yr (0% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 18.2x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #80 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	$894K	$850K	$724K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.1x	18.2x	15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.2x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	73	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,800

Out-of-state: $117,648 (7.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$94,190

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $70,726 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.2x 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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

At $20,500 in median debt against $70,726 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #80 of 320 nationally, this is a top-5% Mechanical Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $70,726 to $94,190 over five years — a 33% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Kansas

University of Kansas has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 19,857 in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at University of Kansas?

This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Mechanical Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Mechanical Engineering careers?

With 53% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $724,091 in decade earnings vs $893,538 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of Kansas's Mechanical Engineering program stand out?

Ranked #80 of 320 programs nationally, University of Kansas lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

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