Mechanical Engineering at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
72
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,519/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 16.2x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #119 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 $882K $840K $717K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.2x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 6.9x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 72 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)
$51,808
Out-of-state: $121,232 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,312
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,563
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$93,344
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $71,519/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 16.2x 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.

With first-year pay of $71,519 far exceeding the $19,563 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #119 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Maryland-Baltimore County scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $71,519 to $93,344 over five years — a 31% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Maryland-Baltimore County

University of Maryland-Baltimore County accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 10,434 students in Baltimore, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-Baltimore County →

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

Other Majors at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
This program scores 72/100 — 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 $716,921 in decade earnings vs $882,212 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →