Mechanical Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,414/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #147 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 $899K $855K $728K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 12.9x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.0x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$66,280
Out-of-state: $141,584 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,508
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,465
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Massachusetts-Lowell's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $73,414/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 12.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,000 in median debt clears quickly against $73,414 in annual earnings.

A #147 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Massachusetts-Lowell in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 30% earnings increase from $73,414 to $95,465 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Massachusetts-Lowell

A 85% acceptance rate means University of Massachusetts-Lowell is accessible to most applicants, serving 11,632 students in Lowell, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Lowell →

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 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
At 71/100, 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 Massachusetts-Lowell?
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 →