Mechanical Engineering at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
72
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,386/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (13.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #131 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 $816K $781K $675K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.7x 18.9x 16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.8x 13.2x 11.4x
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)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (13.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,012
-28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,199
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,402
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $69,386/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Memphis land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.9x 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.

The median debt load of $26,199 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #131 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Memphis scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $69,386 to $86,402 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Memphis

With 93% of applicants admitted, University of Memphis prioritizes broad access, serving 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis?
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 $674,814 in decade earnings vs $815,694 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →