Mechanical Engineering at University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,974/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 13.3x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #169 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs

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 $776K $745K $650K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.3x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.0x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,056
Out-of-state: $125,096 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,120
12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$83,494
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $74,974 per year, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Michigan-Flint earn slightly above the $70,527 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.3x 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 16% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $31,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #169 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Michigan-Flint falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $83,494 are relatively flat compared to the $74,974 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About University of Michigan-Flint

University of Michigan-Flint accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,157 in Flint, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Flint →

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 Michigan-Flint

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at University of Michigan-Flint?
This program scores 70/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mechanical Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $649,503 in decade earnings vs $775,708 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →