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Materials Engineering at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,445/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 of 33 Materials Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Materials Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $850K $813K $709K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 12.3x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.6x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,952
Out-of-state: $145,608 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,556
-4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,018
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$89,696
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's Materials Engineering graduates start at $60,445/yr, trailing the $71,341 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Materials Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,018 in median debt clears quickly against $60,445 in annual earnings.

A #20 ranking among 33 Materials Engineering programs places University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $60,445 to $89,696 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

A 77% acceptance rate means University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 30,469 students in Minneapolis, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Materials engineers $108,310/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 33 schools offering Materials Engineering →

Materials Engineering at Other Schools

University of Florida ($79,200) Drexel University ($78,623) Michigan State University ($78,276) Purdue University-Main Campus ($78,265) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($77,646) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($76,662) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($76,488) University of Connecticut ($75,607)

Other Majors at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Computer Engineering ($85,672) Computer Science ($82,861) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,808) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($76,184) Construction Management ($75,705) Industrial Engineering ($73,777) Mechanical Engineering ($73,433) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($73,403)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Materials Engineering at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
At 64/100, the score looks reasonable — but Materials Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Materials Engineering at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
The 48% 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.
Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities a good choice for Materials Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →