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Mechanical Engineering at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $61,611/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 29.9x earnings multiple (9.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #46 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs Top 25%

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	$1,027K	$969K	$809K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	31.6x	29.9x	24.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.7x	9.2x	7.6x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	74	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,460

Out-of-state: $105,800 (9.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,912

-115% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,764

3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$102,379

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $61,611 track close to the $70,527 national median for Mechanical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 29.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,764 in median debt against $61,611 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of New Mexico-Main Campus ranks #46 among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $61,611-to-$102,379 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of New Mexico-Main Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 16,686 students in Albuquerque, NM.

See all programs and financial aid at University of New Mexico-Main Campus →

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 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of New Mexico-Main Campus?

At 74/100, 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 New Mexico-Main Campus?

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.

Is University of New Mexico-Main Campus one of the best schools for Mechanical Engineering?

Among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of New Mexico-Main Campus's #46 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →