Mechanical Engineering at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,406/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #199 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 $889K $847K $722K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 9.8x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.3x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$86,096
Out-of-state: $159,560 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,296
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,190
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$93,999
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $71,406/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $25,190 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #199 of 320 Mechanical Engineering programs, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $71,406 to $93,999 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 20,189 students in Pittsburgh, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh 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

Other Majors at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mechanical Engineering at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
This program scores 67/100 — 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 $721,517 in decade earnings vs $889,470 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →