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Mechanical Engineering at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $72,370/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 15.6x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #129 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	$827K	$791K	$682K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.3x	15.6x	13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	5.7x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	73	72	69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,752

Out-of-state: $139,736 (5.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,128

-93% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,750

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$88,180

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $72,370/yr, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of South Carolina-Columbia land near the $70,527 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 15.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $22,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #129 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of South Carolina-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 22% earnings increase from $72,370 to $88,180 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 28,113 students enrolled in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

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 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

At 72/100, 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 South Carolina-Columbia?

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.

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