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Mechanical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $70,474/yr (-0% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)

ROI 19.6x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #108 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	$819K	$784K	$677K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.4x	19.6x	16.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.3x	8.9x	7.7x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	71%	50%
DegreeOutlook Score	74	73	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,080

Out-of-state: $88,080 (8.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,708

-61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,609

4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$87,002

23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $70,474/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 19.6x 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 Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $24,609 in median debt clears quickly against $70,474 in annual earnings.

A #108 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 23% earnings increase from $70,474 to $87,002 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

A 88% acceptance rate means University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is accessible to most applicants, serving 16,762 students in Milwaukee, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee →

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 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?

At 73/100, 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 Wisconsin-Milwaukee?

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 →