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Mechanical Engineering at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Flushing, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
55
Optimistic
53
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,472/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 6.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #303 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 $780K $749K $652K
Earnings Multiple 6.8x 6.5x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 71% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 53 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$115,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$158,892
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $74,472 at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology come in 6% above the national median of $70,527 for Mechanical Engineering programs.

A 6.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mechanical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $74,472 far exceeding the $25,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #303 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

with a smaller student body of 1,104 in Flushing, NY. Pell Grant recipients make up 53% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology →

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

Compare this program → View all 320 schools offering Mechanical Engineering →

Mechanical Engineering at Other Schools

California State University Maritime Academy ($92,315) Duke University ($89,938) University of California-Berkeley ($88,497) Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($87,590) Cornell University ($85,440) Princeton University ($85,328) University of Notre Dame ($84,999) Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($83,957)

Other Majors at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($51,567) Air Transportation ($32,591)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?
At 53/100, the score looks reasonable — but Mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineering at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology?
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 →