Home › Western Illinois University › Engineering

Engineering at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, General
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,112/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #37 of 47 Engineering, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $675K $659K $593K
Earnings Multiple 11.3x 11.0x 9.9x
Probability of Field Employment 69% 63% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,808
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,368
22% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $66,112 track close to the $69,222 national median for Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #37 ranking among 47 Engineering programs places Western Illinois University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University has a 75% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 47 schools offering Engineering →

Engineering at Other Schools

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($109,455) Harvey Mudd College ($92,491) Brown University ($86,416) University of California-Davis ($82,956) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($78,211) Lafayette College ($76,507) McNeese State University ($75,566) Michigan State University ($75,058)

Other Majors at Western Illinois University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,490) Construction Management ($70,789) Engineering Technology, General ($64,762) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($62,578) Accounting and Related Services ($49,900) Agriculture, General ($48,509) Human Resources Management and Services ($47,467) Special Education and Teaching ($46,729)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at Western Illinois University?
At 51/100, the score looks reasonable — but 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 Engineering at Western Illinois University?
The 46% 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 →