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Mechanical Engineering at Wichita State University

Wichita, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,018/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,100 openings/yr)
ROI 21.5x earnings multiple (10.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #82 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 $838K $801K $689K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.5x 21.5x 18.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.9x 10.4x 9.0x
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)
$37,288
Out-of-state: $76,960 (10.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,104
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,710
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,218
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Wichita State University's Mechanical Engineering program produces graduates earning $68,018/yr — within striking distance of the $70,527 national average for this field.

With a 21.5x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,710 in median debt clears quickly against $68,018 in annual earnings.

A #82 ranking among 320 Mechanical Engineering programs places Wichita State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 30% earnings increase from $68,018 to $88,218 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Wichita State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Wichita State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 10,493 students in Wichita, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Wichita State University →

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 Wichita State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,435) Computer Engineering ($66,207) Computer Science ($64,699) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($64,287) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($63,301) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($61,526) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($60,287) Accounting and Related Services ($59,448)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Mechanical Engineering at Wichita State University?
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 Wichita State University?
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 →