Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University

Iowa State's mechanical engineering program delivers solid financial returns that place it squarely in the middle of both national and state rankings. Starting salaries of $72,900 match Iowa's state median exactly and sit at the 64th percentile nationally—respectable but not exceptional for a program at a school with an 89% acceptance rate. The $23,500 median debt load is actually slightly better than the national average of $24,755, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32.

What's particularly reassuring is the steady earnings progression, with graduates seeing 12% growth to $81,779 by year four. This suggests the program provides skills that translate into career advancement. Among Iowa's five mechanical engineering programs, Iowa State performs competitively, essentially tied with Saint Ambrose and ahead of the University of Iowa.

The combination of accessible admissions, reasonable debt levels, and reliable post-graduation outcomes makes this a sensible choice for students seeking a straightforward path into mechanical engineering. While it won't catapult graduates to the top tier of earners, it offers predictable returns with limited financial risk—exactly what many families should want from an engineering degree.